If you’re planning a trip to Iowa, Trip Advisor says these places are among the MUST SEE places in Iowa!

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Unfortunately, all modern facilities in the park, including the shower building have closed for the season they will reopen MAY 2026. Frost free hydrants remain on in the campground. Pit toilet is available at the youth group parking lot.

Field of Dreams Movie Site

Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. A place of fertile soil, traditional values and simple pleasure. And, in Dyersville, Iowa, at the century-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh-so-recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. What better place to carve a baseball diamond from a corn field and to make a movie about pursuing one’s dream, no matter how much effort it takes? From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House, to our retail store, to our concessions stand, there certainly is plenty to do at the place dreams come true!

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 200 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts.

Fenelon Place Elevator Co.

Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called “the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway.” Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world’s most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns’ contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

If you’re planning on visiting Texas, Tripadvisor recommends these “don’t miss” attractions!

San Antonio River Walk

Also known as Paseo del Rio, this 15-mile-long river walk is a must-do in San Antonio. Opt for a self-guided walking or bike tour of the riverside paths, lined with beautiful cypress trees, shops, museums, hotels and of course, Tex-Mex restaurants. But one of the best ways to experience the River Walk is on a hop-on, hop-off cruise, which glides past iconic spots like the Arneson River Theatre, Marriage Island, and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Visit during festivals and holidays like St Patrick’s Day and Christmas for exciting river parades and spectacular light illuminations.

Space Center Houston

Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center.

The Alamo

Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, for over 300 years the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire Texans and people around the world. Although the Alamo is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, all 300 years of Alamo history are vital to our story.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is one of Texas’ largest underground attractions that is best explored on a guided tour. The Discovery Tour takes you through the most spectacular part of the caverns 180 feet underground, whilst the Hidden Passages tour shows you a system of huge underground chambers—or experience both on a combo tour. Otherwise, navigate the outdoor Twisted Trails rope course, find your way out of the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup maze, and pan for fossils at the Mining Company.

The Dallas World Aquarium

The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects. The aquarium portion displays interesting marine life, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, Leafy, Weedy and Ribbon seadragons. Black-footed and Blue penguins can be seen swimming as guests enjoy the outdoor South Africa exhibit.

The Texas State Capital

If it’s in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a one-of-a kind experience where you can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters and even walk on the Grand Reef floor-all in one day. Between adventures, recharge with unlimited island fare and refreshments. With this all-inclusive experience your family can unwind, explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

NASA Kennedy Space Center

Enjoy an out-of-this-world day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, get an up-close, hands-on feel for the story of humans in space, and fuel your quest for inspiration. Learn about space pioneers at Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing® or go behind the gates on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. Stand nose to nose with the Saturn V rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center or get an up-close view of Atlantis, the only space shuttle displayed in flight, at Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Step inside a world where magic is real. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme park you can visit the iconic Hogwarts™ castle and explore Hogsmeade™ village. And, at Universal Studios Florida™ theme park, you can enter Diagon Alley™ to enjoy a multi-dimensional thrill ride, magical experiences, and more. Get ready to explore more of Harry Potter’s world than ever before. With a Park-to-Park Ticket, you can board the Hogwarts™ Express* and travel between both Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida™.

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can’t get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself!

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Walk among hundreds of living butterflies and colorful birds! Take a stroll through a tropical paradise… walk through an exotic and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature –butterflies. During your breathtaking journey, you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “flowers of the sky.” Witness some 50 to 60 different species from around the world, as well as varieties of colorful birds, all under a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Thinking of celebrating National Michigan Day visiting Michigan?  Here are some excellent suggestions for places to see.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s old-world charm (think: horse-drawn carriages and Victorian-style buildings) creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway or family vacation. The island banned cars in 1898, so tourists – or Fudgies as locals call them – can only access the island by private boat, ferry or plane. Once on Mackinac, visitors can taste some of its world-famous fudge, tour historical sites like Fort Mackinac and explore Mackinac Island State Park, which covers more than 80% of the island. Keep in mind, though, that many of Mackinac Island’s attractions are closed during the winter months despite the island being accessible year-round.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks, America’s first national lakeshore, overlooks Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The lakeshore’s namesakes – colorful, 200-foot cliffs – are best seen from the water. In warmer months, visitors should embark on a boat cruise or kayaking tour past the scenic rock formations, arches and waterfalls that line the coast. However, the area’s diverse landscape attracts outdoorsy types year-round with roughly 100 miles of hiking trails. Travelers can see everything from spring wildflowers to colorful fall foliage to stunning ice formations (perfect for ice climbing), depending on the season.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Occupying nearly 50,000 acres on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers travelers ample opportunities to reconnect with nature. Lace up your hiking boots to explore the park’s 35-plus miles of trails, get out on the Tahquamenon River on a kayak or snap a photo in front of the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan’s largest waterfall. Fishing and camping are popular pastimes in summer, and come winter, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep in mind, travelers will need a valid Michigan Recreation Passport to gain admission to the park.

