Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh
Few Southern cities pack as much history, character, and charm into one destination as Vicksburg, Mississippi. Perched high above the mighty Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a place where Civil War battlefields, grand antebellum homes, vibrant museums, and locally owned restaurants come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to walk in the footsteps of soldiers and statesmen, a foodie in search of authentic Southern flavors, or simply a traveler looking for a welcoming small city with big stories to tell, Vicksburg offers surprises around every corner. During my visit, I discovered that this river city is far more than a Civil War destination—it’s a community rich with culture, creativity, and hospitality.
Where I Stayed in Vicksburg
Being a genealogy and history librarian, I am therefore a sucker for historic homes. The1840s Inn at Cedar Grove delivers not only on historic charm, but preservation of Vicksburg history as well. Owned by the Klein family, you can see not one, but two cannonballs from the Siege of Vicksburg still in the house! One is in the subfloor, shown through a plexiglass panel in the flooring, while the other is embedded IN THE WALL!
Not only is it historic, but also comfortable. For example, my room contained a bed so elaborate that I had to hop down every morning! There were gorgeous pieces of furniture in the room, but with the modern amenity of a television. The bathroom was absolutely lovely, with a large walk-in shower. The hotel has a reputation for paranormal activity, but nothing went bump in the night in my room!
The breakfast offering change each morning. A member of our party is vegetarian and they were happy to make accommodations for her. After breakfast, they offer a brief tour of the public rooms of the mansion. Make time for it because there are plenty of fascinating details you’ll miss otherwise.
Where To Eat in Vicksburg, MS
Anchuca
1010 1st E St.
For history enthusiasts, Anchuca (an-choo-ka) offers so much more than a meal. That meal, though, was excellent. I ordered the pork ribeye with a honey-ginger glaze and it was fantastic. My dining companions ordered a wide variety of things and there were nothing but raves from the table.
Built in the 1830’s, “Anchuca” is the Choctaw word for “happy home.” It has added historical significance via Confederate President Jefferson Davis. His brother rented the home, and Davis gave a speech to the people of Vicksburg out on the balcony after his release from federal prison. Currently owned by Anna Kate and Sam Andrews, the home is also an inn and open for public tours. Sam guided us around the home and the enthusiasm for the home’s history bubbled out of him. With Sam’s passion for history, the home is certainly in good hands.
Brick Street Market
1102 Washington St.
This is a funky, cozy sandwich shop in Vicksburg’s fun downtown area. The BBQ Chicken Po’boy was perfect for lunch. The bread had that excellent crisp to it that you look for in a po’boy sandwich and the bbq sauce was tasty.
Key City Brewery
1311 Washington St.
This is a low-key spot for a fun night out! A trio of us got a head start and met in the downstairs patio area where we ordered our own beer flight and passed them amongst us. Dinner, though, was on the rooftop patio with views. We decided to eat family style, ordering a bunch of appetizers and entrees and then passing them around. The pizzas were out of the ordinary and tasty. APPS
A live band was on hand, making this a great atmosphere for a group night out.
10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill
1301 Washington St, Floor 10
Having some time to kill, we popped into 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill for a quick drink. The views of the city and the water beyond were fantastic!
Walnut Hills Restaurant
1214 Adams St.
This restaurant pays homage to the city’s original name of Walnut Hills. Built in 1880 by the Rogers family, the restaurant opened in 1980. It’s a classic menu of homestyle southern cooking, allowing you to choose from the menu or from a “meat-and-three” option. The food is good, but the desserts were my favorite part. We ordered several and passed them around.
The Tomato Place
3229 US-61
What began as roadside stands selling fruits and vegetables is now a quirky and fun cafe experience! The Tomato Place still sells the produce but head to the back for an island-inspired cafe drenched in color. This is as low-key and casual as you can get because the food is the star here. I opted for the fried green tomato BLT and devoured it. The menu has everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers, salmon, and ribs.
Be sure to grab some of the items for sale in the store. They make and sell their own sauce items, jarred in recycled glass bottles. I got a loaf of homemade bread that was fresh and tasty. My travelmates raved over the smoothie varieties available.
Things to do in Vicksburg, Mississippi
Galleries
1101 Washington St.
This wonderfully whimsical gallery is a must-stop! In business for 55 years, the tiny space is filled with folk art, pottery, and jewelry. Be sure to check out the pieces of Elayne Goodman, a Mississippi artist in her 80s that produces funky, eclectic, and fun pieces – she has an affinity for Elvis and Edgar Allan Poe.
1216 Washington St.
Renowned Mississippi artist H.C. Porter’s gallery is full of her colorful process art. The majority of the pieces focus on people and sites of the Mississippi Delta region. Porter uses a unique process, beginning with a black and white photograph. Using a silkscreen, the image is then transferred to paper. Finally, Porter uses acrylic paint and prisma color pencils to give each print a vibrant, striking appearance.
