THE 5 BEST Natchez Tours & Excursions

Natchez tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Private Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

tour natchez mississippi

1. Biscuit and Brunch Class with Chef Regina

tour natchez mississippi

2. Natchez MS Self-Guided Audio Tours

tour natchez mississippi

3. Historic Natchez Full Day Private Tour

tour natchez mississippi

4. Nutty Natchez Scavenger Hunt

tour natchez mississippi

5. Longwood Natchez MS Audio Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

tour natchez mississippi

Windsor Ruins Audio Experience

What travelers are saying.

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  • Natchez MS Self-Guided Audio Tours
  • Biscuit and Brunch Class with Chef Regina
  • Nutty Natchez Scavenger Hunt
  • Longwood Natchez MS Audio Tour
  • Historic Natchez Full Day Private Tour
  • Open Air Tours Natchez
  • Revs Country Tours
  • Natchez Pilgrimage Tours
  • Downtown Karla Brown
  • Miss Lou Heritage Group & Tours
  • Southern Carriage Tours
  • Quapaw Canoe Co : Outpost Natchez Day Trips

Natchez: Tours Information

Little Easy Tours

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Indulge in natchez's finest, discover natchez's hidden treasures, journey through natchez’s elegance, take a stroll through natchez’s timeless splendor.

Welcome to Natchez, the enchanting city that beckons visitors from far and wide with its rich history and opulent past. Nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River, Natchez boasts a remarkable distinction—it once boasted more millionaires per capita than anywhere else, making it a captivating destination for those seeking to revel in the glories of a bygone era. Travelers flock to Natchez to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of a “live museum” where time stands still, uncovering the hidden gem of America’s history. Step into the elegant antebellum mansions, adorned with exquisite architecture and period furnishings, transporting you to a time when grandeur reigned supreme. With each cobblestone street and blooming magnolia tree, Natchez unveils the story of a flourishing past, making it an irresistible attraction for those in search of a truly remarkable experience. Come and discover the charm and elegance of Natchez, where the echoes of a vibrant past continue to enchant visitors today.

tour natchez mississippi

Design your experience

Travel back in time as you visit exquisite mansions.

Experience Natchez’s Deep South hidden gems: enjoy music, explore majestic manors, and embrace authentic Southern charm. Design your own adventure, traveling back in time to exquisite mansions and haunted spots. Uncover Natchez’s mysteries with knowledgeable local guides and delight in Little Easy Tours’ curated experiences.

Choose A Tour

Private tour guide.

Choose a Private Tour Guide to get a completely curated tour designed to suit your needs and experience Natchez from a whole new lens. Book online today!

Downtown Carriage Ride

Discover the history and beauty of downtown Natchez on an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage tour. Our tours offer an intimate and unique way to explore the antebellum homes, stunning gardens, and charming streets of this southern city. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – reserve your spot now!

Walking Ghost Tour

Natchez is a top destination for those seeking a paranormal experience. Touted as America’s most haunted city, its turbulent history full of untimely deaths, slavery, and war leaves little doubt that it is inhabited by otherworldly souls. Here are some of your best bets for a ghostly good time.

tour natchez mississippi

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

YEAR-ROUND TOURS

Browse year-round tours.

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Open for tours year-round, for over 80 years Natchez has opened the doors to some of America’s most exquisite homes and gardens. No matter what time of year you choose to visit this beautiful city on the mighty Mississippi, historic house tours await you. Each home tells its own story, docents at each site will share the rich history of those who lived, worked or visited these heritage sites, while pointing out significant architectural and decorative arts and architectural details.  Browse the buildings below and book your Natchez tour online.

  • MUSEUM HOME!

LONGWOOD c. 1860-1861

Longwood Mansion is the largest octagonal house in America with the original furnishings and tools still intact. Construction was halted by the Civil War and never fully completed. Tour Longwood and learn about the fascinating history of the original builder and his family.

YEAR-ROUND: ROSALIE MANSION AND GARDENS CIRCA 1823

Located on the Mississippi River bluff near the site of the massacre of the Natchez Indians, now a National Historic Landmark, this home was a Union headquarters during the Civil War.

  • Special Tour!

The Burn: Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour

Come before dinner and relax in a historic private residence for a Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour in one of Natchez’s most significant purely Greek Revival homes.  This special tour is available on Thursday and Friday evenings year-round from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

STANTON HALL c. 1857

This house is furnished with period antiques and original Stanton family china, crystal and the Stanton family Bible.   Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and palatial Greek Revival homes in America, occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez.  This home stands 5 stories tall, was originally 14,000 square feet and has delicately arched millwork in the halls and parlors.  Stanton Hall boasts many original furnishings and beautiful antiques. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974, Stanton Hall is owned and beautifully maintained by The Pilgrimage Garden Club.

  • Bed & Breakfast!

OAK HILL: HOME AND GARDEN TOUR CIRCA 1835

Oak Hill, voted one of the winners in the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards 8 times, boasts beautiful gardens and fountains around the property. Come experience the lovely Oak Hill Inn with unique period antiques in every room.

  • Year Round Package!

3 HOUSE PACKAGE: ROSALIE, STANTON HALL, & LONGWOOD

Enjoy tours of Rosalie, Stanton Hall, and Longwood at a discounted price.

You don’t want to miss this special pricing and you DO NOT have to tour all three houses on the same day. Your purchase of the 3-house package can be split between any day you are in Natchez!

2 HOUSE PACKAGE: LONGWOOD & STANTON HALL

Enjoy tours of Stanton Hall and Longwood Mansion at a discounted price!

You don’t want to miss this special pricing and you DO NOT have to tour both houses on the same day. Your purchase of the 2-house package can be split between any day you are in Natchez!

  • Home Tours and Bed & Breakfast!

CONCORD QUARTERS CIRCA 1819

Concord Quarters is the only freestanding former slave dwelling in the state of Mississippi that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This mansion has an original written inventory of the enslaved African-American men, women, and children of old Concord.  Enjoy the archaeological site with interpretive display panels in a park-like landscape with giant oaks situated on a knoll and view the Cosey collection of African Bust and Art.  As a special treat, Debbie Cosey, the owner, performs Negro Mystical and Religious songs during your tour.

YEAR-ROUND: LANSDOWNE MANSION CIRCA 1853

With beautiful architecture and original Zuber wallpaper, this house is now occupied by descendants of the original builder, on land owned by the family since the 1780s.

YEAR-ROUND: MONMOUTH MANSION CIRCA 1818

Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens reflects all that is charming about the South. With 26 acres of manicured gardens, the most prominent owner/occupant of this home was General John A. Quitman, who served as governor of Mississippi and in the U.S. Congress.

AUBURN c. 1812

As the home of the first Mississippi Attorney General, Auburn established the style of the columned portico in the South and boasts a freestanding spiral staircase to the second floor.  Architect Levi Weeks, defendant in the first transcribed murder trial in US history, designed Auburn after his acquittal. Was he innocent? Come hear the story and decide for yourself!

Explore the History and Grandeur of Natchez!

tour natchez mississippi

Natchez Spring Pilgrimage & Year-Round Home Tours

Personalized planning.

