Jonestown MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jonestown, Mississippi.
1. Historic Downtown Jonestown
SMALL TOWN CHARM
Historic Downtown Jonestown offers visitors a glimpse into small-town Mississippi life with its historic buildings and local character. Visitors can stroll through the streets and experience the authentic atmosphere of this town incorporated in 1880. The downtown area represents the heart of this small community in Coahoma County.
2. Gateway to the Blues Museum
BLUES HISTORY SHOWCASE
Gateway to the Blues Museum is located on Highway 61, known as 'the Blues Highway,' and tells the story of blues music in all its glory. The museum features interactive exhibits, artwork, and even a recording studio where visitors can learn the basics of blues music and record their own blues song. This attraction is a must-see for music lovers interested in learning about how the blues was born and the role the Mississippi Delta played in building the genre's legacy.
3. Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park
THE KING'S ORIGINS
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park features the modest two-room house where The King was born and raised, built by his father. Visitors can explore significant locations that shaped Elvis' early life including his elementary school and the Assembly of God church where he was introduced to Gospel music. The park also includes a museum, chapel, exhibits such as the Walk of Life, Fountain of Life, Story Wall, and a statue of Elvis at 13 years old.
4. The Oaks Museum House
PRESERVED 1850S ARCHITECTURE
The Oaks Museum House is a historic home from 1853 that survived the Civil War intact and remains in its original site, a rarity for historic homes of this age. Visitors can tour the home with knowledgeable docents who share the history of various pieces, including artifacts that have been returned by family members and former boarders. The gardens have been painstakingly restored to their original layout, offering a special glimpse into 1850s Jackson.
5. INFINITY Science Center
NASA VISITOR CENTER
INFINITY Science Center is a non-profit science museum that also serves as the official visitor center for NASA on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From the moment visitors arrive, they are caught up in the excitement of discovery with interactive exhibits and educational displays. The center offers an immersive experience that showcases space exploration and scientific achievements.
6. Mississippi Aquarium
MARINE LIFE SHOWCASE
Mississippi Aquarium is a premier family-friendly attraction showcasing diverse marine life native to the Gulf Coast and beyond. Visitors can observe numerous aquatic species in carefully designed habitats that mimic their natural environments. The aquarium offers educational programs and interactive experiences that highlight the importance of marine conservation.
7. Coahoma County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER
Coahoma County Historical Society preserves and displays the rich history of the region surrounding Jonestown. The society maintains archives, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the area's agricultural and cultural development. Visitors can learn about the cotton industry, civil rights history, and the everyday lives of past residents.
8. Ground Zero Blues Club
AUTHENTIC DELTA BLUES
Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, offers an authentic Mississippi Delta blues experience not far from Jonestown. The club features live blues performances in a rustic setting that captures the essence of juke joints where the blues tradition flourished. Visitors can enjoy Southern cuisine while immersing themselves in the musical heritage that defines this region.
9. Delta Blues Museum
MUSIC HERITAGE PRESERVED
Delta Blues Museum is the world's first museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form of Delta blues. The museum houses a significant collection of blues memorabilia, recordings, and exhibits honoring legendary musicians who shaped this influential genre. Visitors can see the cabin where Muddy Waters lived during his days as a sharecropper on Stovall Plantation.
10. Tunica Riverpark
MISSISSIPPI RIVER VIEWS
Tunica Riverpark offers spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River and interactive exhibits about river ecology and history. Visitors can enjoy the observation deck, walking trails, and a museum that explains the river's impact on commerce and culture. The park serves as an educational resource about one of America's most important waterways.
11. Hopson Plantation Commissary
HISTORIC COTTON PLANTATION
Hopson Plantation Commissary is a historic site where the first mechanical cotton picker was demonstrated in 1944, revolutionizing Southern agriculture. The former plantation commissary has been transformed into a restaurant and music venue while preserving its historic character. Visitors can experience a slice of Delta history while enjoying authentic regional cuisine and occasional live music performances.
12. Clarksdale Historic District
BLUES HERITAGE AREA
Clarksdale Historic District encompasses several blocks of historic buildings that reflect the area's rich blues heritage and commercial development. Visitors can explore blues markers, specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in well-preserved buildings. The district serves as the cultural heart of the community with regular events celebrating the region's musical legacy.
13. Tunica Casino Resort Area
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Tunica Casino Resort Area features several major casino properties offering gaming, entertainment, and dining options near Jonestown. Visitors can enjoy slot machines, table games, live entertainment, and various dining experiences ranging from buffets to fine restaurants. The resort area also includes hotels, spas, and golf courses, making it a complete entertainment destination.
14. Shack Up Inn
AUTHENTIC DELTA EXPERIENCE
Shack Up Inn offers visitors the unique opportunity to stay in authentic renovated sharecropper shacks on the historic Hopson Plantation. Each shack is furnished with rustic decor and modern amenities, creating a blend of historical authenticity and comfort. The property includes the Cotton Gin Inn and a music venue where guests can experience live Delta blues performances.
15. Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
BLUES MUSIC STORE
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a renowned store specializing in blues music, books, DVDs, and Southern folk art not far from Jonestown. Visitors can browse an extensive collection of recordings from classic Delta bluesmen to contemporary artists continuing the tradition. The store serves as an informal visitor center for blues tourists, with the owner providing information about local music events and attractions.