Think having fun has to cost an arm and a leg? Think again! The Magnolia State is filled with places that are big on fun yet low on costs. From exceptional tours to unique museums, here are 10 amazing, budget friendly things you can (and should) do in Mississippi.
- Go on a brewery tour.
Hamilton H./TripAdvisor There are breweries located all over Mississippi, and touring one is a great way to have some fun without breaking the bank. The Chandeleur Brewing Company in Gulfport offers a great tour. Even better, it’s only $10 and includes several samples. Visit the Chandeleur Brewing Company at 2711 14th Street in Gulfport.
- Explore the grounds of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.
audubon.org The perfect place to spend the day outdoors, this Pascagoula gem features exhibits, activities, canoe rentals, boat tours, and more. There’s also a ton of signage providing information on the wildlife and plants native to the area. Admission for a family of 4 is just $26, while the cost for a couple is $16. Visit the Pascagoula River Audubon Center at 5107 Arthur Street in Moss Point.
- Visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.
Nydia 2/TripAdvisor This Biloxi museum offers an inside look at one of the state’s biggest industries – seafood. It’s filled with a variety of exhibits as well as historic photos and artifacts. A family of 4 can visit the museum for just $32; a couple for $20. Visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum at 115 E 1st Street in Biloxi.
- Go for a ride on a rare carousel.
Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House/Facebook Located in Meridian’s Highland Park, the Dentzel Carousel was purchased in 1909 for $2,000. Today, it’s estimated to be worth more than $1 million…and you can actually go for a ride on it! Luckily, a ride will only cost you $0.50; $1 will get you a tour. Visit the Dentzel Carousel at 1802 Carousel Drive in Meridian.
- Catch a movie at the Iuka Drive-In.
NancyDrew1957/TripAdvisor This small town drive-in is the only remaining theater of its kind left in the state of Mississippi. In addition to providing plenty of nostalgia, it’s the perfect place for some affordable fun. For more information, including show times, call (662) 423-2153. Visit the Iuka Drive-In at 1527 W Quitman Street in Iuka.
- Take a winery tour.
Lesia T/TripAdvisor Located in downtown Greenwood, the Winery at Williams Landing specializes in wines made from fruits grown right here in Mississippi. In addition to selling wine, the winery offers tastings and tours. Visit the Winery at Williams Landing at 500 Howard Street in Greenwood.
- Spend the day at a one-of-a-kind museum.
fredakd/TripAdvisor The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum in Gulfport is filled with a variety of models, including the largest LEGO railroad display in the state. There’s also train rides for kids and adults. Admission to the museum is free; however, donations are accepted. Visit the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum at 504 Pass Road in Gulfport.
- Have some seasonal fun.
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum/Facebook Each year, Jackson’s Agriculture and Forestry Museum hosts Pumpkin Adventure. The annual event, which is held on select dates throughout October, includes a hay ride, trip to the pumpkin patch, and admittance to the Small Town Mississippi exhibit. Admission is $7 per child (ages 2 and up). For more information, call (601) 432-4500 or email msagmuseum@mdac.ms.gov.
- Tour one of the nation’s scariest cemeteries.
visityazoo.org Named the 2nd spookiest cemetery in the country, the Glenwood Cemetery includes several significant gravesites, including one that belongs to an infamous witch who, according to legend, wreaked havoc on the area decades ago. Tour the cemetery free of charge, or pay for a guided tour, which is put on by costumed storytellers. For more information, call (800) 381-0662, or email info@visityazoo.org. Visit Glenwood Cemetery at Potters Field Road in Yazoo City.
- Have a wildly fun time at the Hattiesburg Zoo.
Hattiesburg Zoo/Facebook Aside from nearly 100 species of animals, this zoo includes a splash pad, the Asbury Discover Center, which is described as a “room of wonders and oddities,” and the High Ropes Adventure Course. Unlike other zoos, a trip to this one won’t break the bank – admission is just $5 per person (children under 2 are free). Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo at 107 S. 17th Avenue in Hattiesburg.
Was your favorite budget friendly attraction listed above? Tell us in the comments section.
Hamilton H./TripAdvisor
There are breweries located all over Mississippi, and touring one is a great way to have some fun without breaking the bank. The Chandeleur Brewing Company in Gulfport offers a great tour. Even better, it’s only $10 and includes several samples. Visit the Chandeleur Brewing Company at 2711 14th Street in Gulfport.
audubon.org
The perfect place to spend the day outdoors, this Pascagoula gem features exhibits, activities, canoe rentals, boat tours, and more. There’s also a ton of signage providing information on the wildlife and plants native to the area. Admission for a family of 4 is just $26, while the cost for a couple is $16. Visit the Pascagoula River Audubon Center at 5107 Arthur Street in Moss Point.
Nydia 2/TripAdvisor
This Biloxi museum offers an inside look at one of the state’s biggest industries – seafood. It’s filled with a variety of exhibits as well as historic photos and artifacts. A family of 4 can visit the museum for just $32; a couple for $20. Visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum at 115 E 1st Street in Biloxi.
Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House/Facebook
Located in Meridian’s Highland Park, the Dentzel Carousel was purchased in 1909 for $2,000. Today, it’s estimated to be worth more than $1 million…and you can actually go for a ride on it! Luckily, a ride will only cost you $0.50; $1 will get you a tour. Visit the Dentzel Carousel at 1802 Carousel Drive in Meridian.
NancyDrew1957/TripAdvisor
This small town drive-in is the only remaining theater of its kind left in the state of Mississippi. In addition to providing plenty of nostalgia, it’s the perfect place for some affordable fun. For more information, including show times, call (662) 423-2153. Visit the Iuka Drive-In at 1527 W Quitman Street in Iuka.
Lesia T/TripAdvisor
Located in downtown Greenwood, the Winery at Williams Landing specializes in wines made from fruits grown right here in Mississippi. In addition to selling wine, the winery offers tastings and tours. Visit the Winery at Williams Landing at 500 Howard Street in Greenwood.
fredakd/TripAdvisor
The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum in Gulfport is filled with a variety of models, including the largest LEGO railroad display in the state. There’s also train rides for kids and adults. Admission to the museum is free; however, donations are accepted. Visit the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum at 504 Pass Road in Gulfport.
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum/Facebook
Each year, Jackson’s Agriculture and Forestry Museum hosts Pumpkin Adventure. The annual event, which is held on select dates throughout October, includes a hay ride, trip to the pumpkin patch, and admittance to the Small Town Mississippi exhibit. Admission is $7 per child (ages 2 and up). For more information, call (601) 432-4500 or email msagmuseum@mdac.ms.gov.
visityazoo.org
Named the 2nd spookiest cemetery in the country, the Glenwood Cemetery includes several significant gravesites, including one that belongs to an infamous witch who, according to legend, wreaked havoc on the area decades ago. Tour the cemetery free of charge, or pay for a guided tour, which is put on by costumed storytellers. For more information, call (800) 381-0662, or email info@visityazoo.org. Visit Glenwood Cemetery at Potters Field Road in Yazoo City.
Hattiesburg Zoo/Facebook
Aside from nearly 100 species of animals, this zoo includes a splash pad, the Asbury Discover Center, which is described as a “room of wonders and oddities,” and the High Ropes Adventure Course. Unlike other zoos, a trip to this one won’t break the bank – admission is just $5 per person (children under 2 are free). Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo at 107 S. 17th Avenue in Hattiesburg.
Looking for more places to have some affordable fun? Check out “You Can’t Afford To Miss These 11 Free Outdoor Activities In Mississippi.“
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