Holland, MI

This western Michigan town takes its Dutch heritage seriously. During the holiday season, the downtown area transforms into a tribute to all Dutch holiday traditions, complete with roaming carolers and a European-style, open-air Christmas market called Kerstmarkt. Come spring, visitors can celebrate the town’s millions of tulip blooms during the Tulip Time Festival, which hosts fun parades and events like traditional dancing and live musical performances. Must-visit Windmill Island Gardens is an optimal location for viewing these colorful flowers, and families won’t want to miss a trip to Nelis’ Dutch Village, a Dutch-themed amusement park offering rides, games and more.

Muskegon

Muskegon appeals to travelers who want to reconnect with nature while on vacation. Its 26 miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches offer ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits like fishing and boating, while Muskegon State Park is home to two campgrounds and multiple hiking trails. For an adrenaline rush, ride the roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure or zip down the luge track at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, one of only four luge tracks in the United States. Meanwhile, those seeking rest and relaxation will find it in Pere Marquette Park’s soft sands.

SOURCE: TRAVEL.USNEWS.COM

This month’s house can be found in the Finger Lakes region of New York, in a town called Perinton…the Mushroom House.

The Mushroom House’s most distinctive feature is its iconic, curvaceous roofline. The structure is composed of multiple round, mushroom-shaped pods that are interconnected, each serving a specific purpose within the home. These pods are supported by sculptural, slender columns, which give the house a light, elevated feel, as if it’s floating above the ground. The varying sizes and heights of the pods create a dynamic, flowing form that contrasts with the straight, rigid lines typically found in modern architecture. This freeform design evokes the natural world, where irregular shapes and organic growth patterns are the norm. The use of concrete and other materials with rounded, smooth finishes further enhances the house’s organic aesthetic.

Inside, the Mushroom House continues its whimsical theme, with each pod serving as a distinct room or area. The interior spaces are designed to be open and fluid, with sweeping curves that flow from one room to the next. The round walls and ceilings give the interior an almost cavernous feel, creating a sense of spaciousness and openness. The organic design extends to the furniture and fixtures, which were custom-designed to fit the unique shape of the house. This ensures that every element, from the curved countertops to the circular windows, complements the overall aesthetic. The open layout maximizes the flow of natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the home.

SOURCE: INTERIORSBYZANA.COM

Tripadvisor.com recommends seeing these Arkansas attractions for your next visit to the state!

Crater of Diamonds State Park: The ONLY diamond mine open to the public!

Anthony Chapel: The Anthony Chapel Complex is a part of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the 210-acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States. The non-profit USDA licensed refuge, founded in 1992, has grown to become one of the Top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs.

Christ of the Ozarks: Built in 1967, this 7-story memorial statue of Jesus is on the grounds of The Great Passion Play and overlooks Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Missouri, the Show Me state, is also known as the Gateway to the West.  Here are some of the best attractions to enjoy when you visit!

Silver Dollar City

Branson’s #1 attraction for over 50 years, Silver Dollar City features six world-class festivals, 30 thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows daily, 60 unique shops, a dozen family restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen.

