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Hattiesburg, Mississippi: Best & Fun Things To Do (Besides Counting Trees)

Are you planning a trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi? Look at the rail lines first, because that is what put this town here. This small Southern city runs plenty worth doing and seeing. From the open country to the downtown, Hattiesburg serves every interest.

For a family day, head to the Hattiesburg Zoo. With over 100 species of animals, including tigers, giraffes and monkeys, it holds every age at once. And if you want to be outdoors, take the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile paved trail built for biking, hiking and running.

Whether history is your subject or you simply want the past in front of you, Hattiesburg has plenty. Visit the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum for the state’s military history, or take a tour of The University of Southern Mississippi campus, where the historic buildings and the school’s own record are both on show.

Key Takeaways

• Hattiesburg offers something for everyone, from family fun to outdoor adventures.
• History buffs can explore the city’s military and educational past.
• Downtown Hattiesburg is a must-visit for delicious food and unique shopping experiences.

An Unforgettable Trip to Hattiesburg

The Longleaf Trace runs out of the town and everything else follows it. The zoo and the Kamper Park both sit close to the middle of it. The university campus is its own district, and all of it is free. The state park and the national forest are the two wanting a car. The downtown holds the eating, the drinking and the odd little museums.

You’ve decided on a trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and you have picked well. This small city runs enough to fill a proper vacation. From the outdoors to the cultural side, Hattiesburg serves every interest.

First things first, you have to take the Hattiesburg Zoo. This is not the standard small-town zoo, folks. With over 100 species of animals, including tigers, giraffes and monkeys, the day fills itself. Plus the zoo runs educational programs and interactive exhibits, so the learning happens without effort.

If history is your subject, you cannot miss the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. This museum honors the service and the losses of Mississippi veterans, and it sits inside the historic Camp Shelby. You’ll find military artifacts and vehicles on display, including tanks and helicopters.

For something slower, head to the Longleaf Trace. This 41-mile trail suits biking, hiking or horseback riding. You’ll have forest and wetland on both sides the whole way. Plus there are picnic areas and rest stops along it, so you can stop and look at what you are passing through.

If you want an evening out, Hattiesburg has options. Check out the Thirsty Hippo, a music venue that books local and national acts. Or head to the Keg and Barrel, a small bar with a strong beer list and food that holds up.

Your trip to Hattiesburg will give you something to talk about afterwards. With this much to do and see, boredom is not on the cards. So pack the bags and give it a proper go.

Family Fun at Hattiesburg Zoo

Looking for a wild day the whole family can take? Look at the Hattiesburg Zoo. With over 100 species of animals from around the world, this zoo works for children and adults alike.

One of the strongest things at the Hattiesburg Zoo is the carousel, which runs hand-carved animals that work on riders of any age. And if you want somewhere to let the smaller ones loose, take the playground area, which is packed with equipment to climb, slide and swing on.

But the real reason to come to the Hattiesburg Zoo is the animals themselves. From the big cats to the primates, every visitor finds their own favorite. And with some luck, you will catch one of the zoo’s newest arrivals, like the baby red panda.

Of course, no trip to the zoo is complete without the splash pad. This water play area is how you survive a hot Mississippi day. So pack the swimsuits and the towels and let them get wet.

Overall, the Hattiesburg Zoo is the first stop for families who want a day that teaches as well as entertains. With this much to see and do, nobody leaves early.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

So you want to get outdoors in Hattiesburg, Mississippi? Well, you’re in luck, my friend. Hattiesburg sits among some of the strongest state parks, lakes and forests in the country. Get ready to use the legs and the lungs on these outdoor days.

State Parks and Forests

If you want somewhere to camp, hike or picnic, check out Paul B. Johnson State Park and De Soto National Forest. These are for anyone who wants real country without a long drive to reach it. The parks run hiking, fishing and camping between them. So pack the bags and get out into it.

Lakes and Trails

If water is more your subject, check out Geiger Lake and Okatoma Creek. These hold the strongest canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the area. And if you want to ride, take the Longleaf Trace. This 44-mile trail is built for anyone who wants the legs working while the country goes past.

