24 Best and Fun Things to Do in Hattiesburg MS (Mississippi)

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is known as the “Hub City” because it sits at the crossroads of six major United States highways. This does not, however, imply that Hattiesburg is merely a stopover on the way somewhere else. Due to the number of famous blues musicians who lived in the city, the city has a beautiful historic downtown district with well-preserved 19th century homes as well as a district that celebrates African American heritage, and it is an important spot on the Blues Trail.

 Things to Do in Hattiesburg MS, Hattiesburg. Mississippi has a zoo, several military museums, a spectacular rose garden on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, and the Longleaf Trace, a popular recreational trail that runs through the state’s legendary pine forests and rolling farmlands. Call the attractions and restaurants ahead of time to confirm current hours of operation.

24 Best Things to Do in Hattiesburg MS 

1. Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s All American Rose Garden

When you arrive at the Southern Miss campus, you will be greeted by the magnificent All American Rose Garden, also known as the Southern Miss Rose Garden. It is one of the most popular areas on campus, as well as one of the most beautiful and fragrant. The rose garden, which opened in 1974, now has over 800 individual rose bushes of various varieties, attracting visitors from all over the country.

The roses are in excellent condition, and they are a spectacular sight during the peak blooming season. There are approximately 36 rose varieties and five selections of “drift rose,” which are used as ground cover in the garden of college town escape room.

318-938-5402, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

2. Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s African American Military History Museum

The African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg tells the story of African-American soldiers who served in the Hattiesburg area since the Spanish-American War. The museum is housed at Camp Shelby in a structure that was built by volunteers in 1942 as a club for African-American soldiers.

The structure is a Mississippi Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the most notable people whose lives are highlighted in the museum include America’s first black aviator, Jesse Leroy Brown, and WWII WAC nurse Ruth Bailey Earl. It is still the only USO museum built specifically for African-American soldiers at Kamper park.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 305 E 6th St, Phone: 601-450-1942

3. Hattiesburg Zoo is one of the top things to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The Hattiesburg Zoo, located in Kamper Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a popular 12-acre zoo that houses nearly 80 species of animals from around the world. This enjoyable family destination, which first opened its doors in 1902, features picnic areas, a carousel, a train, the Parris Jewelers Mining Sluice, a splash pad, an African drum station, a gift shop, and a concession stand.

Touch Africa Petting Zoo, Asbury Discovery Center, and edZOOcation Center are also available. The zoo is situated in a lovely area of Kamper Park, surrounded by dense groves of pine and oak trees, walking trails, grassy picnic areas, tennis courts, and playgrounds at freedom summer trail.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 107 S 17th Ave, Phone: 601-545-4576

4. Longleaf Trail in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The Longleaf Trace, located in Mississippi’s De Soto National Forest, is a 41-mile-long paved bicycle, pedestrian, equestrian, and rollerblade trail built in 2000 between Hattiesburg and Prentiss. The trail winds through the heart of Hattiesburg, passing through rolling hills, farmlands, small streams, and dense groves of longleaf and slash pine. It has fire roads, old logging roads, and numerous single trails. Pines provide lovely shade all year at Southern prohibition brewing.

The Longleaf Trace is used for many local races and competitions, in addition to regular recreation and family outings. There are eight small rest stops along the trail, and the trailhead is located on the Southern Miss campus. The Welcome Center staff provides information, maps, and assistance in identifying the tree species along the route.

5.Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Hattiesburg, MS

The Armed Forces Museum, located about 12 miles from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, serves as the state’s military history museum. Its mission is to recognize and honor Mississippi veterans from all branches of military service, as well as their sacrifices at red bluff. Two veterans founded the museum in 1984, donating their personal artifact collections and housing them in a small room at a Camp Shelby warehouse. The museum relocated to a 23,000-square-foot facility in 2001, with 16,000 square feet of exhibit space containing 17,000 artifacts, 2,000 historical documents, and over 4,500 military history books is another thing.

The museum expanded once more in 2015, with the addition of three new galleries. The museum now has eight galleries, with some of the most important collections dating from the late nineteenth century, World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and many others. Outdoor exhibits also include tanks, aircraft, and artillery.

