Natchez Trace Named Top Must-See Destination in Mississippi

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Only In Mississippi’s “Top 17 Places in Mississippi to See Before You Die” list puts The Natchez Trace as the #1 destination, along with multiple other spots dotted along this scenic byway.

Natchez Trace Named Top Must-See Destination in Mississippi

The folks at Only In Mississippi recently published an article that many avid Trace travelers or Mississippi-lovers surely won’t find surprising. The site listed the “Top 17 Places in Mississippi to See Before You Die“ and guess what spot was listed as the #1 destination? The Natchez Trace Parkway, of course!

Even more, several of the fascinating sights they chose also lie upon this 444-mile scenic byway. For your next jaunt through the Magnolia State, hit the trace to take a look at these must-see spots.

SEE ALSO: Natchez Trace Named 2015 Best Hiking Destination

Beginning on the southern end in Natchez, you’ll find the beautiful Longwood Plantation House. With its octagonal design and unfinished interiors, the towering Longwood seems like something from a strange dream, as indeed it was—the doomed dream of Haller Nutt, who signed a treaty with the Union Army so that his own army of European and Northern artisans could work without the inconvenience of war. Historic and gorgeous!

Just north of Natchez, take a short detour near Port Gibson to marvel at the ruins of Windsor Plantation. Built in 1860, the mansion sat over 2,600 acres and cost about $4.5 million to build in today’s dollars.

During the Civil War, the plantation became both a hospital and an observation post for troops. The great home survived the war and housed notable guests such as Mark Twain, only to be burned to the ground by a careless guest’s cigar in 1890. Today, you can visit the stately columns at Windsor Ruins and envision its historic past.

After checking out the lower part of the state, put on your blue suede shoes and head further up the Trace to Tupelo, the birthplace of the King of Rock n’ Roll himself. That’s right, here you’ll see the home where Elvis Presley began his journey to becoming the world’s most popular entertainer.

Only about an hour drive from Tupelo on the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find Tishomingo State Park. The park boasts beautiful rocky canyons, hardwood forests, flowering shrubs, and shady trees. It offers six fully-furnished cabins, 62 RV pads, tent camping, canoe rentals, picnic areas, meeting facilities, a dining hall, lake, swimming pool, and 13 miles of nature trails. If you’re an outdoor-lover, you are sure to enjoy this rugged and picturesque terrain in Mississippi.

Another nearby spot named on the list is Cooper Falls just north of J.P. Coleman State Park. This 50 foot waterfall shows off its scenic beauty on the shores of Pickwick Lake (only accessible by boat). Enjoy the gorgeous views and hop in the water to cool down on a hot summer day.

Of course, this historic 444-mile scenic byway also winds through Alabama and Tennessee offering many other must-see sights.

We enjoy telling you how much fun and history is awaiting you on the Natchez Trace Parkway, as you can see other visitors are putting it on their bucket list, too! What are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your trip to the Trace. Contact us here and be sure to download your Visitors Guide below.

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