Natchez, a small town in southwest Mississippi is one of the oldest European settlements in the area that was established in 1716 by French colonists. It previously held the title of Mississippi River’s most significant port during the height of the cotton trade. As a result, the town is home to numerous elegant and noteworthy estates and mansions from the antebellum era.
It is the ideal location to enjoy a wide range of tourist activities and is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Visit historical landmarks, opulent homes, or ancient places that date back thousands of years as you go sightseeing. If you are worried about your stay in Mississippi, simply check Readytrip.com to get the best hotel bookings.
Before you start exploring Natchez, make sure to stop by the Natchez Visitor Reception Center. They have a wealth of information about the city and can give you recommendations on what to see and do during your visit. They also have a variety of brochures, maps, and guides available to help you plan your trip.
Here we will mention some landmarks that you can mark as some of the more orthodox places to visit and experience in Natchez.
1. St. Mary’s Basilica
The construction of this church began in 1842 and lasted for more than 40 years. Although the front is somewhat simple, the lavish inside is stunning, with statues, stained glass, and a roomy vaulted ceiling. Additionally, the original organ from 1882 is still in operation. Also, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. The Scenic Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway, also referred to as “the Old Natchez Trace,” is a stunning tourist route that parallels a long-gone historic path that runs 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville, Tennessee.
If at all possible, schedule your trip to coincide with the dazzling fall foliage, which attracts lots of tourists. You can also explore some portions of the original route, including the well-known Sunken Trace.
3. The Stanton Hall
A full city block is occupied by Stanton Hall and its grounds. Of all the mansions you can tour, its grounds are the most beautiful. The house, constructed in the 1850s, is a reproduction of the former Irish residence of the original owner. The interior, known as Belfast, is extraordinarily ornate and includes Italian marble and glass chandeliers.
The manor became the location of Stanton College for Young Ladies in 1890. It started the process of becoming a historic home and museum in 1940 and is now included on the Mississippi Landmarks list, the U.S. National Historic Landmark list, and the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It costs $25 to enter.
4. Longwood
Longwood is another grand estate worth seeing while in Natchez. This magnificent red-brick home, also known as “Nutt’s Folly,” was built in 1858 and stands out for having a sizable dome in the Byzantine style.
One of the city’s most visited attractions is this magnificent, oddly shaped home.
The home was originally built in 1959. Throughout the year, it provides guided tours, renting spaces, sporadic programming, and special events.
5. Natchez City Cemetery
Established in 1822, the unique tourist destination known as the Natchez City Cemetery offers a variety of guided excursions all day long. It offers breathtaking sunset views made even more stunning by the Mississippi River and a well-kept landscape.
While touring, you can discover the histories of the people interred here, including the tragic narrative of Louise the Unfortunate, for whom this acts as the final resting place.
6. Auburn Museum and Historic Home
Auburn is a red brick mansion built in 1812 in the Greek Revival architectural style. It is regarded as one of the best residences in the area at the time, with elements that were later frequently imitated in many other antebellum-era homes.
Visit their entertaining Christmas Open House if you happen to be in the region in December. This well-liked festival offers historical baked delicacies and free guided tours. Many associated trinkets are available for purchase at the on-site gift shop.
7. Natchez National Historical Park
Over 108 acres of the Natchez National Historical Park are dedicated to preserving and honoring the city’s history and cultural heritage.
One of the largest slave markets in the Deep South, a tourist centre, a stately home from the 1800s, a historic fort, and other attractions are just a few of the many to be discovered here.
8. Emerald Mound
The second-largest Pre-Columbian ceremonial mount in the US is the Emerald Mound, commonly referred to as the “Selsertown site.” It’s a large area, eight acres in size, that was produced by piling soil against the sides of a natural hill to make a huge artificial plateau.
9. Magnolia Bluffs Casino
On the Mississippi River, in the town’s former mill, you’ll find this casino. The views over the river are beautiful, and despite the tiny size and somewhat old decor, there are lots of slot machines and some table games.
10. The King’s Tavern
Built in 1769, this is the oldest bar in the city. Established after the Revolutionary War, it was a successful business up until the development of steamboats as the coach drivers and outlaws were its main clientele. It is also rumored to be haunted.
In addition to these tourist places, you should also enjoy the local cousine. Natchez is known for its delicious southern cuisine, and there are a number of great restaurants in the city where you can try traditional dishes such as fried catfish, gumbo, and jambalaya.
There are a plethora of other interesting places to visit and activities to do in Natchez. The above-mentioned places are just providing a gist of what Natchez can provide. Visit Natchez if you want to learn about American history, view lovely homes, and travel somewhere that isn’t very well-known to tourists. Natchez may not be a cheap travel option. But with breathtaking beauty and an incredibly rich history attached to it, you won’t be disappointed by visiting Natchez.