1001 Lee Ave W, Bldg. 850, Hattiesburg, MS 39407, Phone: 601-558-2757

6. Mississippi Blues Trail, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The Mississippi Blues Trail is a journey from one marker to the next through the land that served as the primary source of modern music. Even if you are not a blues fan, you will enjoy visiting the Mississippi Blues Trail markers and reading about blues and blues greats, the places where they lived and which influenced their music, and the places where their music left indelible traces and gave birth to the blues at high ropes adventure course.

Mississippi Blues Trail markers can be found on city street corners, cotton fields, cemeteries, train depots, churches, and clubs throughout the state. The Mississippi Blues Commission established the Mississippi Blues Trail in 2006, which places interpretive plaques/markers at historical sites associated with the birth and influence of the blues across the state of Mississippi at public art.

7. Paul B. Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Paul B. Johnson State Park is located on the shores of Geiger Lake, about 10 miles from Hattiesburg, and is surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of Mississippi’s pine region. The park is a magical place filled with evergreen loblolly and longleaf pines, graceful dogwoods, and massive ancient oaks.

The park, which is only about 20 minutes from the University of Southern Mississippi, is very popular for a variety of recreational activities. Geiger Lake, formerly known as Lake Shelby, was formed in the mid-1940s by German prisoners of war housed at Camp Shelby. The lake is teeming with fish, and the park has 25 camping areas and 16 rental cabins, the majority of which are occupied by avid fishermen at New York.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 319 Geiger Lake Rd, Phone: 601-582-7721

8. Southern Prohibition Brewing, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Southern Prohibition Brewing, located on the corner of Mobile and 2nd Street in downtown Hattiesburg, is a popular local beer house and taproom with an extensive selection of craft beers available on tap or in their onsite shop. This ultra-modern, high-tech brewery is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and tours are available every Saturday for a maximum of 20 people.

The tour provides not only in-depth knowledge of the beer-making process, but also some delectable samples. The beers on tap in their rustic taproom are listed on a daily basis. The brewery is housed in a large, previously abandoned industrial building that has been renovated, and it has a pleasant outdoor patio for warmer days. They do not prepare food, but their food trailer sells stone-fired Mercury Pizzas. Mississippi Attractions at mississippi river.

Phone: 601-602-4871, 301 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

9. Crescent City Grill is one of the things to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Crescent City Grill is a charming Cajun restaurant with a distinct New Orleans vibe, complete with cozy leather booths, a gleaming ornate bar on one side, and exposed brick walls and stained-glass details. Outside in the enclosed courtyard, a lovely wrought iron fountain adds to the pleasant cozy atmosphere. There is a large selection of craft beers on tap, a good wine list, and a delectable menu.

While the menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal availability of fresh ingredients, some menu items remain consistent, such as nachos au gratin with spicy Cajun cheese, bacon, and fresh salsa, served with sour cream, green onions, fried jalapeos, and homemade tortilla chips; you may also enjoy the pan-seared yellowfin tuna sliced very thin, cooked rare, and served with wonton chips and pickled cucumbers.

Phone: 601-264-0656, 3810 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.

10.Things to Do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi: Java Werks Coffee and Tea

When Java Werks Coffee and Tea first opened in 2013, it quickly became known as the place to go for the best coffee in Hattiesburg. More than that, it became a gathering place for people to chat, work on their computers, or enjoy some delicious Latin American treats. The place invites lingering, with oversized sofas, shelves full of books, and walls covered in art.

It is particularly popular with students due to its proximity to Southern Miss. For many, Java Werks provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try traditional Venezuelan dishes like arepa, but there are also old favorites like muffins, coffee cakes, bagels, and every imaginable type of coffee drink.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 2902 Hardy St #10, Phone: 601-268-3993

11. Sarah Gillespie Museum of Art

The Sarah Gillespie Museum of Art, which houses over 600 works of art, is widely regarded as one of the most extensive and comprehensive art collections amassed by Mississippians in the twentieth century. The museum is housed at William Carey University, which also houses the Lucile Parker Gallery, and is named after one of the university’s most generous art donors, Miss Gillespie.

Visitors to this museum can see a wide range of works in various mediums such as oil, pencil, watercolor, batik, lithograph, ink, pen, and block print. Among the many artists represented by this museum are Walter Anderson, Kate Freeman Clark, Theora Hamblett, and Karle Wolfe.