Outdoor Activities

If you want something more demanding, work through the outdoor activities around Hattiesburg. From ziplining to rock climbing, every appetite is covered. And if you want to sit still instead, the parks and picnic areas around here are where you do it.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and take the country around Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A Glimpse of History

Ah, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A city with a history deep enough to hold any history reader. Here you can work through the past by way of artifacts and museums.

If military history is your subject, you cannot miss the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. This museum exists to keep the record of Mississippi’s military men and women. You’ll find exhibits running from the late 19th century conflicts through to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And with some luck, you will see the tanks and aircraft outside.

But that is not all. Hattiesburg also holds the African American Military History Museum. This museum sits in the only surviving USO built exclusively for African American soldiers during World War II. Here you can read what African Americans gave to the military and what they were up against while giving it.

If general history is more your interest, check out the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Museum. Here you’ll find exhibits on the city’s heritage, including the early settlers, Native American artifacts and a good deal more.

So whether history is your subject or you simply want to know something new, Hattiesburg has the material. Don’t skip the chance to read this city’s past properly.

Downtown Delights

Ah, downtown Hattiesburg. The working heart of the city. The place where you can find everything from Southern Prohibition’s craft brews to the Pocket Museum’s collection of small oddities.

But let’s start with the basics. Shopping. Oh, the shopping. The downtown area is packed with independent shops and boutiques, which is where you find the thing you did not know you wanted. And if you need something to wear while you walk, the clothing stores are here too.

Now, the food. If you are hungry, you have landed well. Downtown Hattiesburg holds some of the strongest restaurants in the city. From classic Southern cooking to food from much further off, it is all here. And do not forget the Hattiesburg Station, where you can take a quick meal or a coffee before you head out again.

But wait, there is more. If craft beer is your subject, you have to check out Colludium Brewing. Their beer is brewed on site and the list rotates, so the pour is never quite the same twice. And if beer is not your thing, they pour a strong run of cocktails and wine too.

So, there you have it. Downtown Hattiesburg covers most of what a day needs. Shopping, eating, drinking and a little strangeness at the Pocket Museum. You will not be disappointed.

The University of Southern Mississippi Tour

You’re in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and you want something worth doing. Well, look at the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Southern Miss campus runs to 300 acres of history and good building. With over 180 buildings on it, you will not run short of things to look at. And the other thing worth knowing? It’s free. That’s right, you can tour the campus without paying anything.

The university runs a range of tour options to fit whatever time and interest you have. You can take a general tour of the campus, or pick a specialized one covering the arts or athletics.

During your tour, you’ll see the buildings everybody photographs, including the historic Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building and the Thad Cochran Center. You’ll also see the Friendship Oak, a 500-year-old tree that has come to stand for the university itself.

But it is not only the buildings and the landmarks. The Southern Miss campus is a working one, and you’ll feel that as you walk it. You’ll pass students late for class, athletes on the fields and musicians playing in the courtyards.

And do not forget the food. The Southern Miss campus holds some of the strongest eating in Hattiesburg. Whether you want a quick snack or a full meal, something here will do. Be sure to check out the Fresh Food Company, which runs a long list of options that are actually good for you.

In conclusion, if you want something in Hattiesburg that costs nothing and fills a morning, take a tour of the University of Southern Mississippi campus. With its history, its architecture and the noise of a working campus, it’s a stop for locals and visitors alike. So put the walking shoes on and get into it.

Give the zoo one full morning and give the university a whole afternoon. The Trace will want a full day if you are taking a bike. The museums will fit into whatever hours the weather has left you with. The downtown is the evening, and that goes for every single evening here. Three full days covers it comfortably, and four if you want to fish.

Hattiesburg’s Hidden Gems

So you think you have seen everything Hattiesburg holds? Think again. This city is full of places even the locals miss. Here are a few you should not:

All-American Rose Garden

If flowers are your subject, you’ll want the All-American Rose Garden. This garden sits on the University of Southern Mississippi’s campus and grows over 800 varieties of roses. Whether you garden seriously or simply like looking at them, this one earns the detour.