We want to make sure that you are getting the most from your trip to Natchez. We are seventh-generation locals to the community, and our goal is to help craft the perfect experience while visiting Natchez for motorcoach tours, groups and individual travel arrangements.

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We can arrange all tours and event tickets for your upcoming trip to Natchez. Restaurants, hotels, excursions and more may be arranged through us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with group or individual travel planning so your vacation can be worry free.

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We've got your back! In the event something unexpected arises during your journey to Natchez, or once you are here - our team will help make sure your trip is not interrupted. We are hands on 24/7, and are available for last-minute changes to your customized tour arrangements. 

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tour natchez mississippi

Temple B’Nai Israel is Mississippi's oldest Jewish congregation. It was formed in 1843 and for the first couple of decades, it was an Orthodox community. The current temple was built in 1905 and has a seating capacity of 450. However, the congregation is far too small to fill the pews and will likely close sometime in the near future. As of early 2017, the congregation is still active but the temple has been in a partnership with the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience since 1991 in order to preserve the building long-term. In addition to worship and religious services, the temple is used for lectures, concerts, film screenings, and other programming.

tour natchez mississippi

Glen Auburn is one of the many historic homes located in the Natchez On-Top-of-the-Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built around 1875, it is considered the finest example of Second Empire architecture in Mississippi. After the Civil War, not many buildings of this size were built in this style, which adds to the home's significance.

tour natchez mississippi

Magnolia Hall is a historic mansion that is the home of the Natchez Garden Club, which was founded in 1927 to promote local history. The club offers tours of the mansion as well as the House on Ellicott Hill. Wealthy cotton commission merchant Thomas Henderson built Magnolia Hall in 1858 and it was later owned by Eliza and A.C. Britton. As such, the home is also known as the Henderson-Britton House. The house is an outstanding and large example of Greek Revival architecture, featuring fluted Ionic columns supporting a portico and second-story porch on both sides of the building, and pilasters (columns) on the corners and sides. Magnolia Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and is also a contributing property of the Natchez On Top of the Hill Historic District.

tour natchez mississippi

Built in 1853 and originally known as Institute Hall, this stately building is historically significant for its architecture and the role it has played in the community. In terms of architecture, the building is an excellent and rare example of a 19th-century auditorium designed in the Greek Revival style. The Pearl Street facade is the most impressive part of the building, featuring paired pilasters (columns), a grand portico and pediment, and a molded parapet with paired tiers. The building was first used by the school next door called Natchez Institute, which was founded in 1845 (it is believed to be the first free school in the state). Over the years, the building was used in a number of ways including hosting a variety of performances and events and was even used as a skating rink. Today, it is now the United States Courthouse for the Southern District of Mississippi.

tour natchez mississippi

The Mount Locust Inn and Plantation was built in 1780 and is one of the most ancient homes still in existence in the Natchez community. The house was bought by William and Pauline Ferguson in 1784 after the original owner was imprisoned after failing to carry out a successful rebellion against the Spanish. After William died in 1801 Paulina married another man by the name of James Chamberlain, and together they maintained the plantation and house until he too died after 1810. Five generations of the family lived here until 1944. The inn served as a resting place for several people passing through the area, allowed for an escape for the people of Natchez, and relied on the service of many slaves. In 1954, the National Park Service started to remodel the home to make it resemble its former 1820 design.

tour natchez mississippi

St. Mary's Basilica is located in the heart of Natchez, Mississippi. The city of Natchez is found on the banks of the Mississippi River and is the oldest city in Mississippi. St. Mary's Basilica was founded in on September 19th,1886 which makes it one of the oldest Churches in the area. It belongs to the Diocese of Jackson. St. Mary's is the home Church of about 2,000 Roman Catholics and has a school called Cathedral Unit School. St. Mary's Basilica is known for its beautiful Catholic architecture. It resemble a Catholic Church you would find in Europe. It is set up in as a Catholic Revival Style Basilica. It is a must see place when visiting Natchez, Mississippi.

tour natchez mississippi

Holy Family Catholic Church is historically significant for its architecture and its association with the local African American community. Built in 1894, it was the first (and therefore the oldest) African American church in Mississippi. In terms of architecture, it is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture. Notable features include a bell tower with a spire, Gothic arched windows, buttresses, and decorative brickwork. The church is the centerpiece of the Holy Family Catholic Church Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

tour natchez mississippi

One of the deadliest fires in American history occurred at this location on April 23, 1940. On that fateful evening, a crowd of around seven hundred people packed Natchez's Rhythm Night Club to listen to a famous bandleader who was set to play one night only as he made his way back to Chicago. In hopes of maximizing his income and preventing anyone from getting a free show, the manager of the club boarded up the windows and doors. As a result, the only way in or out of the club was through the front door. At that time, the club had been decorated with Spanish moss which hung from the rafters, but in order to kill the bugs that were known to live in the moss, it was sprayed with a petroleum-based insecticide called Flit. Tragically, the treated moss was flammable and helped spread a fire that killed 209 people. Many of the victims were buried in a mass grave at a cemetery on the outskirts of town. At the time, the fire was the second deadliest building fire in the United States.

tour natchez mississippi

The supposedly-haunted King's Tavern is home to many deaths and a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The owners of the Tavern have changed throughout the years and the purpose of the Tavern has changed, but the building and its history remain. The Tavern has doubled as both an inn and tavern, and has served as a way-point for tired travelers to come and sleep and drink the night away and usually leave by the morning.

tour natchez mississippi

Built 1857, the Greek Revival style home belonged to Irish immigrant and cotton merchant Frederick Stanton. During the Civil War, Union troops occupied the home, and in 1894, it was turned into the Stanton College for Young Ladies. Today, the antebellum home is open to the public for tours.

tour natchez mississippi

Built during the years of 1797 and 1801, the House on Ellicott Hill belonged to Merchant planter James Moore. The home dates back to the actions of US military officer Andrew Ellicott who arrived in Natchez to survey the area according to the terms of the Treaty of San Lorenzo. Ellicott defied Spanish officials by raising the American flag on this hill. Construction of this home followed soon after and also served as a signal that Americans intended to control the area prior to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

tour natchez mississippi

Erected in the mid-1830s, the Commercial Bank and Banker's House is one of the most unusual buildings in Natchez. It consists of a former bank, which faces Main Street, and an attached house in the back where the banker lived. As of 2020, it appears that the bank part of the building is unused and that the house is a private residence.

tour natchez mississippi

This historic two-story brick house was once built in the 1850s for the family of Robert D. Smith, a free Black businessman who operated a livery service that transported residents throughout the city in the years leading up to the Civil War. The back of the house features the original wide arch openings and the front contains a two-story cast iron porch that was added in the 1890s. The Smith-Buntura-Evans House is a rare surviving residential architecture from the 1800s and a reminder of the role that a small but historically significant number of Black business owners played in the late antebellum period.

tour natchez mississippi

William Johnson was a born slave in Mississippi who was later freed by his owner and became an apprentice to a Black barber. William became a wealthy businessman and entrepreneur who later owned slaves himself. After his death, his diary was discovered which told the day in the life of being a wealthy Black man in Mississippi. This historic house is located in downtown Natchez and once housed Johnson's large family and servants. The property also once was occupied by businesses downstairs and livestock in the back. Now a historic museum and restored, viewers can relive a day in the life of William Johnson and get a glimpse into house he once wrote about.

tour natchez mississippi

Located in the former United States Post Office building, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates the rich history of the local African American community from 1716, the year Natchez was established to today. The museum's exhibits explore a variety of topics including the Rhythm Nightclub fire, one of the deadliest fires in American history (200 people were killed), the Three Forks Slave Market (the second largest slave market in the South), and the life and legacy of author Richard Wright, who was born here. Many items are on display including photographs, personal belongings, books, works of art, and a wide range of artifacts.