City Museum

Don’t take the name so literally. We’re about fun. Not your white walls, walk around, and be quiet museum. If you want to climb around, get active with your kids or are a big kid at heart, we’re the place. If you get freaked out easily, you might not want to come. We’re four floors filled with miles of tunnels, a full cave system, over 30 slides, a circus, an arts area, a large outdoor climbing space, Architectural Museum, a Cabin that serves adult beverages, a Museum of Mayhem, Mirth and Mystery, and a ton more. Also, there’s the roof with a Ferris Wheel and a bus hanging off its edge.

Titanic Museum

Everyone knows the name Titanic! Everyone knows Titanic struck an iceberg! And everyone knows Titanic was lost! She sat at the bottom of the ocean for 75 years before they found her in 1985. A second expedition to the wreck site went out in 1986 and that expedition was co-led by the owner of this museum. The artifacts you see throughout the ship are REAL and valued at over $4 million dollars. You’ll be able to touch a growing iceberg, experience the 28 degree water, try and steer the ship and pay tribute to the 2,208 passengers and crew that were on the Titanic. You will enter as a guest and leave as a Titanic Passenger!

Fantastic Caverns

Discover the timeless beauty of Fantastic Caverns, one of the earth’s rarest treasures. There are only four of its’ kind in the entire world, and only one in North America. Here, you’ll discover one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders; giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, delicate soda straws glistening with minerals, tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water. And best of all, you’ll see it close-up from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram!

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages. Covering 10,000 acres of pristine Ozark Mountain landscape, the park has miles of crystal-clear trout streams, dozens of cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, unique hand-built bridges and bottomless, blue-green pools.

The Gateway Arch

From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often – advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Alabama used to be covered in grassland.

When the first Europeans came to Alabama, it looked so very different from how it does today. Once the early settlers arrived, they cut down the trees and burnt off the grass to turn it into farmland. Originally more than half of the state was covered in grasslands, wetlands, and open grassy woodlands. Of all the prairie land there was originally, sadly, only about 1 percent now remains.

It was in Alabama that Rosa Parks started a civil rights movement by refusing to give up her seat to a white man.

Referred to as the “Mother of civil rights movements,” Rosa Parks played an incredibly important part in American history.At a time when public buses were still segregated into zones for white or colored people, Rosa stood up for her rights. On December 1, 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat in the colored area to a white man when the white zone’s seats were full.

The first Europeans to find Alabama were Spaniards, but it was settled by the French.

A Spanish expedition led by the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto first passed through parts of Alabama in the 16^th century. Hernando wasn’t interested in founding any settlements, though – he was in search of gold, as well as a passage through to the Pacific coast.

Alabama is home to the largest cast-iron statue in the world.

In 1904, the city of Birmingham, Alabama, constructed a 56-foot (17 m) statue of the Roman god of fire and forge Vulcan. Once completed, the statue was shipped to St. Louis as Birmingham’s entry into the 1904 World’s Fair.

Alabama’s first permanent state capital is now a ghost town.

After Alabama was admitted into statehood, a site for a state capital had to be chosen.On November 21, 1818, the site of Cahaba (also known as Cahawba) was chosen. The capital was planned out, plots of land were auctioned off, and the town was up and running by 1820.

Cahaba was Alabama’s state capital for a very short time, though, from just 1820 to 1825, before it was relocated due to frequent floods. The town never really recovered from this, and after another severe flood in 1865, it was all but abandoned. By 1880 Cahaba had been removed from the US census rolls.

The first civil aviation school in the United States was opened in Alabama.

Orville and Wilbur Wright, more commonly known as the Wright Brothers, opened the very first US civil aviation school outside of Montgomery, Alabama. The Wright Brothers were famous for many things, but their greatest legacy is being the fathers of flying itself.

One of Alabama’s nicknames is “The Yellowhammer State.”

While Alabama’s state bird is the Yellowhammer, this isn’t the direct cause of its nickname. The origins are said to lie with the Civil War. A uniform worn by a company of soldiers from Huntsville, Alabama, had yellow trim, and thus they were nicknamed “Yellowhammers.”

Alabama is home to the only bookstores in the world that only sells signed copies.