Lucky Rabbit

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Look at Lucky Rabbit. This interactive museum sits in downtown Hattiesburg and is packed with things you had forgotten existed. From vintage toys to old arcade games, Lucky Rabbit puts you back several decades without warning.

Hattiesburg Pocket Museum

Another downtown find is the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum. This small museum is packed with artifacts and memorabilia from Hattiesburg’s past. From old postcards to antique tools, it is the one history readers should not walk by.

Hattiesburg Saenger Theater

If the performing arts are your subject, you’ll want the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater. This historic venue has stood since the 1920s and has hosted everybody from Elvis Presley to the Moscow Ballet. Whether you want a film or a live performance, the Saenger Theater is where it happens.

Pep’s Point Water Park

Looking to beat the heat? Head over to Pep’s Point Water Park. This family park runs water slides and a high ropes adventure course between them. There’s also a lazy river if you simply want to float. With something for every age, Pep’s Point is where a hot day goes.

Kamper Park

Looking for something quieter outdoors? Look at Kamper Park. This park grows a range of native plants and rewards a slow walk. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds, which makes it work for a family morning.

Historic Downtown District

Last but not least, do not skip Hattiesburg’s historic downtown district. With its architecture and its small shops, this area is the part visitors miss. Take a walk down Main Street and see what turns up. You never know what you will find among Hattiesburg’s quieter corners.

Sports and Recreation

You’re not really the athletic type, but you still want something to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi? Don’t worry, plenty here does not require you to be fit.

If golf is your game, Hattiesburg runs some strong courses, including the Timberton Golf Course. This 18-hole course is known for its setting and for holes that make you think. And if you are not ready for the course itself, the driving range will take the rust off.

If fishing is more your subject, Hattiesburg has the water for it, including the Okatoma River and Lake Serene. You can take bass, catfish and bream out of them. And with some luck, you will land something worth photographing.

If you want a more active day, rent a bike and take the Longleaf Trace. This 44-mile trail suits biking, hiking and horseback riding alike. You’ll pass through forest, wetland and open field, which is the fastest way to understand the country around Hattiesburg.

And if you want something harder, take a kayak onto the Okatoma River. This river suits paddling and gives you the country from water level. Just wear a life jacket and expect to work for it.

Overall, Hattiesburg, Mississippi runs plenty of sport and recreation, whether you compete seriously or simply want a good day out.

The Mississippi Blues Trail

Are you a follower of the blues? Then you are in luck, because Hattiesburg is a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail. This trail is a run of markers and sites across Mississippi that carry the state’s blues history.

The Mississippi Blues Trail runs over 200 markers and sites across the state, and Hattiesburg holds a few of them. One of the better-known stops is the Hattiesburg Train Depot, where the blues player Robert Johnson is said to have caught a train and started a career.

Another stop on the trail is the African American Military History Museum, which sits in the former USO Club for African American soldiers during World War II. The museum runs exhibits on what African American soldiers and musicians gave to the blues tradition.

But the Mississippi Blues Trail is not only history, because the music is still being played. Hattiesburg runs a number of live venues carrying blues and other work. Check out the Thirsty Hippo, where the local and regional players go, or the Keg and Barrel, which has live music several nights a week.

So whether the blues is a lifelong subject or simply a good evening, the Mississippi Blues Trail in Hattiesburg has the material.

A Taste of Southern Prohibition Brewing

You cannot visit Hattiesburg without stopping at Southern Prohibition Brewing. This brewery is the local favorite and the reason is in the glass. They pour a long list, from the core brands to the wild and wood-aged ales. And the fresh IPAs are the ones to order first.

But it is not only the beer that makes Southern Prohibition Brewing work. The room is warm and the staff are easy with strangers. Plus they often have food trucks parked outside for events, so you can eat properly alongside the drinking.

One of the strongest things about Southern Prohibition Brewing is how seriously they take it. They use good ingredients and give each beer the time it needs. You can taste that in every glass.

If you do not know what to order, do not worry. The staff know the list and will point you at something that suits you. And if you want to gamble, take one of the limited edition brews. You never know what they have put away.