Phone: 601-318-6051, 498 Tuscan Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

12. National Forest of De Soto

The Desoto National Forest is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. De Soto is known for many things, including having the largest ranger district in Mississippi, but it is its natural beauty and gentle terrain that make it a great place for families to visit. This national forest is home to gentle rolling hills dotted with southern pine ridges and idyllic streams that run throughout the forest.

The forest’s 378,538 acres are open to visitors all year, with hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, ATV riding, hunting, and fishing available. Solo travelers will find peace and quiet in the forest’s two wilderness areas, Black Creek and Black Leaf.

Phone: 601-528-6160, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39425

13. Grand Paradise Water Park 

The Grand Paradise Water Park is a great way to beat the summer heat. This water park promises a fun day in the sun with 7 acres of adrenaline-pumping features ideal for waterslide enthusiasts of all ages. Try out slides like the Free Fall, which has a jaw-dropping, zero-g style, vertical drop, or the Aqua Twist, a looping speed slide with an 80-degree gradient drop.

The Wipe Out, Tropical Splash, Blue Typhoon, and the 4-story-high Grand Falls Racer are also fantastic slides. The Waddleland Splashpad, Grand Paradise Pool, and Paradise River are happy to serve visitors who prefer relaxation over thrills.

Phone: 601-765-8118, 50 Grandview Drive, Collins, Mississippi 39428

14. Museum of the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society

The Hattiesburg Historical Museum, which has been dedicated to preserving the local history and heritage of Hattiesburg since 1970, is the ideal place to visit for those interested in learning more about the city’s history. The museum’s galleries contain fascinating information about Hattiesburg.

Visitors are often surprised to learn that the Choctaw Indians were the first to settle in Hattiesburg, and they can learn more about this in the museum’s Choctaw Heritage Gallery. A display on the city’s early river transportation, the arrival of the railroad in Hattiesburg, and the local early timber industry are among the exhibit highlights.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39403, 723 Main Street, Phone: 601-582-5460

15. The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum

Did you know that Hattiesburg is home to Mississippi’s smallest museum? The only problem is that not many people can find it! That is, after all, what draws people to the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum in the first place. When the museum was first announced, its location was purposefully kept hidden so that eager visitors could explore the downtown area as part of the process.

It’s safe to say it’s been a huge success, as the museum receives a steady stream of visitors throughout the week. The museum’s exhibits change on a monthly basis, with previous displays including a Swiss Knife collection and miniatures of people.

119 West Front Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

16.Hattiesburg Saenger Theater

The Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, designed by New Orleans architect Emile Weil, is more than just a venue for entertainment and the performing arts; it’s also a beloved fixture of the city’s historic downtown area. The theater is one of only seven in the South founded by Abe and Julian Saenger, and it features stunning Neoclassical Revival and Art Deco architecture.

This 997-seat theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and later restored in 2000. Watch movies, listen to live music, or see great plays at the Saenger Theater before venturing out to some of Hattiesburg’s best restaurants.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401, 201 Forrest Street, Phone: 601-584-4888

17. Gallery of Lucile Parker

Miss Lucile Parker’s beautiful works can be found in a gallery named after her at William Carey University. The gallery, which opened in 1990, is named after its namesake, Lucile Parker, a local artist known for her botanical drawings and paintings, as well as portraits. Aside from her artwork, Lucile Parker is known as an inspiring teacher who encouraged her students to push their limits and appreciate beauty.

The gallery currently houses four collections: the Lucile Parker Collection (142 pieces), the Brian Blair Collection (190 pieces), the Larry H. Day Collection (190 pieces), and the William Carey Collection (159 pieces). In addition to its permanent collections, the gallery hosts a number of visiting exhibits during the summer months.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401, 710 William Carey Parkway, Phone: 601-318-6051

18. Okatoma River Resort and RV Park

The Okatoma River Resort and RV Park’s sixty-acre grounds are full of both excitement and tranquility. This river resort is known for being the ultimate nature getaway in Hattiesburg, with three fishing lakes, a bird haven, sprawling camping grounds, and endless hiking trails. The grounds are so popular that long-term stays are available for people who want to unplug and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life.