Hidden away on a dead-end street in Birmingham, Alabama, lies a bookstore with a unique twist. Jacob Reiss, the owner of Alabama Booksmith has been in the business of selling books for 25 years. Originally selling rare and used books, it was only in 2012 that Jacob made the change to selling signed-only copies.

The first successful heart surgery on a live patient was in Alabama.

Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill Jr, a doctor from Montgomery, Alabama, was the first to achieve this impressive feat. It all started when a 13-year-old boy by the name of Henry Myrick was involved in a fight and stabbed through the heart. What’s even more impressive, though, is that the operation wasn’t even performed straight away – Myrick had been stabbed the previous afternoon!

Alabama is the most religious state in the US.

According to research from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that conducts research into demographics and public opinions, Alabama comes up as the most religious state. According to their data, 86% of the state’s residents are Christian, with 49% of those being Evangelical Protestants.

The first operational windshield wipers were invented in Alabama.

Mary Anderson, an Alabama native, is credited for the invention back in 1903. This was way back in the day when automobiles were starting to really gain some popularity, just before the famous Ford Model T was released. She tried to sell her patented invention to a number of companies, but they rejected the idea as they thought it would be too distracting to drivers.

Montgomery, Alabama, was the capital of the Confederate States of America.

Alabama seceded from the United States on January 11, 1861.

In February of the same year, Alabama and 6 other states (South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana) formed the Confederate States of America, an unrecognized republic in the lower southern region of the now USA.These states were pro-slavery and relied heavily upon African American slaves for their vast agricultural industries.

The first-ever submarine to sink an enemy ship was constructed by Confederates in Alabama.

In its first test run, it sank, killing 5 crew members, and its second trial saw it sink again, killing all 8 crew members. Undeterred by the rising body count, the Confederates raised the submarine to the surface and tried again. The H.L. Hunley finally saw success in 1864, yet it was to be a bittersweet victory. On one hand, it was able to torpedo the United States Navy’s sloop-of-war, the USS Housatonic, sinking it. On the other hand, due to damages suffered during the attack, the H.L Hunley sank again, killing all crew members, again.

Alabama is the home of the longest NASCAR oval in the USA, if not the world.

The Talladega Superspeedway, previously known as the Alabama International Motor Speedway, has a NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 miles. This Motorsports complex is located just outside of Talladega, Alabama, where it was built on the site of a former air force base in 1969. In its many years of operation, the track has been home to countless broken records, as well as first-time winners. The speeds at this track often reach a whopping 200 mph or more!

There actually is a sweet home in Alabama.

Here’s one for you if you’re a fan of the song Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1906 a man by the name of H.W. Sweet had a home built for him in the town of Bessemer, just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Sweet had his home built for $10,000 US, which is the equivalent of about $266,000 dollars today. Talk about a sweet deal!

An important date for one of the best states in the country is here — and you might not even know about it.

National Illinois Day, on Dec. 7, commemorates the history, art and culture owed to the iconic Midwest state. Here’s some information – both vital to know and amusing to share – about the state so you can think about what Illinois means to you.

Here are some facts about Illinois history and iconic culture:

In 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state in the Union.

An 1874 state law forbade segregation and the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 1885 banned discrimination in public areas.

Four former-U.S. presidents have roots in Illinois: Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois; Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant both moved to Illinois; and Barack Obama lived in Chicago for most of his life and served as an Illinois senator.

The origin of the term of Chicago as the “Windy City” is disputed by scholars, but it has been used to describe bloviating politicians, in addition to the weather. Interestingly, Chicago does not even rank in the top 10 of The Weather Station Experts’ list of the windiest U.S. cities – Amarillo, Texas, comes in first.

The Illinois state flower is a violet. The state bird is the cardinal. You probably didn’t know that the Illinois state snack is popcorn, and that the state pet is shelter dogs and shelter cats.

O’Hare International Airport consistently ranks in the top five, if not first, in lists of the busiest airports in the world.  

Native American history

Hunter-gatherers from various nations first came to Illinois around 12,000 years ago, according to History.com. Illinois is named after the French settlers’ pronunciation of the Illiniwek Nation which was initially comprised of 12 smaller nations including the Cahokia, Peoria and Kaskaskia Nations.

