Harrison: Coast, maritime history and art

Beyond Harrison’s main attractions, the Mississippi Aquarium currently has twelve freshwater and saltwater habitats with more than 200 species of aquatic animals. Animal populations may change. In Harrison, coastal scenery, maritime history, art and festival culture come together. A trip can focus on different interests: a ferry ride to Ship Island, a look at Biloxi’s maritime past, or museums and cultural experiences. When choosing a hotel, first consider which of these aspects interests you most.

Coast and history on Ship Island

Ship Island brings together coastal and historical themes. It offers beaches for visitors and a scenic beachfront promenade. There is also Fort Massachusetts: construction of the fort on Ship Island began in 1859. The beaches and promenade highlight the coast, while the fort provides a tangible connection to history.

Ship Island Excursions offers ferry service to Ship Island. The boat trip takes one hour and includes a tour of historic Fort Massachusetts. Check the schedule and availability before your trip.

Biloxi’s maritime history

The Biloxi Maritime and Seafood Museum collects and preserves artifacts, photographs, equipment and vessels that reflect Biloxi’s maritime history and culture. The museum also houses the Wade Guice Hurricane Museum and a research library. Educational programs are offered year-round; program details may change.

The Biloxi Schooners offer another perspective on maritime heritage. They are authentic replicas of oyster schooners from the early 1900s and sail on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the museum preserves maritime history through its collections, the schooners bring replicas of historic oyster schooners out onto the water.

Discover Biloxi: exhibitions and orientation

The Biloxi Visitors Center houses nearly a dozen multimedia exhibits about Biloxi, its people, the city’s connection to the water and its cultural diversity. It also offers panoramic views of Biloxi Beach and the Mississippi Sound. The exhibits cover topics ranging from the city’s community to Biloxi’s relationship with the water.

Art, festival culture and music

The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum exhibition invites visitors to discover a century of community tradition and festival culture. The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum tells the story of railroads through model trains in a family-friendly setting. The two museums highlight different themes: community festival traditions on one hand, and technology and transportation history on the other.

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art displays ceramics by George E. Ohr and presents modern and historical exhibitions. The Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi features live music at a juke-joint-style venue; the program may change. Together, these attractions appeal to different cultural interests, from visual art to music.

Harrison County is considered a destination for seafood lovers.

Discover more destinations: Biloxi, Gulfport, D'Iberville, Clay, Smith County, Marshall, Stone County, Rankin.

View the main travel overview: Mississippi.