The state of Mississippi is located in the south of the United States of America (USA). It got its name from the Mississippi River, which forms its west boundary. The name “Mississippi” is of Native American in origin, which means “Father of the Waters.”
It was in 1798 when Mississippi was recognized as a territory. On December 10, 1817, it officially joined the Union to become the 20th state. Mississippi has Jackson as its capital city, as well as its largest in terms of area.
For the traveler in you who wants to get a kick out of Mississippi, there are plenty of places to visit and things you can do in this delightful state. Take a pick from these famous sights, and you’ll never have a dull moment in the Magnolia state.
In every city you visit, it is almost an afterthought to know more about the history of the place. Museums are the perfect venue for knowledge-hunting and entertainment combined. In Mississippi, take that educational trip down the Mill City Museum, where flour was the king of the crop. There is also the Sibley House Historic Site, where you can find old limestone buildings. This is where you can find the oldest white settlement in Minnesota. Then there is the Historic Fort Snelling, a place where the Dakota and other nationalities dealt with trade, land claims, and justice systems.
After immersing yourself in the rich history of Mississippi, you might want to take in some natural history of the place itself. Most travel experts agree that the best way to do this is by taking a relaxing boat or canoe ride down the famous Mississippi River. You can also cruise down the Great River Road, which stretches from the source of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Magnolia state has its own beautiful natural resources. Among these are the Hidden Falls and St. Anthony Falls. You can also check out the natural ecosystems found in Pine Blend Bluff, one of the largest undisturbed areas in the state. The Grey Cloud Dunes make a beautiful scenic spot as well.
If you are traveling with your family and need somewhere a little more family-friendly, look no further for the Mississippi has these specific sites for you. An example is the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, which provides many leisure-oriented activities for you and your family. You can find many trails for hiking and biking. There are also picnic shelters offered along the Mississippi River and all around the park.
For the outdoors nature enthusiast, the Mississippi presents a wide diversity of birds and wildlife. Come around the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary where you can see all kinds of birds, such as bald eagles and turkey vultures. If you want to get a glimpse of river mammals, the Coon Rapids Dam is the place to go. Beaver, otter, mink, and muskrat commonly frequent this site.
What would a trip to the Mississippi be without the Mississippi River? The Mississippi River Visitor Center can help you travel around the entire river and more. The North Mississippi Regional Park is also a great place to go if you want to learn more about the Mississippi River and the various roles it plays around the state.
Mississippi, USA is all these and more. The fun doesn’t and never has to stop when touring the Magnolia state, what with the many beautiful locations, tourist places, and scenic spots scattered all around. Throw in an adventurous spirit and an open mind to you trip, and you got yourself one fun, fabulous journey, plus fond memories that will last for a lifetime.