This Tour is a Walking Tour .

Historic Downtown Natchez Mississippi Walking Tour

Get a QR Code for this tour

Description

Starting at the temple that is home to Mississippi's oldest Jewish congregation, this tour includes historic buildings and homes as well as several museums and even a pair of historical markers that share the story of events such as the 1940 Rhythm Club Fire. Highlights of the tour include Stanton Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, Glen Auburn, Magnolia Hall, and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. This tour makes a relatively short loop in order to create an easy walk that should appeal to many. Be sure to also check out the many historic homes within a few miles of the downtown area as well as some of the thematic tours that focus on women's history, African American history, and other topics.

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The 12 Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi

A pathway leading up to the historic Rosalie mansion, with white pillars and a brick façade with black wooden shutters, surrounded by lush trees in Natchez, Mississippi, USA

As the Southern cotton economy expanded on the back of slave labor in the early 1800s, towns emerged to transport the cotton on the Mississippi River. New Orleans , Memphis, Vicksburg, and Natchez are the four most famous of these towns.

Located high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi, was established by French colonists in 1716. The defensible strategic location ensured that it would become a pivotal center for trade.

In the middle of the 19th century, the city attracted Southern planters, who built mansions to show off their vast wealth from the cotton and sugarcane trade. Natchez was where planters came to escape the heat and isolation of the plantations. It was the Hamptons of the South, the place where the rich relaxed and socialized.

I never heard of Natchez until a few weeks before I visited. While in Nashville , I met some local guys at a bar. Fascinated by my road trip plans , they gave me all the information they could on their home state of Mississippi. I mentioned my desire to see antebellum homes.

“That’s Natchez. If you want antebellum homes, Natchez is the place to be,” they agreed.

So, I drove to Natchez, with its dozens of pre-Civil War antebellum homes. As a former history teacher who specialized in pre–Civil War America, I have a significant interest in this part of the country. I’m fascinated by the hypocrisy and duality of pre–Civil War Southern society.

On the one hand, it was genteel, polite, and formal. On the other, it was brutally racist. Southern egalitarian views of chivalry, equality, and honor extended only to a small segment of society and they found no hypocrisy in owning slaves, whom they brutalized to no end.

( Note : Reams of essays and books have delved into Southern culture. If you’re looking to learn more, check out Ken Burns’s The Civil War and The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution That Transformed the South .)

Today, Natchez remains a beautiful city and many of the historic homes are still here. Secession sentiment never ran high here and the city quickly surrendered to the Union Army in 1862. Therefore, none of the destruction that took place in other cities occurred here.

These days, Natchez trades in tourism instead of cotton. Visitors to the historic homes, surrounding Natchez Traces , and gambling on the riverboats sustain the tiny town.

But the old homes are the biggest draw.

By today’s standards, they are average suburban homes. You wouldn’t stop and think “Wow, that is a mansion!” But for the period, these homes were an ornate testament to the planters’ great wealth, with high ceilings, intricate wallpaper designs, and multiple stories. They were filled with fine china, exotic carpets, and expensive furniture.

There are over 20 homes in Natchez. I didn’t get to see them all, as many are private residencies. But I saw a lot and the following are my favorite historic homes to visit in Natchez:  

The Longwood mansion in beautiful Natchez, Mississippi USA

Construction began in 1859, however, the owner died before most of the house was completed, leaving the entire upper floor unfinished. The Civil War stopped the rest of the construction (to this day, only a handful of the rooms are finished)

Today, it’s one of Natchez’s most popular homes and you’re able to tour the home and read about its history. Be sure to wander the grounds, too. They’re beautiful!

Open daily from 9am-3pm with tours every 30 minutes. Admission is $25 USD.  

Rosalie Mansion

The iconic Rosalie Mansion with its lush trees and old gate in Natchez, Mississippi

The mansion was built for a wealthy cotton broker. In 1863, after the Battle of Vicksburg, General Grant commandeered the home to use as his headquarters. General Gresham, who commanded Union troops in the region after Grant, continued to use the mansion as his headquarters for the duration of the war. There are all kinds of historic artifacts and furniture inside from the 19th century too.

Today, the mansion is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is an official U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Open year-round with daily tours beginning at 9am. The last tour begins at 4pm and tours take around 45-60 minutes. Admission is $20 USD.  

Stanton Hall

The stunning Stanton Hall mansion in historic Natchez, Mississippi USA

In 1890, the estate became home to Stanton College for Young Ladies. In 1940, it began its transition to a historic home and museum and is one the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as well as the U.S. National Historic Landmark list and the list of Mississippi Landmarks.

Open daily. Tours begin at 9am and last 45-60 minutes. The last tour begins at 3pm. Admission is $25 USD.  

Melrose Mansion

The historic Melrose Mansion in beautiful Natchez, Mississippi

In the 1970s, the mansion was used for elaborate parties and events before being turned into a museum and historic site. Like many of the antebellum homes here, it’s on both the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and the U.S. National Historic Landmark list. The house and grounds are now managed by the national park service.

The park is open daily, but the house is only open Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-4pm. Admission is $11 USD.  

Other Things to See and Do in Natchez

The churchyard and exterior of St. Mary's Basilica in Natchez, Mississippi USA

1. The Natchez Pilgrimage During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides (some of which are descendants of the original owners) explain the history of the home, their family, and the region. It’s the city’s biggest annual event and there are some 20 homes on display.

2. Ghost Tours In a town with so much tumultuous history, including wars and oppressive slavery, it’s no wonder that there are all kinds of eerie and unsettling tales to be found in Natchez. If you’re a fan of the paranormal (or just want to do something unique), try taking a ghost tour. Natchez Ghost Tour offers ghost tours every night for $25 USD. You’ll hear all about Natchez’s haunting and spooky tales and get to see a side of the city most tourists miss.

3. Magnolia Bluffs Casino This casino is located on the Mississippi River in the town’s old mill. The mill opened in 1828 and operated until 1962, eventually being bought and turned into a casino. It’s small and a bit outdated, but they have plenty of slot machines and a few table games, and the views over the river are picturesque.

4. St. Mary’s Basilica This church was built in 1842 and took over forty years to complete. While the exterior is a little plain, the elaborate interior is beautiful, with colorful stained glass, statues, and a spacious vaulted ceiling. The original organ from 1882 is still in use as well. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places (the federal government’s official list of places deemed worthy of preservation).

