Top 18 Best Fun Things to do in Hattiesburg, MS

Hattiesburg is a beautiful town situated in Mississippi. It is recognized as the birthplace of “Rock-n-Roll”. Therefore, it is a perfect place for vacations if you love music and want to have a great long road trip. This city is also called the Hub City. The reason is pretty simple. It intersects the US Highways 11, 98, and 49 and Interstate 59. These are a few reasons why you will have plenty of fun things to do in Hattiesburg, MS.

Be it a long road trip, football games, or just exploration by foot, Hattiesburg has multiple choices for visitors. Below, we have listed a few options for you. So, keep scrolling to learn more.

What to do in Hattiesburg MS?

1. Downtown Hattiesburg

The main downtown Hattiesburg has been and is still going through revival periods. This is why you will now see new restaurants, new businesses, new art installations, and several shops here. In addition to this, you can also attend the seasonal events downtown. It can include live music concerts, dance shows, and so on.

2. Public Art Mural Trail

In the entire Hattiesburg, you will find more than 41 art murals. This is why a whole day will be insufficient to see and capture all creations. Therefore, it is good to explore the city in the daytime and walk through the streets to capture the beautiful murals. 

3. Ghost Signs

Visiting Ghost Signs is one of the top things to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a personal favorite for many people and definitely for some good reasons. First and foremost, the name is quite interesting. In this place, you will easily locate old buildings that are transformed into completely new ones. However, you can still see numerous faded ‘ghost signs’. But to capture them in a better way, you should attend the special events that are conducted by the Bottling Company. 

4. McLeod House

When you are in Hattiesburg, you should not miss out on the McLeod House. This is a historic building that was created in the unique style of Queen Ann in 1896. Today, it is no more a visitors’ site as it is converted into a law firm. This is why it is a crucial part of the “Hub City Historic District”. 

5. Instagrammable Spots

People who love photography or are willing to capture some memorable moments to post on their social media platforms will get numerous spots for the same. Along with shops, eateries, and murals, this beautiful town offers several amazing spots to click some mesmerizing shots. But yes, you will need to make a list of those places in advance so that you can directly go there.

6. The Longleaf Trace Trail

The Longleaf Trace Trail offers several fun things to do in Hattiesburg, MS. Some of the most amazing and highly enjoyed activities are biking, cycling, horse-riding, and walking on the 41 miles-long trails. This trace covers the center of the city along with numerous thick forests and streams. Some portions of the Longleaf Trace Trail will take you to the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. The most attractive thing about these trails is the pine trees that cover and shade it year round.

7. Paul B. Johnson State Park

This beautiful park is only 10 miles away from the main town of Hattiesburg. The Paul B. Johnson State Park has so many pine trees that give it an appealing look. In addition to this, you will find splash pads, disc golf, and playgrounds in this park. Since it is a popular state park, it is also a popular picnic site for locals and visitors alike. You can visit this place in your RV and park it outside to have an amazing time in the cottage or cabin.

8. The De Soto National Forest

When you search for the largest ranger option in this city, the De Soto National Forest will top the list. This place is best known for being a popular site to visit with family and friends. If we talk about the main attractions in Hattiesburg, MS then you will find streams, sweeping hills, and southern pines in this area. Moreover, adventure lovers can enjoy fishing, hunting, kayaking, biking, camping, and hiking in this national forest. All these make this place a must-visit, particularly if you want to relax and enjoy some amazing moments.

9. Freedom Summer Trail

When you are looking for some interesting things to do in this city, no other option is better than exploring the Freedom Summer Trail. It is an audio and driving tour that will help you gain detailed information about the civil rights and historic movements of Hattiesburg. By taking this tour, you will be able to see 16 different stops that are associated with Freedom Day i.e. 22nd January 1964.

Top Attractions and Museums of Hattiesburg

Apart from the fun and free things to do in Hattiesburg, MS, you will also have some great attractions and museums here to explore. Below, we have listed the most popular ones. Take a look:

1. The Lucky Rabbit

This place is no less than a paradise for thrift-shopping lovers. The Lucky Rabbit is an antique cum thrift shop where you can explore amazing treasures and buy some. Opened in 2021 only, it is a popular store at this time. The only noteworthy point about this shop is that it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. But it is also a good thing as you can explore the city during the weekdays and do some thrift shopping on weekends.

