True History Naturally Found
Mississippi has a long and fascinating relationship with nature. Where dinosaurs once roamed, the first Native American settlers created thriving agricultural societies until the landmark explorations of Hernando DeSoto heralded the arrival of European civilization. Meanwhile, the vast Mississippi wilderness thrived as the region’s one constant.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, located in Jackson, is home to lifelike displays of Mississippi wildlife both past and present. Representations range from the extinct American Lion, to the endangered Mississippi Black Bear. Over 100,000 gallons of aquarium water exhibit more than 200 species of Mississippi fish and other various forms of aquatic life.
Built as part of Tunica’s ever developing community, the Tunica RiverPark is perfect for family outings or a romantic sunset walk. Allowing you to interact up close with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mississippi River, the RiverPark features the Mississippi River Museum, riverboat cruises, a nature trail and a 48-foot river overlook stretching along the Mississippi River itself. The grounds are rich with native wildlife and the stunning architecture provides a breathtaking view of America’s most famous river.
Dedicated to the protection of Mississippi’s native plants, the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune is a 104-acre facility home to native flora from the Pearl River Drainage Basin ecosystem. As the premier native plant conservatory in the southeast, it provides environmental and botanical research as well as cultural, scientific and recreational programs showcasing the floral beauty of the state.
As the only petrified forest in the Eastern United States, the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora is open year round and available for tours through the surrounding 36 million year-old woods. Coupled with a gem flume and a museum dedicated to the history of the Mississippi Petrified Forest, the museum in Flora is a stop visitors are sure not to forget.
Mississippi’s natural history is carefully collected and preserved through its many museums and conservatories—and taking a stroll through time is only a stone’s throw away.