Overall, Southern Prohibition Brewing is the address in Hattiesburg nobody should skip. Whether you follow beer closely or simply want a good evening, this will not disappoint. So take a pint, sit down and let the Southern hospitality do the rest.

Events and Festivals

Hattiesburg knows how to fill a calendar, and a festival is the clearest way it does that. There are events running through the year that will keep you busy and put you among the locals.

One of the better-known events is the Hattiesburg Zoo’s Zoo Brew. This runs in the fall with live music, craft beer and food trucks. It’s an easy afternoon with friends and family.

If hot air balloons are your subject, do not miss the RISE Hattiesburg Hot Air Balloon Festival. This three-day festival runs in September with balloon rides, live music, food vendors and a good deal more.

For anybody who competes, there is the Big Rip Classic. This three-day disc golf tournament runs in South Mississippi and pulls players from across the country.

If you want something quieter, check out the HCAC Art Market. This event runs in September with local artists showing their work. It’s where you find the souvenir nobody else brought home.

No matter when you come to Hattiesburg, something will be running that suits you. So take friends and family and get among it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quirky and fun things to do in Hattiesburg?

Looking for something out of the ordinary in Hattiesburg? Why not throw an axe at Southern Axe Throwing Co., or take the Hattiesburg Zoo and get near the exotic animals? If you want something harder, head to the Escape Room and test how you think under a clock, or hit the Hub City Dragway for the speed.

What’s the best spot for a night out in Hattiesburg?

If you want an evening out in Hattiesburg, you’ll find plenty to pick from. Check out the Thirsty Hippo for live music in an easy room, or head to the Keg and Barrel for craft beer and pub food. If you want something more formal, book a table at Patio 44 or Crescent City Grill.

What are some must-see attractions in Hattiesburg?

Don’t skip the strongest of Hattiesburg’s attractions. Visit the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum for the state’s military history, or work through the African American Military History Museum for what black soldiers contributed. Check out the Longleaf Trace for a walk or a ride, and do not forget the All-American Rose Garden for something quieter.

Where can I find some great outdoor activities in Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg runs plenty outdoors for anyone who wants the country. Rent a bike and take the Longleaf Trace for the scenery, or get into the clear water of Okatoma Creek. For something slower, head to the Paul B. Johnson State Park for a picnic or a walk.

What are the top restaurants to try in Hattiesburg?

If food is what you travel for, the range in Hattiesburg will keep you busy. Check out the Depot Kitchen and Market for Southern comfort cooking, or head to Mahogany Bar for tapas and cocktails. For something different again, book a table at Cotton Blues, which does a modern turn on classic Southern cooking.

What interesting facts should I know about Hattiesburg, Mississippi?

Did you know Hattiesburg started as a railway town in the late 19th century? Or that the city holds the University of Southern Mississippi, which runs a nationally recognized polymer science program? Hattiesburg also sits on the Leaf River, one of the few free-flowing rivers left in the state of Mississippi.

Frequently asked questions about Hattiesburg, Mississippi

How long is the Longleaf Trace trail out of Hattiesburg?

Some 44 miles of it. It is paved the whole way and takes bikes, walkers and horses alike, running through forest, wetland and open field with picnic areas and rest stops set along it. You can rent a bike in the town rather than bringing one. Okatoma Creek is where the paddling happens around here instead. Do both of them and the outdoor half of the trip is finished.

How many species does the Hattiesburg Zoo actually hold?

There are over 100 of them. The collection runs tigers, giraffes and monkeys among the rest, and there is a hand-carved carousel, a playground and a splash pad on the same site. That is a full morning without ever leaving the grounds at all. Pack the swimsuits, because that splash pad really matters in this heat. Kamper Park is the quieter version of exactly the same day.

What is inside the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum in the downtown?

Small things, and in quantity. The museum is packed with artifacts and memorabilia out of Hattiesburg’s past, running from old postcards to antique tools, which is a great deal of history for a very small room. Lucky Rabbit is the other one on that same street. That one runs to vintage toys and old arcade games instead of that. Both of them together take an hour and cost you almost nothing.

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