In a lot of states, the winter season means brutally cold weather and being stuck indoors. But here in Mississippi, the mild winters provide the perfect opportunity for getting out and exploring our amazing state. Ready to channel your inner explorer? Here are 12 great places to check out in Mississippi in December, or really any time this winter.
- St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Adams County
St. Catherine Creek-Bayou Cocodrie/Facebook At over 24,000 acres, this refuge is perfect for fishing, hunting, photography, hiking, and bird-watching. And thanks to extensive management programs, the refuge provides an excellent winter habitat for waterfowl, making the cooler months a prime time to visit. St. Catherine Creek is now part of Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and you can find out all the most up-to-date information to help plan your visit on their Facebook page. St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, 21 Pintail Ln, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
- Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Hollandale
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex/Facebook One of several wildlife refuges opened in order to provide for the wintering needs of ducks and geese in the Mississippi Flyway, the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for some bird-watching, especially during the winter. And thanks to two new observation areas, visitors can view wildlife like never before. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is also part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, 728 Yazoo Refuge Rd, Hollandale, MS 38748, USA
- Nesbit Blueberry Plantation
Nesbit Blueberry Plantation/Facebook Please note, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is no longer open during the winter months. A trip to a blueberry farm isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind during the winter months; however, just because the cooler weather has arrived, it doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on some locally grown blueberries. Throughout the winter months, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is open every Saturday so that patrons can stop by and purchase fresh-frozen berries. Nesbit Blueberry Plantation, 690 Bankston Rd, Nesbit, MS 38651, USA
- Wister Gardens, Belzoni
Wister Gardens/Facebook Established in 1937, Wister Gardens is the only botanical garden located in the state’s Delta region. And while the garden is in full bloom during the warmer months, a trip to Wister this winter will definitely not disappoint as there is a year round, glassed-in garden on the property. Additionally, each December, the gardens typically turn into a “Winter Wonderland of Lights,” which can be viewed nightly. 1440 MS-7, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
- The DeSoto County Greenway Trails
DeSoto County Government / Facebook The DeSoto County Greenways program is made up of trails perfect for everything from walking and hiking to horseback riding and biking. Visit the area in December or January and you’ll up your chances of spotting bald eagles, waterfowl, and a variety of gulls. And be sure keep your eye on the sky since formations of ducks, geese, pelicans, gulls, herons, shorebirds, and songbirds are common sights during the fall and winter. You can check out the DeSoto County website for additional information. DeSoto County, Desoto County, MS, USA
- The Greenville Cypress Preserve
greenvillecypresspreserve.org The beautiful 16-acre preserve offers breathtaking sights anytime of the year. The cool winter weather provides a much-needed break from pesky mosquitoes, making it an ideal time of the year to visit this treasure known as the Greenville Cypress Preserve. Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, 630 Cypress Ln, Greenville, MS 38701, USA
- Tishomingo State Park
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks/Facebook Rated one of the top state parks in the nation, Tishomingo attracts visitors from all over the country, and the winter months are no exception. Aside from the swimming pool, the park’s facilities are open year-round, which means the cooler weather is a great time to enjoy all that Tishomingo has to offer. State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA
- The Crosby Arboretum, Picayune
The Crosby Arboretum/Mississippi State University Extension Service/Facebook Contrary to popular belief, a visit to an arboretum doesn’t have to be postponed until spring. During the winter, there is still lots to see and do at Picayune’s Crosby Arboretum. Fall foliage can still be seen on several trees and shrubs, and the venue is known for hosting seasonal events, such as the annual Holiday Open House. Check out the Crosby Arboretum Facebook page for all the details to plan your visit.