The state of Illinois rests on the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Peankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. When Illinois became the 21^st state in December of 1818, Native nations still legally owned a large portion of the state’s territory, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Set in the Deep South of the United States, Mississippi is a fascinating state to visit. It is known as much for its literature and music as its rich and at times raw history and heritage. While traveling around, visitors will come across everything from beautiful beaches and verdant fields and hills to glitzy casinos, college towns, and Civil War Battlefields.

Dominating the state and defining its western border is the mighty Mississippi River that flows to the glittering Gulf of Mexico. In its delightful delta region, the beautiful music style known as the blues was developed.

Vicksburg

Perched atop a prominent bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the small city of Vicksburg is set in a scenic spot. Located in the west of the state on the border with Louisiana, it is famed around the country for being the site of a long siege and battle that swung the American Civil War in favor of the North. While General Ulysses S. Grant’s infamous victory is still commemorated in its artworks, museums and traditions, there is much more to Vicksburg for visitors to enjoy. Besides this unique history and heritage, it also has a wonderfully well-preserved center full of beautiful old buildings and attractive streetscapes, as well as a handful of magnificent museums. Visitors to Vicksburg can also take a romantic carriage ride around its historical center or a delightful boat ride down the river, while some quality hiking can be had in the surrounding forests and hills.

Tunica

Long one of the most impoverished places in the whole of the US, the town of Tunica is nestled in the northwest of the state, just an hour’s drive to the south of Memphis, Tennessee. Following the introduction of gambling in the 1990s, its fortunes dramatically changed. People now flock to what is the third-largest gaming market after Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The popular resort town now boasts a wealth of grand and glamorous casinos, home to a myriad of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Each has an extensive array of rooms and suites for visitors to stay in, with everything from swimming pools and spas to gourmet restaurants and golf courses on offer.  While most if not all people who visit Tunica come for its glitzy casinos and Las Vegas-style shows, the nearby Tunica RiverPark is home to some superb scenery, nature, and hiking trails. In addition, Memphis isn’t far away should you want a change of scene.

Oxford

As picture-perfect as they come, the pretty and pleasant city of Oxford lies amid the dense forests of Mississippi’s North Central Hills region. Named after the prestigious seat of learning in the UK, life in the town is dominated by the University of Mississippi and its large, lively student body.While the state’s most famous college town certainly has a wild side, it is also noted for its scenic and sophisticated central square and sweet Southern charm. As well as being home to lovely oak-shaded neighborhoods, the city showcases some astounding old architecture and historical sights, with many treasures found on its sprawling university campus. Due to its sizeable student population, Oxford also hosts a staggering array of concerts, conferences and cultural events, with new shows and performances taking place all the time. On top of this, The Square has plenty of great restaurants and bars where you can sample the town’s famous nightlife.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Set just to the south of both Mississippi and Florida, the Gulf Islands National Seashore are a series of beautiful barrier islands. Home to lots of wonderful white sand beaches and wilderness, the breathtaking scenery offers untold outdoor recreation opportunities. Due to their serene and secluded settings, the islands are delightfully undeveloped and unspoiled, with stunning sands lying next to wild wetlands and intriguing forests. While the islands of Horn, Sand, Petit Bois, and East Ship boast the loveliest landscapes, they are also the toughest to get to: guests need to charter a boat to them before camping overnight amid the dunes. Thanks to the park’s pristine and protected nature, there are loads of excellent outdoor activities to enjoy, with hiking, cycling, and swimming particularly popular. Besides this, visitors can go snorkeling in the glittering Gulf of Mexico or snap photos of the diverse bird species inhabiting the barrier island.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Encompassing everything from steamy swamps and boggy bayous to epic overlooks, Indian burial mounds, and lots of exceptional scenery, the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most popular places to visit in Mississippi. Stretching from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi, the 715 kilometer-long national parkway is fabulous to hike, cycle, or drive along, with lots of spectacular sights to stop off at on the way. Winding through wonderful woods and wilderness and past roaring rivers and reflective lakes, the scenic route follows what was once a Native American footpath. Later used by explorers and Ohio Valley farmers, it has been in use since pre-Colonial times. As such, numerous historic sights dot the route, with age-old battlegrounds and burial mounds found alongside marvelous monuments and museums. Besides its rich history, heritage, and culture, the Natchez Trace Parkway has sublime scenery, with sparkling waterfalls, phenomenal views, and dramatic landscapes all on show. Along the route in Mississippi, there are also some great towns and cities for visitors to stop off at, such as Tupelo, Jackson, and Natchez.

