Escape To The Southeast Escape To The Southeast
By Randy Lynn
In Mississippi, there are abundant opportunities to create share-worthy pictures of the state’s scenic vistas and attractions. Here are 12 favorite spots that are popular on Instagram and with users of other photo-sharing apps.
Tishomingo Swinging Bridge #tishomingostatepark
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is known for its waterfalls and massive rock formations. While the park offers numerous photo opportunities, its 200-foot suspension bridge is particularly stunning. The entrance to the bridge, a tall stacked-stone tower leads travelers across Bear Creek and into forested trails beyond.
Red Bluff #redbluffms
Mississippi’s “Little Grand Canyon” is a geological feature caused by the natural erosion of the Pearl River, some 200 feet below a bluff on its western bank. Layers of red clay and other colorful sediments provide a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during the “golden hour” before sunset and after sunrise.
Vicksburg National Military Park @vicksburgnps
History buffs from around the world are drawn to the Vicksburg National Military Park for its significance as the “key” battlefield pocketed by Abraham Lincoln to bring an end to the American Civil War. More than 1,300 monuments dot the park’s vast landscape, including the impressive Illinois Monument which was modeled after the Pantheon of ancient Rome.
Crystal Lake @capitalcitykayaks
Visitors to Crystal Lake may have a hard time believing that the peaceful urban lake is located less than two miles from downtown Jackson, as the crow flies. The lake is popular with kayakers who love exploring its twists and turns while paddling past water lilies and spying foxes, alligators, great egrets, and other wildlife.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum @hattiesburgpocketmuseum
Hattiesburg’s Pocket Museum is a rarity among museums due to its small size. The centerpiece of the free museum is a back-alley window that showcases an ever-rotating collection of tiny objects and oddities, often surrounded by colorful street paintings and wildly creative displays.
Windsor Ruins #windsorruins
In rural southwestern Mississippi, you’ll find the crumbling remains of Windsor Mansion. The mansion, once one of Mississippi’s largest and most opulent plantation homes, was constructed between 1859 and 1861 by enslaved craftsmen and laborers. Today, only 23 majestic 40-foot-tall Corinthian columns remain.
Crosby Arboretum @crosbyarboretum
The Crosby Arboretum is the premier native plant conservatory in the Southeast, featuring more than 800 acres of preserved land showcasing indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. The Arboretum’s open-air Pinecote Pavilion provides a picturesque setting for photos, alongside a pond that’s teeming with turtles and other aquatic wildlife.
Ship Island @shipislandexcursions
Ship Island is a barrier island located about 12 miles off Mississippi’s coast. The island is accessible only by boat, making it the perfect place to grab a beach shot without crowds of vacationers in the background. Added bonus: Fort Massachusetts, a historic brick fort is located on the island, with seasonal guided tours provided by the National Park Service.
For more ideas, explore VisitMississippi.org and @VisitMS on Instagram.
