Fayette MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fayette, Mississippi.
1. Old Hill Place Bridge
HISTORIC SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Old Hill Place Bridge is a historic bridge in Fayette, Mississippi, located on Hill Road over Coles Creek. The bridge was built by Schuster & Jacob and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Visitors can admire this piece of architectural history while enjoying views of Coles Creek.
2. Alcorn State University
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Alcorn State University is a renowned educational institution located near Fayette in Lorman, Mississippi. Founded in 1871, it was the first land-grant college for African Americans in the United States. The campus features beautiful historic buildings and hosts various cultural and sporting events throughout the year.
3. Natchez State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Natchez State Park offers visitors a tranquil natural setting with opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping near Fayette. The park is home to a 230-acre lake that holds the state record for the largest bass caught in Mississippi. Hiking trails wind through the wooded areas, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plants.
4. Blantonia Plantation House
HISTORIC ANTEBELLUM HOME
Blantonia Plantation House is a historic antebellum home located about 3 miles east of Red Lick off Mississippi Highway 552. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March 1993, designated as #93000145. The plantation house offers visitors a glimpse into Mississippi's rich architectural and cultural history.
5. Cedar Grove Place
HISTORIC PLANTATION SITE
Cedar Grove Place is a historic plantation site in Jefferson County near Fayette that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property features architecture typical of the region's plantation era and provides insights into local history. Visitors interested in Mississippi's past will appreciate the historical significance of this preserved site.
6. Jefferson County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Jefferson County Courthouse stands as the center of local government in Fayette, Mississippi. The building showcases architectural elements representative of its era of construction and holds historical significance for the community. Visitors to downtown Fayette often stop to admire this landmark structure that has served the community for generations.
7. Main Street Fayette
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING DISTRICT
Main Street Fayette offers visitors a charming small-town shopping experience with local businesses and historic architecture. The downtown area features stores selling everything from antiques to locally made crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can stroll the streets and experience the authentic character of this Mississippi town.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway
SCENIC HISTORIC ROUTE
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states, with access points near Fayette. Following a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and later European and American explorers, it offers beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and historical sites. The Parkway provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
9. Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE SITE
The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians is a 128-acre site featuring a museum, reconstructed Native American houses, and ceremonial mounds. This National Historic Landmark was once the main ceremonial center of the Natchez people and dates back to the 1200s. Visitors can explore the museum with its artifact exhibits and walk the grounds to learn about Native American history in the region.
10. Mammy's Cupboard
ICONIC LOCAL RESTAURANT
Mammy's Cupboard is a unique restaurant housed in a building shaped like a woman's skirt, located on Highway 61 south of Natchez. Known for its homemade southern cuisine, including sandwiches, soups, and famous pies, the establishment has been serving travelers since 1940. The unusual architecture makes it a popular photo opportunity for visitors exploring the area around Fayette.
11. Fayette Town Square
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CENTER
Fayette Town Square serves as the heart of the community with its green spaces and gathering areas. Local events and celebrations are often held in this central location throughout the year. The square offers a peaceful spot for visitors to relax and appreciate small-town Mississippi charm.
12. Windsor Ruins
ANTEBELLUM MANSION COLUMNS
Windsor Ruins consists of 23 standing Corinthian columns, all that remain of what was once the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion in Mississippi. Built in 1861 and destroyed by fire in 1890, the site is now maintained by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The hauntingly beautiful columns rising against the sky create one of Mississippi's most photographed historic sites.
13. Rocky Springs Ghost Town
ABANDONED HISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Rocky Springs is an abandoned town site along the Natchez Trace Parkway that was once a thriving community with over 2,000 residents. Today, visitors can explore the remaining church, cemetery, and traces of what was once a bustling 19th-century settlement. Walking trails throughout the site allow guests to step back in time and imagine life in this historic Mississippi community.
14. Rosswood Plantation
HISTORIC SOUTHERN ESTATE
Rosswood Plantation is a beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion built in 1857, located near Lorman not far from Fayette. The historic home features period furnishings and offers guided tours that showcase the architectural details and history of the plantation. Visitors can experience Southern hospitality while learning about the region's complex past through this well-maintained example of antebellum architecture.
15. Emerald Mound
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Emerald Mound is the second-largest ceremonial mound in the United States, built and used by Mississippian culture Native Americans from 1250 to 1600 CE. Located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the flat-topped mound covers nearly eight acres and was used for ceremonies and as a platform for temples. Visitors can climb to the top of this National Historic Landmark for panoramic views while contemplating the advanced civilization that created it.