Discover Jackson County on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Jackson County is located on the Gulf Coast of the US state of Mississippi. Waterways, nature watching, cycling routes and historic sites offer different focal points for a trip. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to first organize the experiences you’re interested in and possible dates. This makes it easier to plan your trip around the interests that bring you to Jackson County.

Water, Marshes and Wildlife Watching

The Davis Bayou Blueway connects Davis, Stark and Halstead Bayou in a 1.5-mile recreational waterway. It is federally protected within Gulf Islands National Seashore. The salt marshes offer an unspoiled example of a unique, productive and shrinking ecosystem. In the Davis Bayou Area, trails and boardwalks lead to views of the bayous, where visitors can also watch wildlife.

At the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, you can observe the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane; it is the last remaining place to do so. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and a 12-minute film. Guided crane tours generally take place from late fall through late winter, depending on staffing. Check current dates before planning a tour. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is temporarily closed while structural and cosmetic repairs are made to the building; check its current status before visiting.

The Pascagoula River Blueway extends for 10 miles through Jackson County and offers paddling opportunities for a range of experience levels. Several access points provide options for beginners and shorter trips. For a different view of the river landscape, Eco Tours of South Mississippi offers year-round boat tours through swamp and marsh areas on the Pascagoula River. The operator also runs day trips to the barrier islands of Horn Island, Petit Bois Island and Sand Island.

Cycling Routes and Outdoor Activities

The Live Oaks Bicycle Route in Ocean Springs is a 15.5-mile loop. It connects the Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore with the Old Louisville and Nashville Train Depot. Route maps are available at the Gulf Islands Visitor Contact Station and the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.

The Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail was established to offer residents and visitors a historic city tour. The trailhead sign is in Lighthouse Park on Fredric Street. A group meets on the second Saturday of each month for a group ride on the trail; check the latest meeting details before taking part. Shepard State Park in Gautier offers hiking and a competition-level archery range. The two cycling routes therefore differ in their stated focus: the Live Oaks Route is a loop with named endpoints, while the Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail was established for a historic tour.

Cultural History and Historic Sites

The LaPointe-Krebs House was built in 1757 and is the oldest scientifically confirmed surviving structure between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians. It is significant as both a colonial and Indigenous site. The museum next to the house serves as an interpretive center for the history of Pascagoula and Jackson County. At the adjacent Historic Krebs Cemetery, the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society holds an annual dramatic reenactment in late October, dedicated to mourning notable Mississippi figures. Check current event dates before your trip.

The Round Island Lighthouse was built in 1859 and damaged by hurricanes; its remains were moved to the mainland in Pascagoula in 2010. Following a major restoration completed in 2015, the lighthouse was opened to the public. Check visiting hours before you arrive.

The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center is housed in a historic public school building dating from 1927. The Ocean Springs Museum of History is on the second floor. The Gautier Historic Schoolhouse tells another chapter of regional history: the one-room schoolhouse was built in the early 1920s for African American children during segregation. The Charnley-Norwood House is listed as element No. 2 in the Sullivan-Charnley Historic District; the district was added to the National Register on April 20, 1987. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art aims to foster lifelong curiosity and a connection to the natural world through the art of Walter Anderson and related artists.

Dates to Help Plan Your Trip

Recurring events can also play a role in planning: the Jackson County Fair traditionally takes place during the third week of October, although the date may vary from year to year. In addition to the fair, the reenactment at Historic Krebs Cemetery offers another historic event focus in October. If your visit depends on a specific date, check the latest dates before your trip.

Explore more destinations: Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier, Latimer, Lauderdale, Marshall, Pike

For the main travel overview: Mississippi.