5. The Emerald Mound This sacred hill just looks like a flat, grassy pentagon. However, it was once a well-appointed holy site. Constructed sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries, it was an elevated place of worship for the Plaquemine Native Americans. The mound itself covers eight acres. Ceremonial stone structures used to sit on top of the mound, which is 65 feet tall, though it is empty today. All kinds of animal bones have been found nearby, leading researchers to believe it was the site of religious or sacred activity. The mound is open to the public free of charge from 8am-5pm daily.

6. The King’s Tavern Visit the King’s Tavern, which was built in 1769 and is the oldest building in the city (and, according to legend, the most haunted). After the Revolutionary War, it was used as an inn and tavern, as well as where the town’s mail was delivered. Until the development of the steamboat, the tavern relied on both coach drivers and outlaws who stopped by in between trips. When the invention of the steamboat made travel in the region safer, business dwindled and it was eventually sold.

The restaurant is now closed, but you can still check out the building, and rumor has it that the new owners plan to offer mixology classes in the future.

7. Natchez Trace Parkway Enjoy the great outdoors by planning an adventure along this historic path in Natchez. The road has been used for centuries by Native Americans, settlers, and soldiers. It’s the perfect place to escape into nature during your trip and take in epic scenery like forests and waterfalls. The area is popular for biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. If you’re only in the area for a short time, make sure to at least save a few hours for a scenic drive.

8. Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture This museum opened in 1991 and highlights information about African American history in the Southern United States. The museum, managed by the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture, seeks to showcase the cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans from the 1700s to the modern day.

Open Monday-Friday from 10am-4:30pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Admission is free.

For a map of the area and suggested sites to include on your self-guided tour around town, check out this free tour from Visit Natchez .

Natchez is beautiful and elegant. I loved strolling around the streets, marveling at the beautiful homes, and sitting in the park as the sun set over the Mississippi. It was the highlight of my trip to the state.

One downside to the city is that it’s expensive. There are very few Airbnb options and private rooms cost at least $100 USD per night. For a budget hotel, you’re looking at at least $80 USD per night. (Of course, if you want to splurge you can also stay in some of the historic homes here, as many have been converted into B&Bs. But expect to spend at least $155-190 USD per night for those.)

But, while accommodation is expensive, food and drinks are relatively cheap so you can balance it all out.

Natchez may not be a budget travel destination, but if you are looking to learn about American history, see beautiful homes, and visit a destination off the beaten path for most travelers (visitors here tend to be from the surrounding region), visit Natchez. You won’t be disappointed.

Book Your Trip to Natchez: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the USA for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Natchez, MS

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The little town of Natchez in southwestern Mississippi, founded in 1716, was once the most important port on the Mississippi River in the heyday of the cotton trade. As a result, the town has many beautiful and historically significant antebellum-era mansions and estates.

The pedestrian-friendly historic downtown core of Natchez is fun to explore on foot. It's here you'll find the town's best shopping experiences, as well as the best places to stay. It's also where you'll find places to eat, too, from casual home-cooking restaurants to cafés and fine-dining experiences.

At night, you can attend a live music event, often hosted in conjunction with a restaurant, or check out the roster of shows at Natchez Little Theatre, the state's oldest community theater. And for those on a fixed travel budget, you'll be pleased to learn that there are numerous free things to do in Natchez, from visiting its attractive old churches, to wandering its interesting old graveyards.

You can learn more about the best places to visit in Mississippi with our list of the top tourist attractions in Natchez.

See also: Where to Stay in Natchez

1. Antebellum-Era Stanton Hall

2. nutt's folly: longwood, 3. the scenic natchez trace parkway, 4. rosalie mansion: "our lady on the bluff", 5. natchez city cemetery, 6. auburn museum and historic home, 7. natchez national historical park, 8. emerald mound: "selsertown site", 9. natchez museum of african american history and culture, 10. historic jefferson college, 11. port gibson, 12. grand village of the natchez, where to stay in natchez for sightseeing, natchez, ms - climate chart.

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall, also known locally as Belfast House, is one of the largest and most lavish antebellum mansions in the US. It was built in 1857 in the style of his Irish ancestral home by cotton grower Frederick Stanton and, along with its beautiful grounds, covers an entire two-acre city block.

After a spell as a girls' school in the early 20th century, the building fell into a state of disrepair but was brought back by the Pilgrimage Garden Club who restored the property. Today, visitors can tour the finely restored interior of the house, which is filled with original and antique furnishings.

Guided tours of Stanton Hall are also available. Feeling peckish? Afterwards, why not enjoy a meal in its Carriage House Restaurant. Its Sunday brunches are a popular treat among locals and visitors alike.

And after visiting, you might in fact feel as if this beautiful building seems a little familiar. It certainly should for anyone who has ever visited Disneyland, whose famous Haunted Mansion was based on this classic antebellum home. Stanton Hall is itself supposed to be haunted.

Other fine antebellum homes in Natchez to consider visiting include Magnolia Hall (1858), the Towers of Natchez (1798), and Lansdowne Plantation (1853). They can be visited through organized Natchez Pilgrimage Tours. Some of these fine old homes also now provide a variety of interesting accommodation options, often with B&B-style stays serving sumptuous Southern breakfasts.

Address: 401 High Street, Natchez, Mississippi

Longwood

Another majestic mansion to visit while in Natchez is Longwood. Also often referred to as "Nutt's Folly," this stunning red-brick house was constructed in 1858 and is notable for its large Byzantine-styled dome. The home was built by Dr. Haller Nutt and is thought to be one of the largest octagonal houses in the US.

Due to the advent of the Civil War in 1861, the interior was never completely finished. However, the first floor family area, consisting of nine of the planned-for 32 rooms, is furnished with family heirlooms.

The unfinished upper floors are said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. Nutt himself, and can also be toured. They reveal the truly unique architectural styling and work behind the construction of this fascinating home.

Address: 140 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez, Mississippi

Double Arch Bridge at Natchez Trace Parkway

Also known as "the Old Natchez Trace," Natchez Trace Parkway is a spectacular tourist road that follows the line of an old historic route that stretches 444 miles from Natchez all the way to Nashville, Tennessee .

First mentioned in 1733, the Natchez Trace route was at its busiest between 1800 and 1820. During this time, the crews of flatboats, which were simple vessels made of logs bound together and designed for a single downstream journey, sailed down the Mississippi to Natchez and returned home on foot or horseback.

Now designated as an All-American Road for its historical and scenic significance, the Parkway, runs past Emerald Mound, 12 miles north of Natchez. The second largest pre-Columbian site in the United States, it was occupied between 1250 and 1600 by the Mississippi people, ancestors of the Natchez and Choctaws.

Other tourist attractions along the route include Mount Locust, built in the 1780s, and the Chickasaw Village Site. Natchez Trace Parkway is also especially popular with cyclists and those who enjoy camping.

If you can, try to plan your journey to coincide with the spectacular fall colors, which draw many visitors. Some sections of the original trail can also be explored, including parts of the famous Sunken Trace.

