Many of Vicksburg's 19th-century houses and buildings are open to the public for tours. Historical theater is presented by the Vicksburg Theatre Guild. The melodrama “Gold in the Hills” is performed Friday and Saturday evenings in April and July at the Parkside Playhouse on Frontage Road/Confederate Avenue; (601) 636-0471.
A fun family downtown destination is Catfish Row Children's Art Park, where kids can learn about Mississippi River history and the paddle wheelers that once traveled its waters. The park on Levee Street has a splash fountain, children's art, play areas and gardens. It's open daily 9 to sunset.
Nearby, a floodwall on Levee Street became the canvas for artist Robert Dafford and his 32 Vicksburg Riverfront Murals. For more history, visit the Lower Mississippi River Museum, (601) 638-9900.
The city's public transit system, NRoute, uses Trolley Express in the historic districts and to take visitors to nearby outlet shopping; (601) 636-1053 for times and route information.
Visitor Centers
Vicksburg Visitors Center 52 Old Highway 27 Vicksburg, MS 39183. Phone:(601)636-9421 or (800)221-3536
Self-guiding Tours
Most of Vicksburg's antebellum and late 19th-century buildings are downtown; some are open to the public. Pick up maps and brochures detailing tours at the visitor center. Additional information is available at the state visitor center at I-20 and Washington Street; phone (601) 638-4269.
Shopping
Vicksburg Mall, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd., features Belk and Dillard's. The Outlets at Vicksburg, 4000 S. Frontage Rd., offers 20 discount retailers. Downtown's Washington Street is a great place to poke around for antiques.
Things to Do
Anchuca Mansion