Museums
1123 Washington St.
Think once you’ve seen one museum about the Civil War, you’ve seen them all? Charles Pendleton has set out to prove you wrong. As the first African American to own a Civil War Museum, Pendleton curates a more inclusive collection of artifacts and stories. There is an emphasis on the African American experience of the Civil War era along with exhibits absolutely full of period memorabilia including firearms, bottles, musical instruments, miniature photos and more from the 1860s. Dig deep into the causes and the repercussions of the Civil War at this gem of a museum.
1107 Washington St.
Constructed in 1890 by Joseph and Herman Biedenharn, a father and son team who had a wholesale candy company. Approached by Coca-Cola Company founder Asa Candler about supplying the area with Coca-Cola syrup, the Biedenharns agreed. Eventually, they did one better – they decided to bottle the drink, since it was only available at soda fountains. That’s how a drink so synonymous with the city of Atlanta ended up being first bottled in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1894. The museum features exhibits on the Biedenharn family as well as Coca-Cola memorabilia through the years. Don’t miss the outdoor space with a replica soda fountain, and be sure to grab a Coke float while you are there.
913 Washington St.
So much more than a museum, the Catfish Row Museum is also a community center. In addition to highlighting Vicksburg’s African American history, it honors contributions from its Chinese, Lebanese, and Jewish immigrant populations. The exhibits are eye-catching and interesting. What sets this museum apart, in my opinion, is the kitchen and event space. Cooking demonstrations teach lower-income residents how to create nutritious meals on a budget. Additionally, there is a popular summer series featuring chefs who represent each of the ethnic groups above and includes the Choctaw heritage. The museum, programs, and staff are impressive.. Make sure you check out their programs for your visit to Vicksburg!
Other Attractions
McRaven House
1445 Harrison St.
The historic home lover in me was excited to tour McRaven. Built in three stages without renovating or changing the previous stages gives it the moniker “time capsule of the South.” The first section was built in 1797 and not added to until 1836. A more elaborate and final addition was constructed in 1849. Many of the furnishings are original to the owners of the home during each time period. But…why is a historic home tour scheduled at 8:00pm?
Because McRaven House is known as the most haunted home in Mississippi. GREAT. I like creepy things – from a distance. So, yes, I was a little anxious about this tour. The reported spirits in the home include a misogynistic, bad-tempered highwayman from 1797, a playful young wife who died shortly after childbirth in the 1860s, and the builder of the final portion of the home who was killed in an altercation with Union soldiers. Throw in some Civil War soldiers, spinster sisters, and who knows who else, and you have quite the busy home. While we didn’t experience any activity on our tour, they have plenty of opportunities for you to go try your luck.
Vicksburg National Military Park
I’m a huge fan of the National Park Service, so I was especially excited to visit a park I hadn’t previously explored. Vicksburg National Military Park is a much different experience from what I’m used to. The “tour” is sixteen miles. You are welcome to bike, walk, or drive. What’s more, the NPS has an app that will cue you to stop at places along the route and listen to details about that site. You could easily spend a weekend exploring this park and giving it the attention it deserves.
Our group was accompanied by a Licensed Battlefield Guide. Guides undergo examination and credentialing prior to being licensed. They can be hired for a minimum two-hour tour and you can find out more information here. Our guide hopped in our van and we were off! She pointed out various markers and told stories about why they were significant. We pulled over several times so she could go in-depth, getting out and walking around a little sometimes.
A highlight that you shouldn’t miss is the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. The Cairo was an ironclad gunboat that sank in the Yazoo River in December, 1862. Lifted from the river in the mid-1960s, then restored, and placed at Vicksburg National Military Park in 1977. Don’t miss the treasure trove of artifacts recovered from the ship. If you have kids, this is a must-stop. Don’t forget to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet!
The Vicksburg City Passport
Maybe it’s all the trips I took with my kids, but I love a good checklist, scavenger hunt, or anything similar with a prize at the end. If that sounds like your family, be sure to pick up The City Passport. There are pages for a variety of attractions, historic homes, and galleries. Stamp your passport at each location. Stop by the Vicksburg Visitor Center when you have at least five stamped pages to pick up a free t-shirt!
Visiting Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg is a city that rewards curiosity. One moment you’re standing beside a preserved gunboat that once sailed into battle, and the next you’re enjoying a meal in a historic mansion or browsing artwork inspired by the Mississippi Delta. The city’s layered history is impossible to miss, but what truly makes Vicksburg memorable are the people who preserve, share, and celebrate that heritage every day. Whether you come for the battlefield, the museums, the food, or the architecture, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable Mississippi River city—and likely a list of reasons to return. Vicksburg isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience.