Navigating Your Visit to Natchez Mississippi
If New Orleans and Savannah had a sister, Natchez would be the one! Known as the birthplace of Mississippi, the Lil Easy, and for having more antebellum houses than any other place in the US, Natchez is a really pretty little town drenched in Southern charm. Time stamped architecture and style sets the tone, while crape myrtles, cypress, hickory, oak, pine and maple trees paint views perfect for breathing deeply and slowing down. Did I mention bluffs, blues, and Spanish moss? It's like that.
All underlined text links to the site associated for your convenience. I am not affiliated with any of the businesses or activities being shared, and hope this makes your planning easier.
What is an antebellum house? I'm not from around here so I had to ask... Antebellum houses are large mansions built in the 1800’s in the Neo-classical or Greek Revival style. These were typically once a plantation home occupied about thirty years prior to the American Civil War. Imagine large dinner parties, tea rooms, studies, and sitting areas overlooking gardens and courtyards. Stop by the Visitor Center or pick up some brochures to see when houses are open. Different homes are open at various times and some host events or other private parties.
I had not heard of Natchez before my work assignment there, but I quickly learned of its significance and fell captive to its culture. 90 miles southwest of the capital of Jackson, and 85 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it's a little "out of the way" some may say. This unique place gets its name from the Natchez people, who have deeply rooted history and quite the story to tell. The History is more than I can possibly sum up here, but I have to share that it's complicated.
Natchez an interesting place for touring historic homes and learning about the Mansions and Halls that drip with time stamped décor. High on the activity list are the Casino riverboat, which marries gambling and scenery, and a horse and buggy tour which leads you through historic streets and the magnificence of the Mississippi River. The hop on hop off tours give you a ride and some perspective of what you are seeing, making this area come alive! The food here and shops all look like a glance back over times long gone and the vibes feel a little reminiscent too.
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture – interactive exhibits and so much of everything here!
The Natchez Trace Parkway follows the path of the original Natchez Trace trail, first cleared by prehistoric animals making their way between prairie lands and the Mississippi River. Waterfalls, wildlife, hikes and historical sites are why this is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country. Managed by the National Park Service, this two-lane road winds through nearly 450 miles of protected land, from Nashville, Tennessee, through Alabama and on to Natchez, Mississippi. Here's what you will not find: NO semi-trucks, NO commercial vehicles, NO stop signs, NO stop lights, NO gas stations, NO restaurants, NO houses, NOTHING but a two-lane road (without potholes), well cared for with manicured shoulders. Life’s stresses just melt away. Pull off and admire the land and story it tells.
So what can we do while we are here?
Don't miss ANY of these...
Top 6 things to do in Natchez:
The Grand Village of Natchez - an ancient indigenous village and earthwork mounds known as the Fatherland Site. It dates back about 1200 AD and is thought to have been constructed by prehistoric Plaquemine people. Today this is a National Historic Landmark. There is a museum here showcasing many of the artifacts excavated from this site along with nature trails and picnic pavilion.
The Emerald Mound Site - an ancient archeological discovery dating back to the Plaquemine culture dating between 1200 and 1730 AD. The mound covers 8 acres and has two secondary mounds at each end making this the second largest earthwork from Pre-Columbian period in the country. Many mysteries remain regarding mound construction. Mounds were used for burials, temples, and ceremonial structures.
*There are seven mounds located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, all in Mississippi. Indigenous Cultural thrived in this region and this is a part of the story.
Tour Antebellum Homes: The Auburn Museum & Historic Home, Magnolia Hall, Rosalie Mansion, and the William Johnson House. You're here, you might at well see what the fuss is about! Walk into an era now long gone and see the remnant of how life may have looked in the not-too-distant past.
Bluff Park - look out over the Mississippi and relax, also walk over the Bridge of Sighs while you're there. I don't think I ever knew what a bluff was until I visited here. The free park has lovely, unique landscaping and feels like a breath of fresh air with a side of fancy. I felt like I should have been wearing a puffy dress. I caught a glimpse of a horse and buggy tour going by and really felt like a walk under the trees was historic.