Tupelo

Lying in the northeast of the state, the small, sleepy city of Tupelo is primarily known for being the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous pop icons – Elvis Presley. While most of its main sights relate to ‘the King’, the town is a perfectly pleasant and peaceful place to visit, particularly if you’re traveling along the Natchez Trace Parkway. In the center of the city, visitors will find a thriving restaurant scene to delve into, as well as some magnificent murals that have added some much-needed color and life to the downtown area. Besides the Birthplace of Elvis Presley, there is also the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo to check out, while a fun and festive flea market takes places the second weekend of every month. Just outside the city are a couple of American Civil War battlefields well worth visiting, as well as the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, which can point you towards all of the route’s most scenic tourist attractions.

Natchez

Set in the southwest corner of the state, Natchez lies perched atop a prominent bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Lying on the border with Louisiana, the small city boasts a beautiful historic center full of astounding old antebellum homes that evoke images of the Old South. Before the Civil War, the small settlement was an important center of trade. As such, wealth and riches poured into its scenic streets. Nowadays, its charming center is a delight to visit, with horse-drawn carriage rides one of the most memorable ways to take in its grand collection of elegant homes and historical landmarks. While history and heritage are on show wherever you go, Natchez is very much a living city with a fun party atmosphere on the weekends. Besides stopping by its numerous bars and live music venues, the final stop of the Natchez Trace Parkway also has lovely nature and scenery for visitors to enjoy nearby.

Biloxi

Situated along the state’s scenic and sun-kissed shoreline, Biloxi is a popular place to visit due to its beautiful beaches and oceanfront casinos. While it can appear brash and blingy at first sight, the city has numerous sides to it, with a delightful historic center for visitors to explore. Most people, however, come for its glut of glitzy casinos, which look out over the glittering Gulf of Mexico and are home to innumerable slot machines and table games. Many of them have cowboy, tropical, or live music themes, with plenty of restaurants and entertainment also on offer. Besides gambling, gaming, and reveling in the city’s lively nightlife, visitors can also relax on the golden sands or enjoy sailing and watersports along the seafront. In addition, New Orleans is just an hour away should you want to combine your trip to Biloxi with a visit to ‘The Big Easy.’

Jackson

Although tourists often overlook it, Mississippi’s capital and largest city, Jackson certainly has enough going for it to warrant a visit. Set on the banks of the Pearl River, it boasts a brilliant live music scene and a handful of excellent museums and historic buildings. Its two main tourist attractions are the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. While the former offers a fascinating look at the state’s history and culture, the latter highlights the fight for racial equality in Mississippi. Besides the magnificent museums, there is also the artsy Fondren District with all its boutiques and coffee shops to explore. As ‘The City with Soul’ is Jackson’s slogan, it should come as no surprise to learn that there’s a load of great live music to discover in its numerous bars and venues. Weekends are a particularly good time to visit: this is when blues, folk, and jazz can be heard on every street corner.

Clarksdale

Set on the banks of the Sunflower River, the small and slightly dilapidated city of Clarksdale has long been popular with tourists as it lies at the heart of the Delta blues scene. In the early 20th century, many African-American musicians developed the blues here before migrating north and performing in cities such as Chicago and New York. This captivating past is now explored in depth at the delightful Delta Blues Museum, while markers and monuments relating to the mesmerizing music and its most-distinguished musicians can be found around town. In addition, big-name blues acts regularly perform in the scattering of bars and clubs, while a handful of cultural events and festivals take place during the year. As it lies just a couple of hours’ drive from most of the main blues sights, Clarksdale also makes for a great base if you want to explore the Mississippi Blues Trail. On top of this, both the lively college town of Oxford and the major city of Memphis aren’t far away if you want to explore the rest of what the region has to offer up.

SOURCE: TOUROPIA.COM