Jackson Welcomes Student Tour Groups
Looking for student-friendly destinations and activities in Jackson, Mississippi?
Here are places for dining, recreation, exploration and learning in the City With Soul!
Take a Virtual Walking Tour
First things first: if you want the lay out the downtown land before you ever set foot on the ground, a virtual walking tour is a great place to start. This tour covers public art, city hall, the Freedom Trail, Mississippi Governor's Mansion and more.
Snap a pic or two at Instagrammable spots
"Jackson is an incredibly beautiful and charming city, and you can’t come to town without snapping a pic or two," says culture and travel enthusiast Stephanie Craig. There’s so much to see here, which means there are tons of great Jackson photo spots to choose from. Check them out here.
ART APPRECIATION
Mississippi’s largest art museum, The Mississippi Museum of Art, has over 4,000 works, including the world’s largest collection by and relating to Mississippians and their diverse heritage. Currently on view is A Movement in Every Direction: Stories of the Great Migration," featuring original works by 12 artists examining the profound impact of the Great Migration on the social and cultural life of the United States.
Take a Deep Dive Into History
The Museum of Mississippi History encourages people to explore more than 15,000 years of state history. Throughout the galleries, visitors will explore interactive exhibits, see engaging artifacts and hear stories from people who shaped the state. In the shared building, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the stories of a Mississippi movement that changed the nation. Through eight interactive exhibits the museum promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and its impact by highlighting the strength and sacrifices of its peoples.
At the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, art, artifacts, and photography, the work, lifestyle, and artistic contributions of African Americans are celebrated - especially those of the Jackson, Mississippi Civil Rights story.
Enjoy some fresh air
Need a spot to let off some steam or pack in a picnic lunch? Located in the heart of Downtown Jackson, Smith Park offers a breath of fresh air in the middle of an urban environment, allowing residents and visitors alike to withdraw from the city around them. With wide open green space and gently rolling hills, as well as beautiful, massive shade trees, the park also offers an amphitheater for various shows/musical acts, arts and crafts, and cultural activities near the newly constructed Fertile Ground Project installation.
At the Mississippi Museum of Art, a 1.2 acre park located in the heart of Downtown Jackson awaits. Featuring a welcoming lawn, seasonal foliage, native garden beds, permanent art installations, soothing fountains, and outdoor terrace dining, the Art Garden is a versatile, open, outdoor space is open to the public from daily during daylight hours.
Take a bite out of the Downtown
Picnic lunches are easily found at Keifer's Downtown. Grab a sack and take it to Smith Park - in the next block. Keifer's - known for their Greek fare - can also please picky palates - because what young person doesn't love a burger (they have those, too, with amazing curly fries).
For a sit-down experience, check out The Iron Horse Grill, offering hickory charcoal smoked burgers, fajitas and, at lunch, southern blue plate specials.
Looking for performance space?
DOWNTOWN
- Two MS Museums (MS Civil Rights Museum and Museum of MS History) (use of patio area)
- MS Museum of Art (use of covered entryway)
- The Iron Horse Grill (utilizing stage)
- Smith Park (use of semi-covered pavilion)
BEYOND DOWNTOWN
- The District at Eastover (green space)
- Highland Village (use of courtyard areas)
- Fondren Yard (stage with sound system)
- New Stage Theatre (use of stage per availability)