Official site: www.scenictrace.com

Rosalie Mansion

Well known for its stunning views over the Mississippi River, the lovely red brick Rosalie Mansion sits on the site of the former French Fort Rosalie in Natchez, after which it's named. Known locally as "Our Lady on the Bluff," this magnificent home was built in the early 1820s and is notable for having served as the regional headquarters for Union troops in 1863. During these turbulent times, much of the artifacts and furniture on display today was placed in storage.

Lovingly restored since, it's now run as a museum and is furnished throughout with antiques from this period, most of them originally from the home itself. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to allow additional time to explore the adjoining four-acre grounds, home to the Rosalie Historic Gardens.

Hour-long guided tours are available, as are self-guided tour options, and a gift shop is located on-site. There's also a genealogical library, which is of special interest for those wanting to investigate their Southern roots.

Address: 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: https://rosaliemansion.com

Natchez City Cemetery

The Natchez City Cemetery, established in 1822, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains the remains of a number of residents buried in an even earlier nearby graveyard that can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. The cemetery is nicely maintained with uniquely designed iron fences.

Strategically placed benches offer superb views over the Mississippi, an especially pleasant experience at sunset. Numerous large and shady live oaks line its pathways. Be sure to spend time inspecting some of the more elaborate monuments and tombstones located here. These include a unique tomb that houses a wealthy individual who chose to be buried in his favorite rocking chair.

Guided tours are available, including a special once-a-year option known as Angels on the Bluff. This fun tour includes informative commentaries by descendants of those buried here. A self-guided tour is also available.

A short walk away is Natchez National Cemetery . Established in 1866, it serves as a burial site for some 7,000 Union soldiers and war vets.

Address: 2 Cemetery Road, Natchez, Mississippi

Auburn Museum and Historic Home

Set amid a 222-acre public park, Auburn is an 1812 red brick mansion designed in Greek Revival style. With features later often emulated in many other antebellum-era homes, it is considered one of the finest homes in the area of its time.

Of particular interest to architects was the grand entrance, which features tall Corinthian columns and a large upper-level balcony. The interior has been completely restored and furnished in period fashion, with a highlight being a delightful freestanding, unsupported spiral staircase.

If you are in the area in December, be sure to visit during their fun Christmas Open House. This popular event includes free guided tours and period baked goods. An on-site gift shop sells a large selection of related souvenirs.

Stratton Chapel Gallery , located in the First Presbyterian Church, is also worth a visit. It presents a fascinating historical perspective through its large collection of old photos dating all the way back to the 1840s.

Address: 400 Duncan Avenue, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: http://auburnmuseum.org

Natchez National Historical Park

Natchez National Historic Park deals with the cultural history of the town of Natchez and contains three important sites: Fort Rosalie, William Johnson House, and Melrose Plantation.

Your first stop, though, should be the Natchez Visitor Center. This popular destination contains maps and attraction details, as well as a number of interesting exhibits, audio-visual displays, and a bookstore.

Your next stop should be the Melrose Estate. This finely preserved antebellum mansion features sundry outbuildings, which have remained little changed since the 1840s. Highlights include guided interior tours, as well as self-guided tours of the outbuildings, including a sobering look at a slave cabin and gardens.

For another perspective of life during this period, visit William Johnson House. Notable as the former home of a "free man of color," Johnson's story is told through fascinating interactive exhibits and the furnished rooms on display.

Address: 210 State Street, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: www.nps.gov/natc/index.htm

Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound, also known as the "Selsertown site," is located close to the Natchez Trace Parkway, and is the second largest Pre-Columbian ceremonial mound in the United States. Believed to have been constructed by predecessors of the region's Natchez people, it's a big site that covers eight acres and was created by depositing earth along the sides of a natural hill to create an enormous artificial plateau.

Emerald Mound would once have been adorned with temples and other religious sites and was used from AD 1250 to 1600 as a ceremonial center. A must-see attraction in Natchez, today it's a designated National Historic Landmark.

Address: Emerald Mound Road, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: www.nps.gov/nr/travel/mounds/eme.htm

A great way to learn more about the history of African Americans in the South is to pay a visit to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. Opened in the town's former post office in 1991, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the culture and history of African Americans in the region, from the times of the town's foundation in 1716 right up to the Civil War.

In addition to its displays of artworks, photos, documents, and artifacts, there are important exhibits dealing with issues such as slavery. It also includes details of the notorious Forks of the Road , once one of the country's largest slave markets. A memorial at the actual location of the market can be visited nearby.

Other notable displays deal with the Civil Rights movement and the tragic Rhythm Nightclub fire, which claimed the lives of more than 200 African American residents of Natchez. There are also displays related to the life of author Richard Wright. Educational and musical events are also held frequently.

Address: 301 Main Street, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: www.visitnapac.net

Historic Jefferson College

Take an easy 15-minute drive west of downtown Natchez, and you'll find yourself in the neighborhood of Washington, home to Historic Jefferson College. Established in 1811 and in operation until 1964, the site is now run as a museum and public park.

And it's certainly a fascinating attraction to explore. Interesting displays and exhibits provide visitors with a chance to learn of life at the former military academy attended by well-known alumni, including Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederate States of America.

Buildings open to visitors include the kitchen and the various outbuildings that supported this important part of the college, as well as the West Wing and Prospere Hall. Afterwards, be sure to wander the mile-long T.J. Foster Nature Trail network on the property, popular for its wildlife and natural beauty. A number of easier-to-navigate trails are also available.

Please note: This fascinating attraction is currently only open to visitors who have made prior arrangements for their visit; see the official website below for details.

Address: 16 Old North Street, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: www.mdah.ms.gov/new/visit/historic-jefferson-college/

Claiborne County courthouse in Port Gibson

The small town of Port Gibson is a nice side trip, either from Natchez or Jackson. A visit offers up a number of interesting attractions, along with good restaurants, hotels, and shopping.

It was thought by General Grant to be almost as beautiful as Natchez, which explains why it has remained relatively unspoiled. Visitors today can still enjoy seeing a number of well-preserved pre-war antebellum-era houses, supposedly saved after General Grant proclaimed the town "too beautiful to burn."

The famous Windsor Mansion, south of the town, was not so lucky. All that remains of this former mansion today are some impressive ruins.

The First Presbyterian Church in Port Gibson's historic district features a unique gold-leaf hand on the steeple, which points skyward. The interior of the church houses chandeliers from the Robert E. Lee steamboat. Notable as a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail , Port Gibson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Official site: http://portgibsonms.org

Interpretive sign at the Grand Village of the Natchez

A great attraction for those interested in the area's rich native history is the Grand Village of the Natchez . Set amid some 128 acres, this important historic site was once home to an indigenous village that existed here in prehistoric times and which was occupied and in use right up to the early 1700s as an important political and religious center.

Evidence of three original ceremonial mounds were found, parts of which have since been restored. A highlight of a visit is checking out the on-site museum, which contains a number of important artifacts found during archeological digs, including fascinating grave goods buried with the dead, often European made.

The museum also contains an interesting collection of traditional baskets from local native tribes, as well as exhibits and displays portraying the site's significance. A replica of a period tribal home, plus plenty of hiking trails are also available to explore. The site is also a great place for a picnic.

