This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer for more information.
| |

13 Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi

ByPaige Watts

Natchez, Mississippi is known for its beautiful antebellum homes, but there’s a lot more to do here than tour old mansions. You can take a hands-on Southern cooking class, explore the city’s haunted history, and watch the sunset over the Mississippi River.

Kevin and I spent a weekend in Natchez and had plenty to keep us busy. We toured incredible historic homes, took a ghost tour that ended with a visit to an old jail, learned how to make biscuits from the Biscuit Queen herself, and stayed in a restored 1835 home right in the historic district.

If you’re planning a visit, these are my favorite things to do in Natchez, Mississippi, including historic sites, unique experiences, great food, and a few places you might not expect.

A golden sunset over the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, with the Natchez Vidalia Bridge stretching across the water on the left. Dark trees frame the river in the foreground, while orange and pink sunlight breaks through scattered clouds and reflects off the water.

Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Natchez

1. Tour Stanton Hall

The grand white facade of Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi, features towering Corinthian columns, a two story portico, and an ornate wrought iron balcony. Two massive oak trees frame the historic mansion, shading a brick walkway that leads to its front entrance.
Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi, a grand white historic mansion, features towering Corinthian columns, a two story front porch, and dark green shutters. A curved driveway leads toward the entrance, framed by sprawling oak trees and lush landscaping beneath a bright blue sky.
An ornate historic parlor at Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi features red velvet curtains, a richly patterned floral carpet, antique chairs, and a black grand piano. An elaborate chandelier hangs above a carved wooden table, while a white marble fireplace topped with a gilded mirror completes the elegant room.
An elegant historic dining room features a long polished wooden table decorated with ornate silver candelabras and a silver fruit centerpiece. Intricately carved dark wood sideboards, antique chairs, framed portraits, and a chandelier fill the room, while patterned blue and cream flooring and heavy drapes complete the Victorian interior at Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi.
A large, weathered antique Bible with a worn brown leather cover and cracked spine rests inside a clear protective display case on a round marble topped table at Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. Soft sunlight filters through lace curtains beside pale green drapes, illuminating the historic volume.
An elaborate dark metal chandelier hangs from an ornate white plaster ceiling medallion in the historic Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. Its glowing honeycomb patterned glass globes are surrounded by sculpted suits of armor, helmets, swords, spiked maces, and hanging chains, creating a dramatic medieval inspired design.
An antique four poster bed with intricately carved wooden columns, a burgundy fabric canopy, and white quilted bedding fills a historic bedroom at Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. An oil lamp glows on a bedside table, while an antique wooden chamber pot cabinet sits open at the foot of the bed.
Two framed interpretive panels titled "Enslavement at Stanton Hall" and "Lives of the Enslaved" stand on easels outside the historic mansion in Natchez, Mississippi. Featuring historical photographs, census records, and slave schedules, the exhibits document the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked at Stanton Hall, including individuals identified by name in surviving records.

Stanton Hall is one of Natchez’s most prominent antebellum homes. The Greek Revival mansion occupies it’s own 2-acre city block and is one of the most opulent mansions to survive the Civil War.

The home was built in 1857 for Natchez cotton planter and family physician Dr. Frederick Stanton. Then, the house was named “Belfast”, and Dr. Stanton only lived there for 9 months before dying of yellow fever. In 1890, the home was turned into the Stanton College for Young Ladies and it started to be called “Stanton Hall”.

A tour of the home shows you the grand interiors: the 17-foot ceilings, the marble mantles, the large pier mirrors in the double parlors, the reproduction carpets, curtains, and upholstery, and the intricate bronze chandeliers. The inside of the home is absolutely beautiful.

I do wish Stanton Hall did a better job of highlighting the lives of the enslaved on the tour. Natchez is notorious for sweeping the history of slavery under the rug, and it seems some historic homes are still coming to terms with how to present their difficult history on their tours. My tour made no mention of those enslaved by Dr. Stanton, and the only reference I saw was a couple poster boards set up outside the gift shop entrance (which had a really interesting story of Catherine White, an enslaved housemaid, and other history that could’ve easily been added to the tour info).

I still think Stanton Hall is worth touring for its architecture, interiors, and place in Natchez history. I’d just go in knowing that the tour gives you a much stronger picture of the home than it does of the enslaved people whose labor was part of that history.

Book your Stanton Hall tour here.

