In September 2017, during the passage of Hurricane Irma through Florida, we left the state and ended up in Jackson, Mississippi. Nicknamed City with Soul, Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and is located about halfway between New Orleans and Memphis. The city is known for its architecture and the impressive buildings in its center. To change our minds and entertain the children, we wandered around the city and visited the surrounding area. Here are the main activities we did during this stay in Mississippi.

State Capitol

A must if you are visiting the region, the “new” Mississippi State Capitol was built in 1903 in the Beaux-Arts style. It is a magnificent building right in downtown Jackson, surrounded by pretty gardens and other beautiful buildings. You will discover the eagle on its dome, which once belonged to a ship and was given to the state by the USS Mississippi.

Address: 400 High St, 39201 Jackson. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Guided tours are also available and free of charge.

Old Mississippi State Capitol Museum

The Old Mississippi State Capitol is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Jackson and has also become a museum. Inside, you discover the eventful history of Mississippi through exhibitions about slavery and civil rights. The Old Capitol was the seat of the Mississippi government from 1839 to 1903, and it was here that very important laws for the state were passed, including Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 1861 and the drafting of the constitutions of 1868 and 1890. When it was built in 1839, its massive exterior, copper dome, and grand interior spaces made it the most distinguished building in Mississippi. The Old Mississippi State Capitol was renovated after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Address: 100 S State St, Jackson, MS 39201. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free.

Do not hesitate to stroll through the city to enjoy Jackson’s architecture. You will notably see the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, a splendid residence that can also be visited free of charge. On the other hand, do not be surprised: during the weekend, downtown is deserted, just as in many medium-sized cities where administrative buildings and offices are closed. The same goes for evenings after about 6 p.m., when many things are shut.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Another nice outing with children is the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. This museum focuses on the nature and wildlife of Mississippi and includes aquariums, exhibits, and trails around the surrounding natural environment. It is a good family activity if you want something educational and fun at the same time.

Mississippi Children’s Museum

We also enjoyed the Mississippi Children’s Museum, which is very well suited for families traveling with young children. It is the kind of place where children can explore, play, and learn at the same time, which was perfect during our stay.

Jackson as a break during Irma

In the end, this unexpected stop in Jackson during Hurricane Irma turned into a nice discovery. The city gave us a break from the stress linked to the storm while letting us explore a place we probably would not have visited otherwise. Jackson may not be the most famous destination in the South, but it has a strong identity, beautiful civic architecture, and a few very worthwhile cultural stops.

Jackson, Mississippi, was an unexpected but interesting stop during our road away from Hurricane Irma.