Also, be sure to check out their website for details of the Natchez Powwow . This two-day event features American Indian dancers, arts, and crafts.

Address: 400 Jeff Davis Blvd, Natchez, Mississippi

Official site: www.mdah.ms.gov/explore-mississippi/grand-village-natchez-indians

We recommend these great hotels in Natchez, each located near top attractions such as the city's historic antebellum homes:

Luxury Hotels :

  • After visiting the beautiful antebellum homes in Natchez, why not opt for a luxury stay in one, such as Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens ? This gorgeous 19th-century mansion offers authentic southern-style luxury, period furnishings, elegant canopy beds, and beautiful gardens to explore.
  • Another good choice is Dunleith Historic Inn , a beautiful mansion built in 1856 and set amid a 40-acre park-like property and boasting four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, and free breakfasts.
  • A high-end stay can also be enjoyed at Devereaux Shields House , an intimate B&B-style inn offering comfortable rooms in a beautiful garden setting.

Mid-Range Hotels :

  • The Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez is a great choice in the mid-range price category. Centrally located overlooking the Mississippi River, it's close to the downtown core and has an outdoor swimming pool (complimentary breakfast provided).
  • Also offering exceptional value is Clermont Bluffs Bed and Breakfast , a delightful, intimate B&B offering authentic Southern hospitality, as well as Natchez Grand Hotel, popular for its river views and spacious rooms.

Budget Hotels :

  • A favorite in the budget hotel category, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Natchez South offers affordable rates, comfortable beds, complimentary breakfast with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, and an inviting pool.
  • Also within an easy drive of area attractions and worth checking out, Clarion Suites in Vidalia, a small town just across the Mississippi River, is also dependable and offers large suites with pullouts and river views.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Mississippi Moments : If you haven't had enough of that Deep South friendliness after a stay in Natchez, then head straight to Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi . Fun things for families to do here include touring the Capitol building and museum, visiting the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and, of course, the Mississippi Children's Museum.

And there's plenty of other things to do in the state of Mississippi , too, from exploring one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, to getting up close to the diverse marine life found here at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.

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Deep South : The exciting city of New Orleans , Louisiana, offers visitors plenty of great attractions (the National WWII Museum is a must), as well as diverse neighborhoods such as the lively French Quarter, famous for its music, shops, and restaurants.

Other Southern US destinations to consider visiting include Memphis , famous the world over for its Graceland estate, the former home of the "King," Elvis Presley; and that other important center of musical innovation, Nashville (also in Tennessee), where you can wander Music Row, an area with multiple attractions dedicated to music, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B, where many a famous recording was made.

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

Visiting Natchez Historic Homes and Plantations

December 13, 2019 By Caroline Eubanks 7 Comments

Fall Pilgrimage Natchez

Like so many towns along the Mississippi River, Natchez , Mississippi was home to lavish plantations and farms where cotton and other products could be shipped up or downstream to market. Cotton planters became millionaires but at the cost of the enslaved labor.

Some of these historic homes in the 300-year-old town are still standing and are open to tours. They’re a popular day trip for those traveling with the river cruises. Some homes are only open during the Natchez Pilgrimage , seasonal tours of homes, but others are open year-round.

During these pilgrimages, you can visit multiple homes for one price. Most can be seen by a group tour, which we’ve linked to, as well as independently by renting a car from the airport rental car  counters in Jackson .

A Note On Plantations:  These homes have a dark history that shouldn’t be ignored. Only you can decide whether this is something you’re interested in doing. Read  this post  for more perspectives on both sides of the debate.

This post contains affiliate links.

Auburn Mansion, Natchez, Mississippi, in April 2011.jpg

Auburn is an antebellum mansion built in 1812 by Levi Weeks, who had fled New York after being tried for murder, for Mississippi’s first attorney general. It is built in the Greek Revival style with porticos and columns as well as a stunning unsupported spiral staircase.

Book your tour of Auburn Museum & Historic Home .

Choctaw Hall

Choctaw Hall

Choctaw Hall was built in the Federal and Greek Revival styles in 1836. It has dramatic double porches. Today it operates as a bed and breakfast and event venue. Tours are offered from Wednesday to Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

Book your tour of Choctaw Hall or spend the night at Choctaw Hall .

LANSDOWNE.jpg

Lansdowne is an antebellum plantation set on over 700 acres and is still owned by descendants of the original family. It contains much of the original decor and furnishings and has never undergone a restoration. Tours are offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 3 pm. It also operates as a bed and breakfast and event venue.

Book your tour of Lansdowne .

Longwood

Longwood is the most unique antebellum home in the country, built in a circular “Oriental-style” mansion. Built for a cotton planter, all work stopped during the Civil War and never continued. Tours of the home go through the basement, where the family lived, and the unfinished upstairs. It’s also open for seasonal ghost tours and was even featured in  True Blood .

Book your tour of Longwood Antebellum Mansion .

Magnolia Hall

Magnolia Hall Natchez Mississippi USA Front.JPG

Magnolia Hall was built in 1858 as a Greek Revival mansion, also known as the Henderson-Britton House. It was owned by Thomas Henderson, a wealthy cotton broker and merchant. A Union shell hit the kitchen during the Civil War. Tours are offered by the Natchez Garden Club and an upstairs exhibit features costumes.

Book your tour of Magnolia Hall .

Melrose-Natchez-MS.jpg

Melrose was built in the Greek Revival design in the 1820s for lawyer John T. McMurran, who worked with Monmouth owner John Quitman. After the Civil War, he sold the home to Elizabeth and George Davis, a couple whose home, Choctaw, had been taken over by Union troops. It has furnishings from this time period. Tours are offered daily by the Natchez National Park Service .

Monmouth

Monmouth is a 26-acre estate with one of the oldest homes in Natchez, now serving as a restaurant and inn. It was built in 1818 and inhabited by John Quitman, who became a Mississippi Governor. The home offers its own tours and is a stop on the City Sightseeing tour. Restaurant 1818 has Southern favorites like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and collard greens. 

Book your tour of Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens or spend the night at Monmouth Historic Inn , a AAA Four Diamond property.

Rosalie Mansion

Rosalie Mansion

Rosalie Mansion overlooks the bluffs of the Mississippi River and was built in the 1700s. Named for the Countess of Pontchartrain, the home was owned by three families before being turned over to the Daughters of the American Revolution. It survived the Civil War by becoming a Union headquarters.

Book your tour of Rosalie Mansion .

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall is a Classic Revival antebellum home that was built in the 1850s for an Irish cotton broker. It was built to resemble his home in Belfast, another name given to the home. It later became a women’s school and inspired the design for Disney’s Haunted Mansion . Today they operate tours as well as the Carriage House Restaurant, which has some of the best fried chicken around.

Book your tour of Stanton Hall or spend the night at Stanton Guest House .

Other Natchez Houses to Tour

In addition to the grand antebellum homes and plantations, Natchez also has other historic homes open for tours.