2. Take a Biscuit-Making Class

Paige and Regina wearing blue aprons from Regina’s Kitchen Cooking School work together on a piece of dough at a flour covered table. Exposed brick walls, rustic wooden ceiling beams, and a colorful decorative plate frame the hands on Biscuit Making Class in Natchez, Mississippi.
Kevin wearing glasses and a blue Regina’s Kitchen Cooking School apron rolls out dough on a flour covered table during a hands on Biscuit Making Class in Natchez, Mississippi. An ornate decorative plate hangs on the exposed brick wall behind him, while baking trays and utensils surround the workspace.
Paige and Kevin wearing blue Regina's Kitchen Cooking School aprons poses together behind a stainless steel worktable. Exposed brick walls, heavy wooden ceiling beams, and a colorful decorative plate frame the rustic cooking school kitchen for a Biscuit Making Class in Natchez, Mississippi.
A plate of shrimp covered in creamy orange sauce is served with a golden brown biscuit and a scoop of creamy, herb seasoned omelet during a Biscuit Making Class in Natchez, Mississippi. The Southern style meal sits on a dark wooden table with a glass of orange juice in the background.
A rustic dining room in King's Tavern in Natchez, Mississippi features exposed brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, and two long dining tables surrounded by antique wooden chairs. White plates, wine glasses, and blue patterned pitchers are arranged on the tables, while warm wall sconces illuminate the historic space.
A woman wearing a blue apron prepares food for a Biscuit Making Class at a stainless steel worktable in a rustic kitchen with exposed brick walls and a brick floor. Mixing bowls, baking equipment, and cooking utensils fill the workspace, while warm wall sconces and decorative plates add to the historic atmosphere at King's Tavern in Natchez, Mississippi.

Chef Regina Charboneau is known as the “Biscuit Queen” of Natchez, and her flakey biscuits are legendary.

You can actually learn from the master herself in a biscuit-making class at the historic King’s Tavern. She has a biscuit class, a biscuit and brunch class, a monthly Italian dinner, and weekly dinners.

Kevin and I took her Saturday morning Biscuit and Brunch Class. This 2-hour class taught us Chef Regina’s famous biscuit-making technique (using a tea towel so your hands never get dirty), how to make a béchamel tomato cream sauce for the Shrimp & Grits, and how to make a French omelet.

We got to try our hand at her biscuit folding technique ourselves. Depending on how large the class is, you may get to roll and fold the dough a couple times since it’s an 8-step process. Much of the rest of the class we spent watching. Another member of the class did try his hand at whisking the béchamel.

Once everything was made, we sat down to brunch together in the cozy dining room of the historic King’s Tavern, the oldest structure in Natchez.

Book your Biscuit and Brunch Cooking Class here.

3. Tour Myrtle Terrace

An ornate Victorian sitting room at Myrtle Terrace in Natchez, Mississippi features a pale blue upholstered sofa and matching chairs, burgundy velvet curtains with gold fringe, and floral wallpaper. A crystal chandelier, marble sculptures, gilded portraits, and an intricately patterned cream rug fill the elegant historic interior.
An ornate historic dining room at Myrtle Terrace in Natchez, Mississippi features a large gilded mirror above a black marble fireplace, surrounded by floral wallpaper, porcelain figurines, and decorative glass lamps. An intricately carved wooden fire screen with an embroidered bird and floral design stands in front of the fireplace, while a lace covered dining table and antique chairs fill the foreground.
Myrtle Terrace in Natchez, Mississippi, a historic cream colored house with three dormer windows and a wide front porch, sits atop a landscaped hill beneath a bright blue sky. A brick walkway and steps lead to the entrance, bordered by flowering shrubs, garden beds, and neatly maintained green lawns.
A brick garden courtyard at Myrtle Terrace in Natchez, Mississippi features a winding pathway, a black metal bench, and a white angel statue surrounded by lush greenery. A hanging bell, potted plants, and a white lattice gate add character to the peaceful outdoor space beside a historic brick building.

Myrtle Terrace is another beautiful antebellum home that’s just cattycorner from Stanton Hall. It was built by Natchez builder Nathaniel L. Carpenter in 1844 and completed in 1851.

It was then purchased by steamboat captain Thomas P. Leathers, who was famous for a race between his boat Natchez and competitor Robert E. Lee (a race which Leathers ended up losing by a few hours).