2. Alley Cats Axe Throwing Company

After a long and hectic day of local exploration, you surely want to throw some axes to feel relaxed! Well! If this is your choice, then the Alley Cats Axe Throwing Company has the solutions. Here, you will need to pay some bucks to throw some axes at your target. 

3. The Pocket Museum

Well! The name seems interesting but the reason behind it is also quite amazing. The Pocket Museum is known as the smallest museum in Mississippi, USA. It is a fun and quirky place to visit. If you are wondering why this museum is so famous, let us tell you that the exhibits change every month. So, it is best recognize for offering something new to see and find every month to its first.

4. Southern Miss Rose Garden

People searching for some free stuff to do in Hattiesburg, MS should visit the Rose Garden. Situated right on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, it is open without any fee for visitors. In this garden, you will get to see a huge variety of roses blooming. But yes, to have the best view of this rose garden, you should visit between mid-spring and fall.

5. T. Bones Records

Since this city is the birthplace of ‘Rock N Roll’, no other place is better than visiting the T. Bones Records store. In addition to records, you can also buy books from this store. In case you visit at the right moment, you can even enjoy the performance of live bands. If such things happen, it is good to grab a cup of coffee and some snacks. After this, just take your seat and enjoy the live performance.

6. Hattiesburg Zoo

Whether you are visiting with your kids, family, or friends, this zoo is such an amazing option to spend some quality time together. The Hattiesburg Zoo has numerous exotic animals including sloths. You can even spend 30-45 minutes with a sloth. In case sloths are not your “kind” of thing, fret not! This zoo has several other options for you. It may include a dedicated area for kids, Touch Africa Petting Zoo, and train rides.

7. Mississippi Blues Trail

To explore Mississippi at its best, you can go to the Mississippi Blues Trails. On this trail, you will find two different stops in the heart of the city only. These stops include the High Hat Club and the Roots of Rock and Roll. Daytime is the best time to explore Mississippi Blues Trails.

8. African American Military Museum

People who want to grab details about the state’s military should plan their visit to the African American Military Museum. Once it was a USO Club that was used to provide some protection to the soldiers who are away from their homes. The most amazing thing about this museum is that entries are free. So, you can see interactive exhibits without thinking about the fees.

9. Armed Forces Museum and Camp Shelby

This museum was created to honor the military veterans of this state who have sacrificed their lives while serving. It also appreciates the service contribution of senior and retired army officers of Mississippi. The Armed Forces Museum and Camp Shelby are huge museums with three amazing galleries.

Top Places to Enjoy Delicious Foods in Hattiesburg

Now, you know the answers to questions such as where to visit and what to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. But, it is said that trying local delicacies is crucial if you want to know a place better. Therefore, you must check out the following while in Hattiesburg:

Birdhouse Café:

It is best known for serving healthy and fresh food. It is an outstanding place to come on an evening date.

The Depot Kitchen & Market:

The most ideal spot to enjoy brunch. Here, you can enjoy authentic southern food with lattes.

Donanelle’s Bar & Grill:

The building of this restaurant is quite historic as it is originally from World War II. Along with some delicious grilled items, you can enjoy unique beverages at Donanelle’s Bar & Grill.

Southern Prohibition Brewing:

Visiting this place to try some amazing beers and other beverages, you can head to the Southern Prohibition Brewing. This is just a perfect thing to do in Hattiesburg for adults. It is the best spot to visit after a long exploration of streets and mural capturing.

Colludium Brewing Company:

To enjoy chilled and unique beers along with some board games, the Colludium Brewing Company should be on your list.

Final takeaways

Hattiesburg is the Hub City and Rock and Roll’s birthplace. Along with great food and amazing music, this place has numerous activities and things to do in Hattiesburg, MS. Some details have been given in this post, while you can attain others i.e. airfares, hotels, and so on by doing a quick research online. But yes, make sure you check and learn everything in advance to avoid unwanted hassles.

Also read:

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