If you care about American Music culture this place is a must visit. Small but very informative…read morespace on pioneers like Robert John Johnson and the birth of the blues to Country's Jimmy Rogers, as well as rock n roll icon Elvis Presley. A gem in a mostly rundown downtown, of Johnson's hometown, Hazlehurst Mississippi.

I got to the pertrified forest a little after opening. When I got there the shop to purchase…read moretickets was closed. I called and they opened up right away. The guy was very sweet and said he forgot to flip the "Closed" sign. Ticket prices are reasonable. The forest isn't huge but it is nice and peaceful to walk through. When you purchase a ticket you get a walking guide. There are numbers through the forest that you can stop and read the guide. There is a small gift shop and a fun museum to walk through as you come back in from the forest. I also love that they are pet friendly.

What a wonderful place. Quiet, serene, nature all around. Picnic areas. Pet frien…read moreThe price is perfect at $7pp. A walk through a beautiful area with information kiosks about the Badlands, petrified forest how it came to be. A museum and many items for purchase. Items from $ to $$$$$. There is something for everyone. We stayed at the adjoining campground. Can't go wrong with full hookups.

Cool place. But not worth the drive as it is in the middle of nowhere. We were there long enough…read moreto take a couple pictures. Ruins were gated off when we visited.

This man owned 21,000 acres before the Civil War kicked off. Let that soak in. 21,000 acres. As I…read morestood there looking at the remnants of this short-lived plantation home, all I could think of was all the people (specifically slaves) that went into making this mansion and expansive plantation possible during a time in which combines, tractors, and modern day resources were years down the pipeline. I really wish the site offered more insight on the human side of the Windsor Ruins story. You'll find yourself winding down the Natchez Parkway and off the beaten trail to find the columns and crumbling framework of Windsor Ruins. Note that there is now a large fence surrounding the entire home for safety and preservation purposes. Unfortunately, each year the columns are crumbling at an astounding rate and with this site being out in the middle of nowhere, it seems that it could be easily forgotten if not preserved soon. Fun perspective: from the top pergola of the home they were able to see the Mississippi River. The railing you see hanging at the top is from the second story balconies. I can only imagine how tall the ceilings were in this home based on the height and grandiose vibes of the remaining columns. Upon arriving, you'll see a small sign and a few spots to park. If you choose to walk around in the brush- be warned of ticks. (Speaking from firsthand experience here)

It's a great place if you take your time. Lots to look at and see. Read about interesting stuff…read moreabout science and mississippi.

Wanna c some double-headed snakes & prehistoric creatures?? U came to the right place in…read moreJackson, MS. A spacious, easily navigated walking tour w both indoor and outdoor attractions; that includes many turtles & frogs. Additionally with all the esoteric monster fish u can think of, in all shapes and sizes :) Noticed a couple bird-watching enthusiasts as well. And, the numerous dinosaurs are spectacular. (Reconstructed dinosaur skeletons quite impressive.) Entry fee negligible; Certainly worth multiple return trips to really take in the outdoor trails, scenery, creatures. Everyone could be awed back to their childhood every once in a while.

I am the mother of William, the kid who was expelled on the first day of the Winter Camp just past…read more My son is 4.5 years old. For his first time, he attended winter camp last December. At 1pm on the first day, without talking to us, Patti refunded and canceled William's seat. Although she emailed me at 10am, she couldn't bear to wait for my reply, neither did I or my husband received a call from MCM, and our phones were both active as ATT can tell. No way both of us were unreachable, she just didn't try. Maybe they hurried to check the waitlist but I just guess. At least, she could have talked to us at pickup. The reason she gave AFTER she's done with removing him, was as below: "when one child is stomping their feet, grunting, eye rolling and actively defying requests to do things in name of safety. With explanations - William we can' t stay in ______ because we must be with the group. William we can't use the balloons right now those are for another activity. I must make sure all the children are cared for. When William threw a tantrum in the atrium and gripped on to the leg of the chalkboard - it causes him and the other children to miss out on planned activities and enrichment." Honestly I don't think stomping feet, grunting and even eye rolling is unusual with any little kid not only mine, but I agreed other behaviors must have been troubles, if it was so. I supposed she got impulsive, as I may do sometimes. So I apologized to Patti by email in the evening, after I heard about this from dad who picked William up. I explained to Patti that it was due to my lack of communication to William, to make him clear that the winter camp was an organized program like school class, not like the usual free play in MCM, further, I told Patti William could get very nervous per the first time he participates such a program with absence of parents but he would be better after a bit of time. I also let her know that we have had long talks with William and his Christmas gift had been cancelled in order to get him impressed of this lesson, and William had catched up with the awareness of following directions. On the next available day, I also took William to see Patti. We, my son and myself, both apologizd to her in person, with little gift for the museum team just to show our understanding to them, and a drawing William just did for them. I even proved to her how William could listen to directions on our visit. I begged Patti to give my boy just a chance, even one more day or half day, just to let him feel the world still is kind to him and not sick of him - I was mostly concerned about the psychological impact on William. And I also offered to be volunteer or donate more to make up my son's mistakes that had given her or the teachers a hard time. What else can I do? But she never considered our request from the beginning, stating that she's got a boss and she has reported the removal to the boss and no change can be made. But why she was just able to remove us? Another inconsistency of the program was, it let William participate in the program at 4.5 yo, but after she expelled him, she used age as an excuse saying he had to be 5. I'd prefer he never joined because the feelings of hurt and frustration can last ever. Kids are sensitive and indeed William never initiated to go there ever again. Of course as the only MCM on Jackson metro they don't really mind us not going again. William goes to daycare followed by school at 2yo, and is never considered abnormal or dangerous, his semester behavior at school is attached. Although he gets fuzzy, nervous, restless, not listening or over active by times. It was on 12/23 when Patti canceled his seat , without talking to us before she did. She never thought about our Christmas of course. I have talked about this with Emily, Patti's boss, she only defends her and try to prove they were never wrong, not showing any understanding to us. Cold, rude, inconsistent.