Jim Johnson, the current owner of Myrtle Terrace, offers tours of his home where he shows off his incredible collection of Empire and Victorian furnishings. Jim has been very strict about what pieces he brings into his home, making sure all of his antiques are period-appropriate. The front parlor, music room, and dining room are overflowing with antique pieces.

Leathers owned a large number of slaves and made his fortunes shipping cotton along the Mississippi River. Jim told us that he had records of a few unnamed enslaved women living at Myrtle Terrace, but that there was unfortunately very little information beyond their ages. As he took us around his beautiful garden, he pointed out where the servants’ quarters had been moved and where the exterior buildings would have been at the time of the home’s construction.

What I liked about this house tour, compared to Stanton Hall, is that it’s much more personal. Jim took us through his entire home, which he and his partner actively live in. We met his three dogs. We heard his personal stories from living in the home and collecting the antique furnishings. This isn’t a sterile house museum; the house is actually lived in.

Book your Myrtle Terrace tour here.

STAY AT MYRTLE TERRACE: The Terrace Carriage House at Myrtle Terrace is a unique opportunity to stay in a historic cottage on the property of one of Natchez’s most beautiful antebellum homes. It’s 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom and pet-friendly, so it’s a great choice for couples travelling with their furry friend who want to stay in the heart of Downtown Natchez.

4. Take a Natchez Ghost Tour

A tall, red brick Eola Hotel with rows of white framed windows rises against the black night sky, illuminated by a bright streetlight on the Natchez Ghost Tour in Natchez, Mississippi. Neatly trimmed trees and palm trees partially obscure the lower floors of the historic building.
The Old Adams County Jail, a large historic red brick building with steep gabled roofs, a rounded corner tower, and white wooden porches, stands beneath the night sky during the Natchez Ghost Tour in Natchez, Mississippi. Bright streetlights illuminate its exterior, revealing tall windows, decorative stone trim, and a grassy lawn.
The Prentiss Club, a historic light brick building, stands against the night sky on the Natchez Ghost Tour in Natchez, Mississippi, with an ornate arched window opening onto a small wrought iron balcony. Warm exterior lighting highlights the decorative stonework, while dark shrubs fill the foreground and an illuminated yellow building sits nearby.
King's Tavern, a historic two story log building with a brick ground floor, stands along a quiet street at night. A red awning covers the wooden entrance doors, while a glowing wall lantern illuminates the brick facade and pink flowering crepe myrtle trees frame the building during the Natchez Ghost Tour in Natchez, Mississippi.

If you want to explore the spooky side of the city, then you’ll definitely want to take the Natchez Ghost Tour.

Scott, the tour guide, took us on a nighttime walk around Downtown Natchez to learn about the city’s most haunted places. He’s a great storyteller, and his tour was a great blend of history, humor, and hauntings.

Kevin and I had a lot of fun on this tour! We even had a couple paranormal investigators on the tour, so they let us borrow an EMF reader for our walk, and they were using other ghost hunting equipment of their own.

Sometimes, at the end of the tour, Scott can arrange a special bonus: going into the old haunted jail house. It’s not always guaranteed because it’s dependent on if the officers at the new jail next door can step away to unlock the old jail. But we lucked out and were able to go inside the old jail block with our ghost hunting equipment and do a little investigating. I did get some spikes on my EMF!

Book your Natchez Ghost Tour here.

5. Stay in a Historic Natchez Home

Paige in a mustard yellow shirt and denim skirt poses beside the historic William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi, built circa 1835. The red brick building features white columns, dark green shutters, and a two story porch, with a hanging sign identifying its National Register status.
The historic William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi, built circa 1835, features a red brick exterior, white columns, dark green shutters, and a two story porch. A hanging sign identifies the National Register property, while leafy tree branches frame the sunlit entrance.
An elegant sitting room features four antique wooden armchairs with deep pink upholstery arranged around a dark wood coffee table on a cream floral rug at the William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi. A crystal chandelier, framed artwork, and white columns complement the traditional decor, while an open doorway reveals a formal dining room beyond.
A traditional bedroom at the William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi features a dark wood four poster bed with white bedding, pale blue walls, patterned curtains, and matching bedside lamps. An antique dresser and a white fireplace topped with an ornate wooden mirror complete the elegant historic interior.
A dark wooden table displays antique books, colorful brass candlesticks, a magnifying glass, seashells, and decorative silver dishes at the William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi. A large book titled "Angelica Houston" sits in the foreground, while an upholstered armchair and vintage furniture complete the traditional interior.
Ornate crystal decanters labeled "Gin", "Scotch", "Bourbon", and "Vodka" sit on a dark wooden serving tray, with small amounts of amber liquor visible in two bottles, at the William Harris House in Natchez, Mississippi. A colorful tapestry depicting people in period clothing and horseback riders hangs behind the vintage bar display.