The House on Ellicott’s Hill was one of the first homes built in Natchez in 1797. Featuring Federal style elements, the house was purchased through a Spanish land grant. It is now open for tours, operated by the Natchez Garden Club. The 1951 film Show Boat was filmed at the home.

The William Johnson House was named for the freed slave that lived here, a barber. He owned slaves himself and his house and diary provide a picture of life in Natchez during that time.

See the city’s historic homes and attractions on the City Sightseeing Natchez Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , an informative bus tour that makes twelve stops around town. Your pass is good all day, so take your time.

Where to Stay in Natchez, Mississippi

In addition to the historic homes offering both tours and accommodations, these Natchez mansions run their own bed and breakfasts.

Devereaux Shields House – Guests enjoy a full Southern hot breakfast and 24-hour coffee, sofa, and tea service at this Victorian bed and breakfast. Accommodation options include rooms in the main house and the adjoining cottage. 

Linden – A Historic Antebellum Bed and Breakfast – Located in a well-preserved antebellum mansion, the inn is set on seven acres. Built in 1785, residents include the United States senator Thomas Buck Reed.

The Burn Bed and Breakfast was built in 1834 and became an inn in 1978. Rooms and suites have private baths, cable television, wireless Internet, and access to the outdoor pool.

Brandon Hall Plantation was built in 1856 outside of Natchez. It went through a number of owners before becoming an inn and event venue. They also operate tours during the fall and spring pilgrimages.

tour natchez mississippi

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

Reader Interactions

tour natchez mississippi

June 16, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Hi! We’re wondering if the historic Natchez homes and plantations are open now?

tour natchez mississippi

June 17, 2020 at 9:22 am

I don’t know. You’ll have to check with each website.

tour natchez mississippi

February 22, 2021 at 1:50 pm

Can you tour the homes without getting tickets through Natchez Pilgrimage? At NPT, you have to purchase separate tours for $20-$25 each. We only want to tour 3-4 and I was hoping for a ticket/pass that allows multiple home tours for one price.

tour natchez mississippi

March 24, 2021 at 1:41 pm

We usually purchase tickets at the Natchez Visitor Center when we get there. They usually have a package deal for 3 houses.

tour natchez mississippi

April 12, 2021 at 10:35 pm

I am assuming that Washington and Ellen Ford’s plantation was located in Natchez. Is the house still standing?

tour natchez mississippi

February 6, 2022 at 5:57 pm

Caroline – I’m researching my husband’s (Eubanks) family tree – they were enslaved in Jackson MS area. Any relation, possibly?

February 7, 2022 at 3:20 pm

Hi Jeannine, I’m not sure but would love to know! I think most of my family is based in GA and SC.

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Mississippi's Best Community Newspaper

Spring Pilgrimage is blooming!

Published 9:26 pm Sunday, March 3, 2024

By topofthemorning

tour natchez mississippi

Spring is in the air – and with it anticipation! We are only one week from the opening weekend of Natchez Spring Pilgrimage 2024, and owners of more than 36 beautiful historic homes are about to dust off their welcome mats so they can greet the thousands of pilgrims who will make their way to our shining city on the highest hill. Friday, March 8, marks the start, and home tours will continue for nearly two months, concluding on April 28!

Since 1932, the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage has been an annual tradition beloved and enjoyed by millions – and its beginning makes for an amazing story. Struggling to come back from the Great Depression, with many historic homes in need of some TLC, strong women of Natchez, led by a determinedly charming Katherine Grafton Miller, wife of Balfour Miller and owner of Hope Farm, decided it was time to invite tourists to visit Natchez.

All over town, it is said that convincing ladies talked their husbands into tidying up their gardens to welcome visitors to enjoy six days of garden tours amid blooming century old azalea bushes. But as mother nature is prone to do, a cold front blew in, blooms wilted, and the ladies quickly turned their focus toward opening the doors of their historic mansions to the public. What started as a trial run proved to be a great success! The next year, the pilgrimage was extended, and later, a Fall Pilgrimage was added. The idea soon spread to other cities across the south, and now, more than 90 years later, the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage, hosted by our two garden clubs, the Natchez Garden Club and the Pilgrimage Garden Club, lures people from all over the world to visit Natchez.

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The brilliance of Katherine Miller continues to this day. It can be said that her idea of a Spring Pilgrimage saved Natchez, bringing countless visitors into a town that had been depressed, spurring economic development and creating jobs. Today, we are home to more restaurants, gift shops, and tourist attractions than possibly any other city our size, and tourism has long been our number one industry. Last year, more than one million tourists visited Natchez, leaving behind an economic impact of more than $100 million.

In addition to touring homes, Natchez now offers so much more for visitors to do. They can choose from over 40 Bed and Breakfasts for their overnight stay, in addition to great hotels and short-term rentals. While they are here, they can indulge in great food, enjoy live music, or treat themselves to a carriage ride, outdoor excursion, or walk along our historic streets and historic bluff, taking in our amazing sunsets and our well-marked Natchez Trails and Walking Tour.

The African American History of Natchez is a special treasure waiting to be discovered. Our NAPAC Museum, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, is located at 301 Main St. and welcomes visitors daily from all over the world. In addition, guided tours of our city are available along with a recently created self-guided tour of 29 historic sites pertaining to Natchez Black History.

Our Natchez National Historic Park is another great tourism asset, featuring Forks of the Road, sadly once the second-largest slave market in the deep south. The historic park also includes other sites such as the William Johnson House, once the home of the “Black Barber of Natchez,” a free man of color, and Melrose, said to be the finest residential example of antebellum Greek Revival Architecture in the country.

A ticket to these great Natchez Spring Pilgrimage opportunities begins with a click on the cellphone or laptop. Visit visitnatchez.org for complete details, ticket purchases, a link to the home tours calendar, and exciting information on so many other things happening this spring in Natchez, from Music Festival events to live theatre! Information can also be found by visiting the websites of the garden clubs, natchezgardenclub.org and natchezpilgrimage.com. Or call 601-492-3000.

Natchez – it’s time! Let’s dust off those welcome mats and make this Spring Pilgrimage one to remember! Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.

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US News & World Report - Travel

The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top River Cruise Lines
  • The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
  • Cruise Packing List Essentials
  • The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

American Cruise Lines' Serenade ship in Chattanooga.

Visit Natchez

Natchez Events

Stay up to date with events and things to do in Natchez, MS. Experience the magic of Southern hospitality and get face-to-face with Natchez's history and cultural legacy. From annual festivals to experiencing our historic live music scene, touring gorgeous mansions, or trying your hand at outdoor adventures along the Mississippi – our events calendar is a great way to plan your visit. Search or scroll through our calendar of events below to see what’s to come today, this weekend, or down the road in our historic city.

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  1. Top 7 Tourist Attractions in Natchez, Mississippi

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  2. Why You Should Tour Antebellum Homes in Natchez

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  3. Natchez, Mississippi Antebellum Tour Homes

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  4. Pleasant way to see the Mississippi shoreline at sunset

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  5. Steamboat Natchez Cruise

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  6. The Top Activities, Events and Things to do in Natchez, MS

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COMMENTS

  1. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

    We assist individuals and groups of all sizes in planning a Natchez visit, including historic mansion tours, candlelight dinners, private guides, special events, and more. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours — an arm of the Pilgrimage Garden Club — is the only full-service receptive tour operator in Natchez. We customize your trip, free of mark-ups or ...

