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Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Jackson, MS

History

A state museum in Jackson covering the civil rights struggle in Mississippi through galleries, film and personal stories. Allow a couple of hours for the full circuit, and visit the nearby history museum next door.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened on December 9, 2017, in Jackson as part of the Two Mississippi Museums complex. Eight galleries lead chronologically through the story: the first two cover African history in Mississippi, slavery and the origins of segregation (Jim Crow). The third is regarded as the heart of the museum, with a light sculpture honoring those who sacrificed for the civil rights movement.

Galleries four through seven cover the years 1945 to 1975 and introduce figures such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Vernon Dahmer and Medgar Evers; the mug shots of all Freedom Riders arrested in Mississippi are also on display. The final gallery, "Where Do We Go From Here?", invites reflection on the present day. Allow plenty of time for the full tour. The museum is closed on Mondays (as of October 2026); tickets and hours are listed on the website of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Nearest town
Jackson, MS
Category
History & culture
GPS
32.3029, -90.1850

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Lefleur's Bluff State ParkCampsite
    3 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum · 36 pitches
    ElectricityShowers
  • Timberlake CampgroundCampsite
    10 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Mississippi Petrified ForestCampsite
    17 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum · 15 pitches
    Electricity
  • Sunset RV ParkCampsite
    20 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Yogi On The Lake Jellystone ParkMotorhome stopover
    22 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
    MotorhomesToiletsWi-Fi
  • Movietown RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    22 mi from Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
    Motorhomes

All campsites in Mississippi · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is in Jackson, MS, at GPS 32.3029, -90.1850. It is about 41 mi from Vicksburg.

Can you camp near Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lefleur's Bluff State Park, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?

Places worth a stop nearby: Mississippi Petrified Forest (17 mi), Vicksburg National Military Park (39 mi), Windsor Ruins (61 mi) and Poverty Point World Heritage Site (75 mi).

When is the best time to visit Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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