Natchez is the oldest post-European settlement on the Mississippi. Yes — it’s two years older than New Orleans! But like its Louisiana cousin, it boasts a lively side, and on weekends, it hosts lots of travelers hoping to experience some of the town’s legendary live music. There’s even a local casino that’s a great place to spend a night out on the town. And, despite its antebellum roots, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the South. Some Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi we share below. Hope you enjoy it!
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Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway
This road was a major highway in the south before highways were even a thing. It was a major passageway for trade routes coming from Nashville, as well as the returning path back home for sailors who worked on the Mississippi River. The Natchez Trace Parkway was of course first used by the native Natchez and Choctaw populations, who traveled to and from each tribe.
Emerald Mound Site
The Emerald Mound Site is an ancient archaeological site dating back to the Plaquemine culture Mississippian period. Also known as the Selsertown site, the historic mound can be found on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Stanton and dates back to between 1200 and 1730 AD. Covering 8 acres, measuring 770 feet by 435 feet at the base and 35 feet in height, the Emerald Mound has a flat top with two smaller secondary mounds at each end and is the second-largest earthwork from the Pre-Columbian period in the country. The Emerald Mound Site is a National Historic Landmark and open to the public to explore.
Grand Village of the Natchez
The Grand Village of the Natchez is a 128.1-acre site encompassing an ancient indigenous village and earthwork mounds in south Natchez. Also known as the Fatherland Site, the historic village complex dates back to about 1200 AD when it was constructed by members of the prehistoric Plaquemine culture. The village is named after the Natchez people, who used the site in the 17th and 18th centuries and who added the historic mounds in the early 18th century. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark and one of the top tourist attractions in Natchez with a museum that holds several artifacts excavated from the site, a reconstructed Natchez house, a picnic pavilion, and a network of nature trails.
Natchez National Historical Park
If graves aren’t something you find particularly comfortable being around, try going out and enjoying the fresh air at the Natchez National Historic Park. You’ll be visiting it by default if you shoot for Fort Rosalie. There are two other famous mansions located on park grounds, as well. This historical park is almost like a living snapshot of what life looked like back in the 18th and 19th century, at least for the wealthy class of elites.
Walk Along the Mississippi River in Bluff Park
Natchez is right along the Mississippi and Bluff Park is the best vantage point to view this majestic river. Not only is it a beautiful tree-lined walk along the river but you can also enjoy some beautiful sunsets, weather permitting, of course. There’s a pedestrian bridge you can walk across and a pretty gazebo. Watch the riverboats cruise the river and take a leisurely stroll down the path to enjoy the pretty view.
‘Turning Angel’ Statue
The angel has since attracted a fair bit of attention to the historic Mississippi cemetery. It’s now known as the “Turning Angel” statue because, according to some, it turns to look at cars driving by. This effect is said to be most noticeable at night when the cars’ headlights shine on the statue around the bend of the road.
The turning effect, combined with the tragic story of the angel’s dedication, make this site loom large in Natchez. Local author Greg Iles even has a book titled Turning Angel, which was named for the statue.
The Turning Angel statue is located in the Natchez City Cemetery, near the front left entrance. The cemetery hours are from 7 a.m. to dusk. A guided tour of the cemetery can be acquired at the cemetery office or the Natchez Visitor Center.
Longwood
This was one of the most interesting of all the homes. It had stunning grounds and an incredible design featuring a huge onion-shaped dome. It’s the largest octagonal house in the United States and entirely unique.
Construction began in 1859, however, the owner died before most of the house was completed, leaving the entire upper floor unfinished (to this day, only a handful of the rooms are finished). Today, it’s one of Natchez’s most popular homes and you’re free to tour the home and read about its history. Be sure to wander the grounds, too. They’re beautiful! Admission is $25 USD.