There are tons of historic homes that have been turned in to bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals around Natchez.

When we visited, Kevin and I were hosted at the 1835 William Harris House, a restored antebellum home that is a vacation rental for up to 12 guests (yes, it was a lot of space for just the two of us, but still an incredible experience).

With historic antiques throughout, a private New Orleans-style courtyard, a tester bed, and an antique tub, we certainly felt like we had stepped back in time.

There were 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, private parking, and plenty of seating and space for a group to stay here. And the best part was being within walking distance of all the top sights in Downtown Natchez.

Book your stay at the 1835 William Harris House here.

This is just one of many amazing homes you can stay in. Here are a few more to consider:

6. Walk Along the Natchez Bluff

A golden sunset over the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, with the Natchez Vidalia Bridge stretching across the water on the left. Dark trees frame the river in the foreground, while orange and pink sunlight breaks through scattered clouds and reflects off the water.
A panoramic view of the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi winding between wooded shorelines, with several long barges traveling across the water. A stone path curves alongside a historic bluff and iron fence in the foreground, beneath a bright blue sky filled with sweeping white clouds.
Paige poses beside large blue letters spelling "NTZ" on a grassy lawn in front of a white gazebo decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. The gazebo overlooks the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A steel truss bridge stretches across the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, supported by massive concrete pillars. Below, a tree covered bluff slopes toward a narrow shoreline with a few brick buildings, while sunlight reflects off the water.
The Mississippi River glistens in the afternoon sunlight, with a long steel truss bridge stretching across the water in the distance. A large oak tree frames the view from a grassy bluff, overlooking the opposite shoreline beneath a partly cloudy blue sky in Natchez, Mississippi.

Natchez is built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and the city has built an amazing Bluff Park with a trail that runs alongside the river.

The best time to walk along the bluff is at sunset, when the sun goes down over the Louisiana side of the river and gives off spectacular views.

The Natchez Bluff Walking Trail is a 0.6 mile paved trail along the top of the bluff. The trail then descends a 200-foot wooden staircase to the base of the bluff where the trail is unpaved. It’s honestly enough to just stick to the paved upper trail; that’s where you’ll get the best views.

7. Explore Under-the-Hill and the Historic Saloon

The Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez, Mississippi, occupies a historic brick building with a second story balcony, an American flag, and a wooden porch illuminated by warm string lights. Visitors gather outside the entrance beneath a large saloon sign, while a golf cart and parked vehicles line the street at night.
Paige wearing a white tank top, plaid skirt, and glasses sits on a large carved wooden elephant inside Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez, Mississippi. The exposed brick wall behind her is covered in handwritten names and messages, while a potted plant and wooden doors complete the cozy interior.
A hand holds a white foam cup filled with a bright green iced drink and a black straw inside the lively bar of Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez, Mississippi. Colorful lights, seated patrons, and a busy bar counter blur into the background, highlighting the drink in the foreground.
Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez, Mississippi filled with patrons chatting on wooden stools features a crowded counter, colorful lights, and walls covered in framed photographs, memorabilia, and model boats. Dollar bills cover the dark ceiling, while a musician plays near the back of the room.

The Natchez Under-the-Hill Historic District was once a huge port where cotton was shipped north for processing. This area below the Bluff stretched out for blocks into where the Mississippi River now flows. This area was frequented by gamblers, river pirates, and prostitutes and was considered the seedy underbelly of Natchez.

The river has since risen and washed away most of Under-the-Hill. One street still remains with bars and restaurants, including the iconic Under-the-Hill Saloon. It’s very dive bar-y, with strong mixed drinks served in Styrofoam cups and live music on the weekends. It’s also one of the best places to see the sunset over the Mississippi.

