Natchez is a vibrant city in Mississippi and it is located alongside the Mississippi River. It is also referred to as 'The Little Easy,' with lively music, friendly people, and great food inspired by local recipes.
There are more than a thousand historical structures and one can see many fabulous mansions of the 19th century. So, in this article, we have listed 20 fascinating things to do in Natchez, Mississippi for your next visit:
1. Tour The Longwood
Longwood is one of the top Natchez Mississippi attractions that any traveler can never afford to miss. It has somehow a sleek look, well adorned and very clean and well taken care of building.
The history of the house as well as the preservation is worth hearing. A guide will assist you throughout the journey making this a very exciting and engaging experience.
It is a fine example of inequality and injustice and you have to see to believe the stories. Tickets are purchased at the back of the house. Tours are every hour but end early. Check to see what time they close and plan accordingly.
Address: 140 Lower Woodville Rd
2. Stop By Natchez National Historical Park - Visitor Center
This is a great modern visitor center with fantastic exhibits and a great view of the Mississippi River with free parking. As soon as you walk in, there's a large, glassed enclosed tiny 3D model of the city.
There are buttons you can press to light different locations of the city. You get to learn a lot about Mississippi and about the Natchez Mississippi Heritage and the things that happened within Natchez.
This should be one of the first things to do Natchez MS. It will provide insights into the places and activities you can do in the city. Here is a list of things to do in Mississippi, if you can a visit soon.
Address: 640 S Canal St
3. Try Some Mexican Food At Fat Mama's Tamales
Fat Mama's Tamales is a fun place for lunch and dinner. They specialize in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines and features takeout, and many other facilities.
The menu is huge, so no matter what sort of food you prefer, you will find something to eat. The restaurant has a ton of atmosphere with inside or outside dining. It has fast service, friendly staff, and yummy chicken nachos.
Some other recommended dishes are boudin, piece Mexican cornbread, chili, mama tamales, grilled cheese and homemade chips, and tamales with chili con carne. Make sure it's on your list of things to do in Natchez Mississippi.
Address: 303 S Canal St
4. Admire The Architecture of Stanton Hall
The hall boasts impressive architecture and is a gem of historical preservation. It was originally built for a cotton broker to replicate his ancestral home in Ireland.
Later it was transformed into Stanton College for young ladies. The magnificent antebellum house with a spacious veranda and stunning interior is an excellent example of how the elites of that period lived around the mid-19th century.
You can observe the period furniture and every aspect of the house designed to extreme detail. The surrounding gardens are equally beautiful and provide a peaceful and picturesque setting. Taking a tour here is another best things to do in Natchez.
Address: 401 High St
5. Stroll Along The Mississippi River At Bluff Park
This park is mostly visited to take in the peace and quietness. There is the bridge of Sighs and a Gazebo which offers a great view of the Mississippi River.
One can enjoy a nice walk even on a bright sunny day. There are many shady spots with large trees and benches to sit and relax. Watching the traffic on the river and walking the length of the park is a highlight of this place.
Two stationary binoculars are available on the edge of the bluff. One is tall and the other is short. Use it and view the up and down of the river and across the river.
Address: 101 S Broadway St
6. Order Straight From The Table At Natchez Brewing Company
A great brewery serving great local beer with ample variety. Seat anywhere between indoor and outdoor spaces and enjoy brews with delicious Detroit-style pizza.
Besides pizza, the Greek salad with chicken, and the Pretzel are frequently in demand. It is as simple as ordering through the app or accessing the Natchez Brewing website and the food comes directly to the table.
If you are a guest in downtown Natchez MS, this place is close by for dinner. You can order either on the phone or at the front counter and they deliver everything when ready.
Address: 207 High St
7. Spend Lovely Time At Rosalie Mansion and Gardens
The house and grounds are beyond beautiful and very well kept up. The tours are on the hour and tickets are purchased in the gift shop.
You then go to the front door of the mansion for the tour by a knowledgeable docent. The property is unique because it sits directly on the Mississippi River while many other historic buildings are a little farther inward.
This is one of the only Natchez MS attractions that has preserved all its original furnishings. You are not allowed to take pictures inside the mansion but can take them outside. Weekends attract many visitors so try to visit during weekdays.
Address: 100 Orleans St
8. See Old Photographs At First Presbyterian Church
The church is nice, but the upstairs photo gallery is outstanding. More than a gallery, it is a museum of pictures of Natchez and its people. It is room after room after room of pictures.
One of the best things to see is Natchez in Historical Photographs. They have put on the description very well with names, dates, and events of the time.
You could spend hours looking at each of them and never see all. There is no cost to see the exhibits and parking is free on the street. Thus, visiting here is among the peaceful things to do in Natchez MS.
Address: 117 S Pearl St
9. Have A Drink or Two At Under-the-Hill Saloon
The atmosphere at this bar is well, divine and just plain comfortable/casual. Looking at the setting sun over the Mississippi River while sipping on cocktails is dreamy.
Beer prices are cheaper than expected. But do not expect beers on tap; it is a quaint little historic building with good bartenders. Learn about the history of this building and city from bartenders.
It is a great pleasure to go and be in the same place that Mark Twain was at one time. The tables here are from Liberty's wooden ship. Upstairs has rooms for rent; you can rent the whole floor for $200 a night.
Address: 25 Silver St
10. Explore The Natchez Museum-African American Culture
This small museum is packed with loads of information. It was founded by a group of women to share information with the masses who will listen.
It is free, but they do accept donations. You could spend hours here reading everything as they have a wonderful book collection. The guide is what made this place memorable. They share valuable history including the Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to Natchez Mississippi.
