According to abbreviationfinder, Mississippi is located in the southeastern United States, between Alabama (east), Arkansas, Louisiana (west), Tennessee (north), and the Gulf of Mexico (south). The state is divided into four regions, namely Hills, Delta, Capital River, Coastal, and Pines.
The Magnolia State has a southern climate, with short winters and long, hot and humid summers. From May, the mercury easily rises to 30 degrees in summer, while temperatures in winter usually stay just above freezing. The further south, the wetter, is true for this state; the average rainfall is about 150 cm per year. The wind is also heard here. Between Vicksburg and Oxford and McComb to Tupelo, two tornado alleys run from the southwest to the northeast. The season for these whirlwinds usually falls between late September and November.
Best travel time
The months of May through September are best for a visit to Mississippi. Please note that in June and July, prices and crowds increase due to US and Canadian national holidays.
Flora and fauna
Mississippi consists almost entirely of lowland rolling hills, with the mighty Mississippi River playing a central role. The north in particular is beautifully decorated in that respect, with jagged slopes, romantic valleys and dramatic rock formations. The central part is less theatrical, and mainly has mild hills and fields. The south is characterized by the coast, with lots of sand, water and everything in between. The oak, maple, beech and magnolia grow mainly in the forests of the north; willows and eucalyptus trees are again common on the coast. Mammals in Mississippi are mostly small but fine: opossums, coyotes, armadillos, minks, white-tailed deer, skunks, and assorted bats and mice are ubiquitous. A black bear can occur here and there, but this species is considered endangered, along with the bald eagle and brown pelican, among others. Frequently sighted birds include hawks, wrens, thrushes and warblers. Swimming in the Mississippi and offshore includes American bass, mullet and five species of sea turtles.
Main cities
According to countryaah, the state capital of Mississippi is Jackson. Other cities of note are Biloxi (PHOTO ABOVE), Greenville, Southaven and Tupelo.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Island National Seashore Conservation Area preserves the natural and historical attractions located on the islands that stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to Mississippi. The island strip consists of several parts, or rather islets, which are interconnected and thus form a unique landscape. The Gulf Islands are located in the Gulf of Mexico and consist of Anna Maria Island, Santa Rosa Island, Perdido Key, Horn Island, Cat Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and many others.
Tourists are mainly attracted here by beautifully clean sandy beaches, the azure color of the sea, great recreation opportunities and also excellent local cuisine in renowned restaurants. Pleasant rest and relaxation awaits you on all local beaches. The beaches have a gradual entrance to the sea, which is why they are often sought after by families with small children and less skilled swimmers. Here you will find everything you need to spend a relaxing and undisturbed vacation like in paradise. Several hotels have been built here that offer top services, but also numerous other accommodation resorts.
Lovers of water sports will have their fill here, they can choose from a varied offer and try attractions such as riding a jet ski, water skiing, parasailing, paragliding, renting a small or large motor boat, kayak or yacht. So if you too are among the people who love active rest, a stay in the Gulf Islands is the right thing for you.
The islands below the Mississippi River boast beautiful sandy beaches, historical monuments, and the 16.5 km2 Gulf Islands Wilderness Nature Reserve. This reserve protects the island’s wildlife and its rare animal inhabitants. On the islands, however, you will find numerous hiking trails and places for camping. The Gulf Islands National Seashore was designated in 1971 and is managed today by the National Park Service.
Gulfport
Gulfport is the second largest city in the US state of Mississippi, after the capital Jackson, and also the county seat of Harrison County. It falls under the Gulfport – Biloxi – Pascagoula metropolitan statistical area, but around 70,000 people live in Gulfport itself. Gulfport is a popular coastal tourist resort and also home to the US Navy Seabees.
On August 29, 2005, Gulfport was hit by the powerful Hurricane Katrina, which caused extensive damage – most of the city was flooded and leveled. Strong winds here destroyed roofs, carried away parts of houses and broke windows of high-rise buildings. The tidal wave here reached a height of up to six meters. Local residents thus remembered a similar tragedy that took place here on August 17, 1969, when Hurricane Camille invaded the city. The Gulfport-Biloxi area of Mississippi is facing unemployment in excess of 23 percent after the hurricanes.
In Gulfport, there is the Gulfport – Biloxi International Airport, which also suffered great damage during the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, but after numerous reconstructions it was managed to return to its original state. Currently, commercial air traffic has also been restored. Gulfport is also a city of education, home to the Gulfport School District and the Harrison County School District. The city is also home to William Carey Baptist College and the Jefferson Davis Campus.
Tupelo
For many, the sleepy town of Tupelo turned into a place of pilgrimage when Elvis Presley rose to mega-stardom. Here you can visit his birth house, at least until recently. Medium and spoon bender Uri Geller recently bought the home for $750,000 on e-Bay, reportedly “for kids all over the world.”
Dolly
In Pigeon Forge, a tiny town in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, there is a theme park where other curves play a role: Dollywood. Although named after and operated by legendary country star Dolly Parton, this is more about old-fashioned family fun than the best of country & western alone.
Scenic drive
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a route that leads from New Orleans to Nashville, Tennessee, offering some of the best views in the state along the way. Workers and merchants returned along this road after they had reached the South via the Ohio and Mississippi. Along the way, the sides are dotted with stately estates, historic monuments and other dreamy southern vistas.
