Ok, Kids, Get in the Car – We’re Headed to Vicksburg. There’s Gold in Them Hills!
Vicksburg is well known for its cultural heritage offerings of historic homes, museums and, of course, the Vicksburg National Military Park. But, if you are looking for a few cool suggestions to keep the kids busy on these beautiful spring days, here are a few suggestions for a daytrip or an overnight adventure to Vicksburg.
The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site allows children of all ages to get up-close and personal with Vicksburg’s most famous resident: Old Man River. The interactive exhibits detailing life along the Mississippi River are perfect for children. Through both interactive and static exhibits children can explore the river’s past and examine the science behind water movement. A tour of the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV gives a glimpse of what life is like living on a boat. Children can play on a scale model of the river between Greenville and Vicksburg. Admission is free.
Just across the river about ten minutes west of Vicksburg is the Southern Heritage Air Museum at the Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport. Let’s face it – kids, especially, boys, love airplanes. The museum houses memorabilia and vintage aircraft. There is plenty of room in the hanger for the kids to play and explore. Admission is free.
On these spring afternoons you will always find lots of kids enjoying playing at the Catfish Row Children’s Art Park located on Levee Street just across the street from the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals. The park is filled with artwork designed by children and has an over-the-top playground.
Located in the Levee Street Deport just north of Children’s Art Park is the Old Depot Museum. The museum houses 250 ship models with exhibits of tow boats, river boats, model railroads in “HO” scale, “N” scale and “O” gauge. Over 150 model cars cover the development of the automobile. A diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg gives visitors an understanding of the terrain as it existed during the siege and features the film “The Vanishing Glory.”
After a playful visit to the Art Park you may want to head up the bluff to the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum for a delicious Coke float made with Mississippi-made Luvel Ice Cream. You will find lots of special treats at the candy store and gift shop. Coca-Cola was first bottled in Vicksburg, in fact, anywhere in the world, in 1894. The museum features reproduction bottling works that demonstrate the bottling process as it existed in 1894. There is an admission fee to visit the museum.
Now, you are going to think that I am crazy for this suggestion, but, let’s give it shot. If you want to have a really fun and entertaining evening of theater with the kids you should check out Gold in the Hills. The production has the distinction of being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest running show. Gold is now in its 81st year of production. The audience is invited to boo the villain and cheer for the hero throughout the play. Gold in the Hills is presented by the Vicksburg Theater Guild, Mississippi’s oldest community theater group. Really, it is a great place for kids! The play will be presented on March 24, 25 and 31 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will be presented at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. The show continues on April 7 and 8; June 2 and 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17.
For a complete list of activities just click on the events tab. You will be surprised at how much Vicksburg has to offer for kids! Vicksburg: The Key to the South!