There was so much to look at and features a variety of historical items and artifacts. From the Middle Passage to the Civil Rights Era and beyond, you will come out with a lot of historical gains.
Address: 301 Main St
11. Dine In At Magnolia Grill
This place sits at the bottom of the hill on Silver Street facing the Mississippi River. The upper portion of the restaurant has lots of windows overlooking the ole Miss.
This one of the Natchez Mississippi things to do is great for date night, business events, or me time. They do not take reservations but do a nice takeaway business. The atmosphere is fun and the staff is always ready to provide recommendations.
Try some of these dishes: Blackened Redfish, Grilled Catfish, Shrimp and Crab Bisque, Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood, Pan Fried Redfish, Bayou Egg Rolls, and Catfish.
Address: Magnolia Grill
12. Spend Meaningful Time At St Mary's Basilica
The Saint Mary's Basilica is a beautiful church in a lovely setting. It was originally dedicated in 1843 as Our Lady of Sorrows and is outstanding both inside and outside.
It is in a wonderful state of preservation with largely original decor and structure. There are Twelve stained glass windows and it is an active Parish Church.
You don't need to light 33 candles or incense several times to have a meaningful experience. If you decide to visit this classic and beautiful church, do so during the week, in bright sunshine. Then you'll get to see the effects of the stained glass.
Address: 105 S Union St
13. Gain Knowledge From Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
Very informative and interesting place to learn about Indian mounds in Mississippi and to see the mounds themselves. The tour starts with a well-done film that explains the area and history of the indigenous people of Natchez.
The grounds are well kept and signs explain the various mounds. Your kids might even get a chance to grind corn and play with corncob lawn darts.
Though there are no homes or a temple on the mounds, you get a feel for how the Natchez Indians relied on the land. There is a food dessert demonstration where you can watch and learn how to make Grape dumplings from women descendants of Natchez Indians.
Address: 400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard
14. Go To Magnolia Bluffs Casino
This is a cool little casino but not so small as to feel overcrowded. There are some really good restaurants and live entertainment on Saturday nights.
They charge fairly loose penny slots that let you play 1 credit per 1 penny. Bonus spins give a lot of bang for the buck if you're a conservative bettor and just like to watch the wheels go round and round.
The location is always a treat in itself. The driveway leading to the building is a downward slope in which you go under a small bridge and emerge to a view of the Mississippi River. You can spend an enjoyable evening out in the historic downtown district.
Address: 7 Roth Hill Rd
15. Take Flavorful Bites At The Pig Out Inn BBQ
This restaurant is found on Canal Street, one block away from the Mississippi River. It is famous for slow-roasted fresh meats daily.
To bring home the taste, they don't even bother with grilling; merely smoke their meats with specially designed smokers. You can get into the basics such as pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and hot sausage.
It is served with superb side dishes including beans and coleslaw. They also cook some very delicious desserts, such as mini pecan and buttermilk pies.
Address: 116 S Canal St
16. Look For Amazing Collections At Choctaw Hall
Entering this magnificent building will forever leave a very memorable imprint in your memories. There are amazing porcelain collections and the house is pristine.
Among its outstanding features is a spiral staircase leading to a third floor. The railing is memorizing as it invites a climb on its narrow and polished steps. Look for family portraits displayed throughout which are evidence of the progenitors of the home's contents.
The details in everything they put into their hosting are amazing. The grounds are meticulous with beautiful statuary. Downtown Natchez is walkable from the location.
Address: 310 N Wall St
17. Pay Respects At Natchez City Cemetery
Not very far from the Natchez City Cemetery, there is the Natchez National Cemetery. This huge cemetery is filled with interesting stories, especially in the early evening.
You might even see the spirit of a Civil War soldier around a huge oak tree. For the best experience, go with a guide. The headstones are clean, the roadways clear, and many decorated service people.
It is a labyrinth of black-topped driving paths and closes at dusk so you don't want to go too late and risk getting locked in. The cemetery has been mentioned in numerous novels set in Natchez.
Address: 2 Cemetery Rd
18. Stay At Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens
This property now operates as a restaurant and B and B. The house is on one of the larger properties with gardens and ponds.
When you visit, you will find a combination of historical grandeur and contemporary amenities. The inn itself has 30 sleeping units, all of which have antiques, private baths, and beautifully done-up decorations.
Book the place for several occasions at the Monmouth Historic Inn website. The gardens are well maintained and contain beautiful magnolia, rose, and azalea gardens, with several angels placed around the facility.
Address: 1358 John A Quitman Blvd
19. Book A Tour With Downtown Karla Brown
Should you want to go out and about or plan for a tour, Karla features several itineraries for your choosing. Apart from the tours, they also offer airport transfers from nearby airports including the Jackson and Baton Rouge.
These tours include antebellum homes and gardens, restaurants, ghost tours that tell more about the haunted side of Natchez, and book tours focusing on the locations from the works of Greg Iles.
There is also a special food tour through which you can try some local Thunderbird dishes. See things to do in Jacksonville as well.
Address: 512 Franklin St
20. Taste Some Fine Wine At Old South Winery
The winery has some good wines to choose from. They have dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines from white, red, and rose. They offer tastings, and you keep the glass.
They also have some special items that you will fall in love with! Blue Bayou, Miss Scarlett, and many others are created by blending muscadine grape wines. This place is relatively less congested compared to other tourist destinations but those who are planning a trip in this area should not miss visiting this place.
Maybe you will be confused about choosing the flavor to go with and by the end, buy many of them.
Address: 65 S Concord Ave