8. Browse Dixon Books

A hand holds a brown paper shopping bag from Dixon Books in Natchez, Mississippi, in front of shelves filled with colorful novels. The bag features the bookstore's open book logo, while signs above the shelves identify general fiction, gothic horror, mystery, and thriller sections.
A Featured Fiction display at Dixon Books in Natchez, Mississippi showcases The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead, Country People by Daniel Mason, and The Frenzy by Joyce Carol Oates. Colorful bookshelves filled with novels line the background of the bright, welcoming shop.
Two women sit beside a small round table in a colorful children's bookstore section at Dixon Books in Natchez, Mississippi, surrounded by shelves of picture books, toys, and gifts. A large red and cream hot air balloon hangs overhead, with a wicker basket and colorful cushions beneath it.

Dixon Books is Natchez’s independent bookstore in Downtown. It’s set in a beautifully restored 1866 building that was once home to an interior design store that did house painting, wood and marble imitation, wall papering, and more.

The store has a curated selection of books in literary fiction, Natchez and Mississippi history, children’s literature, and local authors. They also host tons of community events, from book clubs to author talks. While we were in town, we attended the author talk with Emma C. Wells for her book We Already Dug the Grave.

The bookstore also has a small coffee counter with fresh coffee, teas, and pastries so you can sip and stay a while browsing their titles.

STAY AT DIXON BOOKS: The Dixon Loft at Dixon Books is a unique stay over the bookstore. This 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom apartment right in Downtown Natchez has a balcony, modern luxury, and tons of space to spread out. This is the original home of the Dixon family when the historic building was constructed in 1866.

9. Tour the Natchez City Cemetery

A weathered stone angel statue stands on a tall pedestal in the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi, surrounded by rows of small gravestones and larger monuments. The angel holds a shallow bowl and bows its head, overlooking the grassy burial ground beneath mature oak trees and a clear blue sky.
A massive oak tree with a thick, twisting trunk and sprawling branches towers over the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi, casting dappled shadows across the green lawn. Gravestones, stone crosses, and a small memorial bench sit beneath its canopy, with Spanish moss hanging from nearby trees.
A panoramic view of the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi shows hundreds of gravestones and monuments scattered across neatly maintained green lawns. Paved paths wind between family burial plots and mature oak trees, with a white house visible in the distance beneath a clear blue sky.
A historic burial plot at Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi contains weathered, flat stone grave markers arranged in rows, with decorative stone urns and a tall obelisk monument. A low stone wall encloses the graves, while mature trees and pink flowering crepe myrtles stand beneath a clear blue sky.
wearing sunglasses stands inside an open, concrete lined grave enclosure beside a weathered headstone in the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi. Small colorful toys and other offerings rest at the base of the monument, while old gravestones, iron fencing, and leafy trees surround the burial plot.
A small, weathered gravestone in the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi marks the grave of Florence McCabe Corum, born June 2, 1873, and died August 18, 1879. Its hand carved inscription reads "Gone but not forgotten. By loved ones. At rest." Other gravestones dot the sunlit grassy hillside beneath a clear blue sky.
A weathered red brick archway marks an entrance to the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi, with ivy climbing its sides and a brick pathway leading through an open iron gate. Rows of gravestones stretch across the green lawn beyond, framed by flowering trees beneath a clear blue sky.
A small, weathered gravestone in the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi bears the inscription "LOUISE. THE UNFORTUNATE." The stone sits in the grass beneath a leafy shrub, with an ornate iron fence visible in the background.
Two broken pieces of a weathered gravestone lie propped against each other in the grass of the historic Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi. The surviving inscription identifies Alexander C. Hunter and includes fragments of a memorial tribute, while larger white marble monuments and an old brick wall stand behind the damaged marker.

The Natchez City Cemetery was established in 1822. When this cemetery was built, remains from the earlier cemetery at Memorial Park, private plantations, and churchyards were reinterred at the new city cemetery.

This is one of those classically Southern Victorian cemeteries that is filled with iron fences, benches, monuments, and tombstones with inscriptions that are sometimes insightful and sometimes strange. The Victorians used cemeteries as public parks and often picnicked with their dead loved ones, so you’ll find tabletop tombstones and benches placed within plots.

The cemetery is full of notable Natchezians and famous monuments. The Turning Angel statue is one of the most famous, a memorial to five young female victims of an industrial explosion in 1908, thanks to the Greg Iles novel entitled Turning Angel.

There’s also the grave of a 10-year-old yellow fever victim with stairs that lead down into her grave where there used to be a viewing window into her crypt; her mother would come visit with her buried daughter, but the viewing window has since been bricked up.