- The Vicksburg National Military Park
Visit Vicksburg/Facebook In Mississippi, any outdoor activity is best reserved for the fall or winter, and the Vicksburg National Military Park is no exception. The cooler winter months provide the perfect opportunity for comfortably taking in the park and all it has to offer. Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
- The Natchez Trace
Visit Natchez/Facebook The scenic Natchez Trace is breathtaking at any time of the year. The longer days of summer provide extra time for exploring; the fall season brings colorful foliage, and the winter brings with it open vistas, allowing for visitors to easily see into the forests. Check out the Natchez Facebook page for more details. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tennessee, USA
- The Mississippi Gulf Coast
Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast/Facebook During the winter, the cities along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast transform from quintessential coastal communities to winter wonderlands. Bay St. Louis celebrates the season with its “Snowflakes in the Bay,” Biloxi’s annual “Christmas on the Water” and “Christmas at Beauvoir” are much-loved celebrations, and Gulfport “Harbor Lights Winter Festival” is anticipated each year – and these are just a portion of the Gulf Coast’s seasonal events. For a complete listing of all the holiday events going on in coastal Mississippi in December, check out the events sections of Coastal Mississippi’s website.
- Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Starkville
Frank/Flickr The 42,500-acre refuge is filled with an array of wildlife, including both year-round and seasonal residents. White-tailed deer, grey and fox squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, alligators, beavers, muskrats, nutrias, and several types of birds and snakes can be seen year-round; while bald eagles, horned owls, black vultures, and red-shouldered hawks are most likely to be spotted between December and February. Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
What did you think? Have you visited any of the places listed? Know of another spot that shouldn’t be ignored in Mississippi in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
St. Catherine Creek-Bayou Cocodrie/Facebook
At over 24,000 acres, this refuge is perfect for fishing, hunting, photography, hiking, and bird-watching. And thanks to extensive management programs, the refuge provides an excellent winter habitat for waterfowl, making the cooler months a prime time to visit. St. Catherine Creek is now part of Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and you can find out all the most up-to-date information to help plan your visit on their Facebook page.
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, 21 Pintail Ln, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex/Facebook
One of several wildlife refuges opened in order to provide for the wintering needs of ducks and geese in the Mississippi Flyway, the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for some bird-watching, especially during the winter. And thanks to two new observation areas, visitors can view wildlife like never before. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is also part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, 728 Yazoo Refuge Rd, Hollandale, MS 38748, USA
Nesbit Blueberry Plantation/Facebook
Please note, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is no longer open during the winter months. A trip to a blueberry farm isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind during the winter months; however, just because the cooler weather has arrived, it doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on some locally grown blueberries. Throughout the winter months, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is open every Saturday so that patrons can stop by and purchase fresh-frozen berries.
Nesbit Blueberry Plantation, 690 Bankston Rd, Nesbit, MS 38651, USA
Wister Gardens/Facebook
Established in 1937, Wister Gardens is the only botanical garden located in the state’s Delta region. And while the garden is in full bloom during the warmer months, a trip to Wister this winter will definitely not disappoint as there is a year round, glassed-in garden on the property. Additionally, each December, the gardens typically turn into a “Winter Wonderland of Lights,” which can be viewed nightly.
1440 MS-7, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
DeSoto County Government / Facebook
The DeSoto County Greenways program is made up of trails perfect for everything from walking and hiking to horseback riding and biking. Visit the area in December or January and you’ll up your chances of spotting bald eagles, waterfowl, and a variety of gulls. And be sure keep your eye on the sky since formations of ducks, geese, pelicans, gulls, herons, shorebirds, and songbirds are common sights during the fall and winter. You can check out the DeSoto County website for additional information.
DeSoto County, Desoto County, MS, USA
greenvillecypresspreserve.org
The beautiful 16-acre preserve offers breathtaking sights anytime of the year. The cool winter weather provides a much-needed break from pesky mosquitoes, making it an ideal time of the year to visit this treasure known as the Greenville Cypress Preserve.
Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, 630 Cypress Ln, Greenville, MS 38701, USA
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks/Facebook
Rated one of the top state parks in the nation, Tishomingo attracts visitors from all over the country, and the winter months are no exception. Aside from the swimming pool, the park’s facilities are open year-round, which means the cooler weather is a great time to enjoy all that Tishomingo has to offer.
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA
The Crosby Arboretum/Mississippi State University Extension Service/Facebook
Contrary to popular belief, a visit to an arboretum doesn’t have to be postponed until spring. During the winter, there is still lots to see and do at Picayune’s Crosby Arboretum. Fall foliage can still be seen on several trees and shrubs, and the venue is known for hosting seasonal events, such as the annual Holiday Open House. Check out the Crosby Arboretum Facebook page for all the details to plan your visit.