St. Mary's Basilica - An architectural phenomenon and hidden gem no matter your religion. Built in 1842, this basilica is still an active Catholic Church and a centrally located landmark attracting many to admire the intricately designed structure, art, and peaceful vibe. The difference between a cathedral and a basilica is a cathedral is home to a Bishop and a basilica is a church with special privileges as determined by the pope. There is a prayer garden on the side.
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture - The curator here is a man who grew up here. This history is his own, and he stated he is a student of life. The items within this building are plentiful and while it could use better display, what is has is real-life hands-on information. This free museum could be as little or as much time as you have, with art and books, and exhibits rich in Southern tradition. Walking in you will see, touch and feel history and culture. I was truly fortunate enough to present a training in the Richard Wright Room.
Recommended places to eat:
We stayed at The Natchez Grand Hotel & Suites which is walking distance to the entire downtown area, riverfront, tours, food and shops. Right across the street from the Natchez Convention Center (the reason we were here), the location is right in the heart of it all. The rooms here are spacious suites many with full kitchens and separate bedrooms. You can even have a balcony view overlooking the river! I pulled up my little round kitchen table to the window and sat working remotely with the Mississippi floating on by. I watched the rain fall and felt like I was in a movie. I don't usually bring the Hotel spotlight in my Blogs, but in this case I'm emphasizing how this stay made my trip even more wonderful. Good hot water and water pressure, a clean and cozy room, AND well priced!
This link is provided by the Hotel which has easy access to discover and book many of the attractions, I am not affiliated with any of these businesses, underlined text links for your convenience. My hope is this information makes your planning process easier to save more time for enjoying the journey and less time trying to figure it all out.
On my trip I flew into Baton Rouge and drove just over an hour into Natchez. The airport was seamless and renting a car was easy. The area surrounding looks like it has been through some tough times and you can see where revitalization has been prioritized.
Some Local Facts:
Before the civil war, Natchez had more millionaires than anywhere else in the US besides NY
Natchez was spared during the War because they surrendered to the Northern troops in 1862, and many of the mansions were occupied by the Northern officers.
Natchez was settled a few years before New Orleans, by the French who build Fort Rosalie in 1716
Natchez was home to the second largest slave market in the US, and the location of these sales were held at the Forks of the Road, where a small plaque and broken chains remain behind
Mr. William Johnson was a slave who became free at age 11. A successful businessman before the Civil war, He owned 11 slaves, and he kept a detailed journal which is now displayed in his home, now museum owned by the National Park Service.
Every third weekend in October the Natchez Balloon Festival is a family event held at the Rosalie Mansion, with live music and a carnival
The Delta Music Museum is right across the river in Ferriday Louisiana
Natchez is really a unique place. I've never been anywhere like it and I look forward to returning. In my visit to Mississippi I was able to see Jackson, the Gulf Coast and Natchez. I love to share these experiences to make your travels easier to plan!
~No matter where your travels take you, enjoy the journey!
~Don't forget good music in the car and car snacks.
~Breathe and be present.
~Remember to let go of all the things you can't control.
~Enjoy your surroundings, and the people present with you.
~A little planning goes a long way when traveling with children!
~And most importantly, make the memories count.
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A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip. I hope this makes it easier for your planning process.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please share your thoughts and experiences, we are all on this journey to live and love together. I welcome your travel tips & tricks :-)
I prioritize helping families spend more time enjoying their quality time together and less time having to figure it all out. My four children have been my test subjects of planning great family adventures for many years and now that my youngest is 20, many of my travels now are work related, or grandma related! As time has changed, I've evolved but I still LOVE TO TRAVEL, explore, wander, visit, discover, learn and love. I gravitate toward nature, which is where I find my happy place. I use the term single not to emphasize a relationship status but to signify that if I can manage some family fun on a limited teacher's salary with four children, anyone can do it. I am just very intentional in how I spend my time and earnings. I typically seek out budget friendly ways to enjoy my time, but will occasionally splurge for the right reasons :-) All my shared itineraries and ideas are free from ads or google partnership.
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~ Mz. Savvy
I encourage you to check out more of Mississippi:
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