The Natchez City Cemetery is full of interesting stories. The cemetery offers a self-guided driving audio tour, and Natchez City Sightseeing offers a self-guided walking tour. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours also offers a private guided tour.

We got a private tour with Kerry Dicks, who is related to a ton of people in that cemetery. So a tour with her is part Natchez history, part family stories. We spent plenty of time admiring tombstone inscriptions and monument decorations to see if there’s anything new Kerry hadn’t noticed before, even though she’s spent a lot of time in the cemetery, and found a few new fun details. It was a lot more like a walk in the park, like the Victorians would have wanted, than a stuffy history tour.

10. Visit Forks of the Road

A green historical marker titled "Forks of the Road" stands beside a sidewalk in Natchez, Mississippi, identifying the site of the South's second largest slave market in the 19th century. The marker explains that enslaved people were sold here and that the site later became a refuge for hundreds of emancipated people after Union troops occupied Natchez in July 1863.
An interpretive panel titled "The Domestic Slave Trade" at Natchez National Historical Park explains how more than 750,000 enslaved African Americans were forcibly moved from the Upper South to the Lower South between 1800 and 1860. Historical illustrations, a woven basket, and firsthand accounts from formerly enslaved people document the brutality of the trade, including the use of chained groups called coffles and the role of the Forks of the Road slave market in Natchez, Mississippi.
An interpretive sign titled "Pressing Their Claim" at Natchez National Historical Park in Natchez, Mississippi tells the story of Lewis Griffin, who sought a pension for his service in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. The sign features his personal account of being born into slavery and a photograph of historical pension records, highlighting the struggle of formerly enslaved soldiers to document their lives and military service.
Rusted iron shackles and chains lie scattered across a sandy memorial at the Forks of the Road slave market site in Natchez, Mississippi. The broken restraints commemorate the enslaved African Americans who were bought and sold here, serving as a reminder of the brutality of the domestic slave trade.

While Natchez is known for its abundance of antebellum homes, we can’t talk about those homes without talking about the enslaved labor that created these huge houses.

Natchez was home to the second largest domestic slave market in the Deep South. In the 1800s, tens of thousands of men, women, and children were moved through the Natchez slave market in chains and coffles. The site of this slave trading market was known as Forks of the Road, just 1 mile from Downtown Natchez. The slave market here operated from 1833 until 1863.

In fall of 1863, the newly created 58th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops helped to tear down the slave pens at Forks of the Road in order to create new barracks for Federal troops that were now occupying the city of Natchez.

There’s not much to the present-day site of Forks of the Road. The small plot of land has a few informational panels discussing the slave trade in Natchez and in the South, panels with stories of those in the 58th Regiment attempting to receive their pension, as well as a memorial made of slave chains laid in concrete surrounded by a small garden.

The site is part of the Natchez National Historical Park, and there are plans to expand the site and create a museum. It’s free to visit the site, but if you really want to learn more then it’s best to take Rev’s Natchez History Tour.

11. Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway

A grassy Native American burial mound rises behind a wooden sign reading "Mangum Mound" along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. The interpretive sign explains that excavations uncovered burial remains and ceremonial objects associated with the Plaquemine culture, while a split rail fence borders the mound beneath a dramatic cloudy sky.
A paved road curves through a low concrete underpass along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi, surrounded by grassy embankments and dense green trees. The dark bridge contrasts with the bright, partly cloudy sky above.

The Natchez Trace is a historic road that runs from Natchez to Nashville, created by Native Americans and used by early European and American traders.

The corridor is commemorated by 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee that roughly follows the old road.

The southern terminus in Natchez starts off of Liberty Road, not far from Forks of the Road. Driving along the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll pass historic sites, Native American mound sites, and hiking trails. It’s also just a really beautiful drive under the cover of a canopy of trees.

We actually drove part of the Parkway on our way into Natchez, opting to drive from Jackson to Stanton to avoid interstate traffic. We stopped at Magnum Mound, a sacred burial mound from the Plaquemine culture.

12. Shop in Downtown Natchez

A gallery wall displays framed landscape and nature photography at Arts District Studio in Natchez, Mississippi, including colorful sunsets, woodland scenes, pink peonies, and a black and white photograph of cattle. The artwork hangs above a small round table and green metal chairs, with part of a grand piano visible on the left.
Franklin Street Relics in Natchez, Mississippi, an antique shop, displays a matching set of carved wooden chairs and a loveseat with burgundy upholstery, surrounded by vintage furniture, framed artwork, and decorative mirrors. Glass vases, porcelain dishes, candlesticks, and lace linens fill the crowded shop, offering a glimpse of its eclectic collection of antiques.