Visit Vicksburg/Facebook
In Mississippi, any outdoor activity is best reserved for the fall or winter, and the Vicksburg National Military Park is no exception. The cooler winter months provide the perfect opportunity for comfortably taking in the park and all it has to offer.
Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Visit Natchez/Facebook
The scenic Natchez Trace is breathtaking at any time of the year. The longer days of summer provide extra time for exploring; the fall season brings colorful foliage, and the winter brings with it open vistas, allowing for visitors to easily see into the forests. Check out the Natchez Facebook page for more details.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tennessee, USA
Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast/Facebook
During the winter, the cities along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast transform from quintessential coastal communities to winter wonderlands. Bay St. Louis celebrates the season with its “Snowflakes in the Bay,” Biloxi’s annual “Christmas on the Water” and “Christmas at Beauvoir” are much-loved celebrations, and Gulfport “Harbor Lights Winter Festival” is anticipated each year – and these are just a portion of the Gulf Coast’s seasonal events. For a complete listing of all the holiday events going on in coastal Mississippi in December, check out the events sections of Coastal Mississippi’s website.
Frank/Flickr
The 42,500-acre refuge is filled with an array of wildlife, including both year-round and seasonal residents. White-tailed deer, grey and fox squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, alligators, beavers, muskrats, nutrias, and several types of birds and snakes can be seen year-round; while bald eagles, horned owls, black vultures, and red-shouldered hawks are most likely to be spotted between December and February.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter In Mississippi November 29, 2022 Katie Feldkamp What are some of the best things to do in Mississippi in winter? When the days are colder and the nights are longer, there’s still plenty to do in Mississippi in winter. One of the best activities is to get outside and go on a hike. To get you started, here are some popular winter hikes in Mississippi:
Ingomar Mound Site in Union County Natchez Trace Scenic Trail The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail CCC Camp Trail Bear Creek Outcropping Trail Little Mountain Trail Clark Creek Nature Area Noxubee Hills Trail System
Where are some places to visit in Mississippi in December? The Christmas season is a magical time of year no matter where you live, and there are plenty of places that get into the holiday spirit in Mississippi in December. You’ll want to check out one or more of the following places:
Lewis Lights in Purvis The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Richardson Light Show in Madison The picturesque town of Bay Springs Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson
For more information on these and other places, read this article on the best places to visit in Mississippi in December.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter In Mississippi
November 29, 2022
Katie Feldkamp
What are some of the best things to do in Mississippi in winter? When the days are colder and the nights are longer, there’s still plenty to do in Mississippi in winter. One of the best activities is to get outside and go on a hike. To get you started, here are some popular winter hikes in Mississippi:
Ingomar Mound Site in Union County Natchez Trace Scenic Trail The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail CCC Camp Trail Bear Creek Outcropping Trail Little Mountain Trail Clark Creek Nature Area Noxubee Hills Trail System
Where are some places to visit in Mississippi in December? The Christmas season is a magical time of year no matter where you live, and there are plenty of places that get into the holiday spirit in Mississippi in December. You’ll want to check out one or more of the following places:
Lewis Lights in Purvis The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Richardson Light Show in Madison The picturesque town of Bay Springs Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson
For more information on these and other places, read this article on the best places to visit in Mississippi in December.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When the days are colder and the nights are longer, there’s still plenty to do in Mississippi in winter. One of the best activities is to get outside and go on a hike. To get you started, here are some popular winter hikes in Mississippi:
- Ingomar Mound Site in Union County
- Natchez Trace Scenic Trail
- The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail
- CCC Camp Trail
- Bear Creek Outcropping Trail
- Little Mountain Trail
- Clark Creek Nature Area
- Noxubee Hills Trail System
Where are some places to visit in Mississippi in December?
The Christmas season is a magical time of year no matter where you live, and there are plenty of places that get into the holiday spirit in Mississippi in December. You’ll want to check out one or more of the following places:
- Lewis Lights in Purvis
- The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express
- Richardson Light Show in Madison
- The picturesque town of Bay Springs
- Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson
For more information on these and other places, read this article on the best places to visit in Mississippi in December.