In addition to the endless acres of natural beauty, the resort has a dog park, a swimming pool, a basketball court, a clubhouse, a general store, and excellent laundry facilities. What’s the best part? You can choose the best camping style for you, whether it’s a cabin, a tent, or parking your RV at the waterfront.

Phone: 601-520-6631, 221 Okatoma River Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

19. Shadow Ridge Golf Club

While membership-based and private golf courses are undoubtedly beautiful and exciting to play on, public golf courses can be just as good. The Shadow Ridge Golf Club is a residential and public club with a beautiful 18-hole Azinger Golf Course set on 500 acres of beautiful rolling hills. The course is also quite difficult because it makes use of many natural features of Shadow Ridge’s nature preserves, such as lakes and streams.

The best part is the club’s location, which is close to the Turtle Creek Mall and the Oak Grove School District. So, whether you’re new to golf or have been playing for a while, the Shadow Ridge Golf Club is a great place to hit some balls.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39402, 101 Shadow Lake Drive, Phone: 601-296-0286

20.Axe Throwing Company Alley Cats

Have you ever considered throwing axes around? You are aware. Just for fun? Canadians, it appears, have thought of it, and have been enjoying this strange but daunting pastime for more than a decade. This unusual activity has only recently arrived on American soil, but it has quickly become a national phenomenon.

Alley Cats Axe Throwing Company in Mississippi is one of the few places where daring souls can try it. Alley Cats’ creators promise a safe and enjoyable environment in which to try the activity, comparing it to throwing darts. Try throwing traditional axes, or hatchets if you prefer, at fixed targets to see how close you can get to the bullseye.

Phone: 601-329-2340, 220 West Pine Street, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

21.Chain Park at Twin Forks

Nothing beats a leisurely afternoon spent in a beautiful park, simply enjoying nature and the company of people you care about. The Chain Park at Twin Forks in Hattiesburg is just one of the spectacular places to do so. Chain Park, built by the Neel-Shaffer company in an effort to improve and provide better parks for the community, spans over 37 acres of land and provides great amenities for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Individuals and groups can use the park’s ADA-compliant walking paths, five different exercise stations, a shaded resting and picnic area, and two playgrounds.

Phone: 601-516-0872, 5619 Highway 42, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

22. Colludium Brewing Company

Relax and unwind with friends and family over a great pint of craft beer at Colludium Brewing Company. The Colludium Brewing Company, owned and operated by Marcus and Christine Cooper, is dedicated to two things: brewing excellent beer and providing a great space for locals and visitors alike to hang out and have some fun. The Amber Expansion lager, the Wheat and Wagers pale, and the Wizards of the West Coast IPA are all available on tap at this brewpub. Colludium also houses over a hundred board games to keep guests entertained and engaged with one another.

Phone: 601-402-7194, 2108 West 4th Street, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

23. Eagle Action Sports

Eagle Action Sports, Hattiesburg’s premier paintball destination, is all about guts and glory. Whether you’ve never played before or have competed in professional paintball tournaments, this paintball field will put your skills to the test by putting you through three different types of fields with plenty of obstacles and cover.

Newcomers to the sport can rent all of the necessary equipment from Eagle Action Sports, which carries all of the necessary equipment. The best part about Eagle Action Sports is that they only stock paintball brands that are the best of the best. So, if you need to restock on paintball supplies, the on-site pro shop has you covered.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39402, 70 Ryner Road, Phone: 601-447-2876

24.Escape Rooms in College Town

Do you think you have what it takes to escape from a locked room in 45 minutes? Come on over to College Town Escape Rooms if you want to challenge your wits or just have a good time. This escape game center has four different rooms to choose from, each of which can accommodate a different number of players and has varying levels of difficulty.

Escape before your kidnapper reappears in “Kidnapped: Revamped!” Pull off a daring heist in “The Great Western,” recover stolen treasures for a mysterious organization in “Steampunk’d,” or solve the mystery of a lost crown in “Around the World In 60 Minutes.” What’s the best part? All of this is possible with a great craft beer in hand, thanks to Brews Clues.

Phone: 601-813-6951, 2206 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

FAQs