Fun, engaging museum to get the kid's creative juices flowing and keep them active. Everything was…read moreintact and in good condition when we visited in April. This was the first stop for my niece birthday celebration. She was able to learn about trees, cars, build a house, dress up & act, do some exercises, smell the different plants with spices & more. I really enjoyed exploring & learning with her. Wish there were more opportunities like this in the city for kids.

The USS Cairo Gunboat & Museum in Vicksburg National Military Park presents a rare glimpse into…read moreCivil War naval history through its preservation of one of the first ironclad warships in U.S. naval history. The Cairo was sunk in 1862 in the Yazoo River and lay forgotten until it was raised in 1964, revealing a time capsule of life aboard a Union gunboat. The restored vessel is a formidable testament to 19th-century engineering & military strategy. Inside the museum we saw an array of artifacts recovered from the Cairo displayed, including personal items of the crew, naval armaments & the ship's massive steam engines. Exhibits detail the Cairo's role in the river campaigns of the Civil War, its sinking by an electrically detonated mine, and the incredible salvage operation. This museum educates about the technical and military aspects of the era and tells a compelling story of innovation, warfare, and preservation.

I can't help to be amazed when I come across exhibits like this. It's not necessarily the exhibit…read moreitself, but as I stand and contemplate what type of technology was available, and then try to understand how they put things like this together, it just amazes me. American history can sometimes be thought of as dull, but I think the people who believe that lack the ability to imagine a time different than they live in. What the shipwrights had to do to create this vessel, and then consider the soldiers that served on it and the accommodations they put up with to defend our country this is just incredible. Very few today could've dealt with this type of environment. Take a few moments and close your eyes and imagine the life of a soldier on an iron side boat. This exhibit is well laid out, but it is what you make of it. Well worth the experience.

Great museum hosted by the creator/owner Charlie, a Black lifelong entrepreneur. Sad to say, it…read moreis about the ONLY decent thing in all of downtown. The museum is NOT devoted to the Battle of Vicksburg, but is focused more on the entire Civil War, and how the war was clearly fought by the South to preserve slavery. This can be seen in the statements of succession by ALL of the southern states on the wall there. I'm from the South, and heard all my life about "states' rights", which I half-believed, so this was interesting. It features a section on the life of slaves, and has the largest collection of mid-1800s guns I've ever seen, all carefully labeled. Any antique gun nut should see it! https://www.vicksburgcivilwarmuseum.org/index.php/15c42-web-agency-gb-about-us/

I had my doubts about a Civil War Museum given the literal white washing that happens and "states…read morerights", but this is not that. This is an honest look at the history. There are videos on loop that discuss what actually happened to cause the war and how things were handled (or not handled) afterwards. Huge collection. Impressive. I would recommend for anyone in the area.

Wow, what an incredibly well thought out museum dedicated to the efforts of all those who have and…read morecontinue to contribute to efforts of racial justice in Mississippi. During an open morning in Jackson, we stumbled upon the museum and decided to explore and it was easily one of the most memorable parts of our trip. We started by being welcomed into the space. This museum intentionally documents the history of the civil rights museum specifically as it pertains to Mississippi. One of the docents shared that she volunteers at the museum because she remembers what it was like growing up in Mississippi as a white child and has committed her allyship to ensuring others can understand what she witnessed with a deep desire for a better future for Mississippi. It was amazing that there were other guests visiting the museum not just from other states like us, but from other countries as well! The true treat of the visit was stumbling upon the center of the museum, where the youngest freedom rider to every be imprisoned was speaking to a group of high school soccer players from Texas. He shared his story and how his activism started at such a young age. The high school students and myself were in awe of just his bravery and hearing what it was truly like to fight for what's right at such a young age. This museum tells an important story that sadly isn't over as the fight for equity and equality is never over. Yet, it's inspiring to know that there are committed individuals ensuring that in the deep South, these stories are documented and told for all those to honor and understand.

We were very fortunate to be allowed to tag along a group that was being given a tour/introduction…read moreby the Museum Director, Mr Moore, who was very knowledgeable and gave great highlights to check out. You def need at least a day or so to check out and take in everything. They are closed on Mondays.

On the Mississippi River are the train tracks & old train depot. This was the heart of economic…read moreVicksburg with a large market place next door.

I was in the area having finished what I came for and decided to stop in here. They gave me a lot…read moreof good information. The inside of the museum was amazing. The only complaint is that one of the ladies working stopped the trains before I could catch video of all of them running. I loved the diorama of the battlefield. All of the boats upstairs were amazing, as was the Coca-Cola room. I would highly suggest this for anyone in the area.