  2. Visit Natchez, MS

    It's a tale of rich cultural legacy and powerful reckonings, where our iconic historic homes set the stage for diverse and fascinating local characters. And while we're rooted in history, our present is just as lively. Natchez is the home of modern southern hospitality. Here you'll find a diverse, vibrant town with doors open wide and a ...

  3. Plan Unforgettable Tours in Natchez

    Let one of our many tour guide companies take you through the past and present of Natchez. With private escorted tours, horse drawn carriages, and a downtown double decker bus, you'll be touring Natchez in style. Tour topics vary widely, covering food, literary locations, Civil Rights, ghost tours, and scavenger hunts. ... Natchez, MS 39120 ...

  4. THE 5 BEST Natchez Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Historic Natchez Full Day Private Tour. Historical Tours. 7-9 hours. Unearth the captivating history of Natchez, Mississippi, on an unforgettable private tour. Explore the Grand Village, a …. Free cancellation. from. $350. per adult.

  5. Historic Home Tours

    The story of Rosalie takes many twists and turns, becoming one of the more interesting tours in Natchez. TOURS Daily: 10am-4pm. $20 Adults Ages 18+ $15 Youth Ages 14 - 17 Free Children Ages 13 and Under. Book Now. ... Natchez, MS 39120. Contact: 833-628-2439 601-980-2439 [email protected].

  6. Little Easy Tours

    Welcome to Natchez, the enchanting city that beckons visitors from far and wide with its rich history and opulent past. Nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River, Natchez boasts a remarkable distinction—it once boasted more millionaires per capita than anywhere else, making it a captivating destination for those seeking to revel in the glories of a bygone era.

  7. Year-Round Tours in Mississippi

    The Burn: Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour. Come before dinner and relax in a historic private residence for a Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour in one of Natchez's most significant purely Greek Revival homes. This special tour is available on Thursday and Friday evenings year-round from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Book Now.

  8. Sit Back and Relax. We'll Give You the Tour!

    Take a live guided tour of the city on our double-decker open-top tour bus. Hop-On and Hop-Off as many times as you like. More Details. Natchez City Cemetery. ... Natchez, MS 39120. Contact: 833-628-2439 601-980-2439 [email protected]. Site by ...

  9. Tours Natchez

    Spring Pilgrimage Tickets and tour arrangements available for an unforgettable experience. Explore the History and Grandeur of Natchez! Sign In; Create Account; My Account; Signed in as: ... Tours Natchez. 6 Glenfield Ln, Suite B, Natchez, MS 39120. text 601.493.5777 or call 601.442.1002.

  10. Historic Downtown Natchez Mississippi Walking Tour

    Starting at the temple that is home to Mississippi's oldest Jewish congregation, this tour includes historic buildings and homes as well as several museums and even a pair of historical markers that share the story of events such as the 1940 Rhythm Club Fire. Highlights of the tour include Stanton Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, Glen Auburn, Magnolia Hall, and the Natchez Museum of African American ...

  11. Natchez City Tour

    Natchez City Tour. 1. Start your journey at the Natchez Visitor Center. With helpful staffers, free brochures, maps, informative displays, our Visitor Center is all about providing you with Natchez information and hospitality. 2. Say hello to Old Man River. Unlike many cities along the Mississippi River, Natchez has kept its river banks ...

  12. Natchez City Sightseeing

    Take a live guided tour of the city on our double-decker open-top tour bus. Hop-On and Hop-Off as many times as you like. Lodging; Tours; Historic Homes; Restaurants; City Sightseeing Natchez is one of the best and most popular ways to see historic Natchez. There are over 40 spectacular Hop-On Hop-Off sights and attractions. ... Natchez, MS ...

  13. Rev'S Natchez Country Tours

    1-601-807-5337. [email protected]. Rev's Natchez Country Tours are your chance to see the REAL Mississippi, from a native son. Tours in the city of Natchez and the country of the Miss-Lou region, focused on the untold stories of the real people of the American South.

  14. The 12 Best Things to Do in Natchez, Mississippi in 2024

    Here are my suggestions for the best things to do in Natchez: 1. The Natchez Pilgrimage. During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides (some of which are descendants of the original owners) explain the history of the home, their family, and the region.

  15. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Natchez, MS

    3. The Scenic Natchez Trace Parkway Double Arch Bridge at Natchez Trace Parkway. Also known as "the Old Natchez Trace," Natchez Trace Parkway is a spectacular tourist road that follows the line of an old historic route that stretches 444 miles from Natchez all the way to Nashville, Tennessee.. First mentioned in 1733, the Natchez Trace route was at its busiest between 1800 and 1820.

  16. Visit Natchez

    Visit Natchez. High on the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River, the beautiful city of Natchez is a unique, and seamless blend of old and new. With over three centuries of fascinating history, Natchez has an extraordinary collection of historic buildings, homes and churches, meticulously-maintained antebellum mansions, four ...

  17. Visiting Natchez Historic Homes and Plantations

    Like so many towns along the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi was home to lavish plantations and farms where cotton and other products could be shipped up or downstream to market.Cotton planters became millionaires but at the cost of the enslaved labor. Some of these historic homes in the 300-year-old town are still standing and are open to tours.

  18. Open Air Tours

    Open Air Tours. 640 South Canal Street Natchez Mississippi, 39120 (601) 334-8916 . View Website. Open Air Tours (O.A.T.) is a 45-60 minute narrated tour of the historic district of Natchez. Tours begin from the Natchez Visitor Center. ... Natchez, MS 39120 601.492.3000

  19. Natchez Ghost Tour

    enjoy a walking tour around historic downtown natchez while learning about it's haunted history. you may even have a ghost encounter! scott mccoy tour guide. schedule your tour. call to book. book online. you can also book by texting 225.772.0525. cost per person is $25. tours occur nightly but please reserve to assure your spot.

  20. Take A Stroll, Self-Guided Downtown Walking Tour

    Take A Stroll, Self-Guided Downtown Walking Tour. 640 South Canal Street Natchez Mississippi, 39120. 601-446-6345. An excellent way to become familiar with Natchez is by touring the historic downtown area on foot. Most walking tours begin at the Bluff Park, the grassy promenade that skirts Broadway and overlooks the River. Pick up your map and ...

  21. Spring Pilgrimage is blooming!

    Spring is in the air - and with it anticipation! We are only one week from the opening weekend of Natchez Spring Pilgrimage 2024, and owners of more than 36 beautiful historic homes are about to ...

  22. The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

    2024 dates: American Heritage - ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler - and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024. Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New ...

  23. Events

    Natchez Events Stay up to date with events and things to do in Natchez, MS. Experience the magic of Southern hospitality and get face-to-face with Natchez's history and cultural legacy. From annual festivals to experiencing our historic live music scene, touring gorgeous mansions, or trying your hand at outdoor adventures along the Mississippi ...