Spend some time browsing the locally owned shops in Downtown Natchez. You’ll find art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, and bookstores tucked into the historic buildings along Main Street, Franklin Street, and Commerce Street.

It’s easy to pop into a few shops while exploring downtown, and you might just find a unique souvenir to take home.

Some shops to check out include:

  • Arts District Studio: This creative space showcases Natchez’s local arts scene, with art shows and other community events.
  • The Shops at Kress: A multi-vendor marketplace inside the restored historic Kress building, with a mix of antiques, secondhand finds, clothing, and other treasures from local retailers.
  • Franklin Street Relics: Antique lovers will want to stop here! This shop is filled with vintage furniture, estate jewelry, china, crystal, collectibles, and unique decorative pieces.
  • Dixon Books: Book lovers, don’t miss this independent bookstore! Browse literature, Southern history, and books by local authors.

13. Eat Your Way Around Natchez

Three golden brown lamb chops topped with a chunky green herb sauce are arranged on a white square plate, alongside roasted potatoes in a creamy dressing. The dish is served on a burgundy tablecloth at Frankie's on Main in Natchez, Mississippi.
Two slices of multigrain avocado toast topped with diced tomatoes and balsamic glaze sit beside two fried eggs on a white plate at The Little Easy in Natchez, Mississippi. Across the table, another diner has a Southern breakfast of cheese grits, bacon, scrambled eggs, and a golden biscuit.

You can’t visit Natchez without enjoying some good Southern food! Between exploring historic homes and wandering around downtown, make time to check out the city’s locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.

Some eateries to check out include:

  • Frankie’s On Main: Southern favorites and contemporary American dishes in an old bank. The menu includes shrimp and grits, boudin balls, steaks, seafood, and burgers, along with cocktails and wine.
  • Natchez Brewing Company: Local brewery for craft beer and pizza.
  • The Little Easy: Cozy neighborhood breakfast spot.
  • Steampunk Coffee Roasters: Local coffee roaster, housed in a historic brick building, with coffee, espresso, and cigars.
  • Butter Cakery: Bakery with freshly made cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and custom cakes.

Things to Do in Natchez Map

Ready to visit Natchez, Mississippi? Find all the fun activities mentioned in this post on the map below.

I hope you have a great time exploring Natchez!

Natchez Things to Do FAQ

How many days do you need in Natchez, Mississippi?

Two to three days is enough time for most first-time visitors to see Natchez without rushing.

A weekend gives you time to tour historic homes, explore Downtown Natchez, enjoy the riverfront, learn about African American history, and fit in a few experiences like a ghost tour or cooking class.

Is Natchez worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy history, architecture, small Southern cities, and slower-paced weekend trips.

Natchez combines historic homes, African American history, Mississippi River views, local restaurants, and a very walkable downtown, so it’s easy to fill a few days without needing a packed itinerary.

What is Natchez best known for?

Natchez is especially known for its historic architecture and antebellum homes, many of which survived the Civil War and are still open for tours today.

The city is also closely tied to the Mississippi River, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and a history that includes Native American, African American, French, British, and Spanish influences.

Can you walk around Downtown Natchez?

Yes. Downtown Natchez is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and easy to explore on foot, with shops, restaurants, historic sites, and riverfront areas all relatively close together. You’ll still want a car for attractions farther outside downtown.

What is the best time of year to visit Natchez?

Spring and fall are especially popular because Natchez hosts its historic-home Pilgrimage seasons during those times. They’re also good choices if you want to spend more time walking around outside as the weather is better. But Natchez has great attractions and events throughout the year.

What are some free things to do in Natchez?

Natchez has several free activities, including walking Downtown Natchez, watching the sunset from Bluff Park, driving the Natchez Trace Parkway, exploring the grounds at some historic sites, and visiting places like the William Johnson House or Natchez City Cemetery.

Top Tours in Natchez, MS

Where to Stay in Natchez, MS

More Mississippi Travel Tips

Ready to visit Natchez, MS? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Natchez using Booking.com.
  • Start Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.

Cheers!

Paige

13 Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi

What are your favorite things to do in Natchez, Mississippi? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *