Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park
Image credit: picture by Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. licenced under Public Domain Dedication (CC0).

Vicksburg National Military Park is a historic site located in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It commemorates the Battle of Vicksburg, which took place during the American Civil War.

The park spans over 1,800 acres and includes numerous monuments, artillery positions, and trenches that were used during the battle. Visitors can explore the various trails and roads that wind through the park to experience the battlefield firsthand. The park also features an impressive visitor center that provides an in-depth look at the history of the battle.

The Battle of Vicksburg was a significant turning point in the Civil War. It occurred from May 18 to July 4, 1863, and resulted in the Union Army's successful siege and capture of Vicksburg. This victory gave the Union control over the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

Besides its historical significance, Vicksburg National Military Park offers a range of activities for visitors. Guided tours, either by car or on foot, provide detailed information about the battle and the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the Cairo Museum, which features the remains of the Civil War ironclad gunboat USS Cairo.

In addition to the park, there are several attractions nearby that visitors may want to explore. The city of Vicksburg itself offers a rich blend of history, culture, and southern charm. Visitors can take a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River or visit the Old Courthouse Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the area's past.

Overall, Vicksburg National Military Park is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about the American Civil War. With its historic significance, educational opportunities, and nearby attractions, the park offers a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Location

Vicksburg National Military Park is situated within the state of Mississippi, encompassing approximately 1,800 acres of picturesque landscape. Located in Warren County, the park is nestled on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. It is positioned about 45 miles west of the state capital, Jackson. The park's geographic location presents visitors with a stunning combination of nature's beauty and historical significance. With its rolling hills, dense forests, and panoramic views of the river, Vicksburg National Military Park seamlessly blends into its surroundings, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and soak in the natural splendor of the region.

Address & Contact

3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
Driving Directions
Phone: 6016360583
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Vicksburg National Military Park would be in the months of April and May. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 77°F to 83°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation is moderate, ranging from 4.7 in to 5.8 in. These months also attract a significant number of visitors. By visiting during April or May, you can enjoy the park's beauty while avoiding large crowds.

Things to do and learn in Vicksburg National Military Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Vicksburg National Military Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Historic Weapons Demonstration

Topics

Learn about these topics at Vicksburg National Military Park: Military African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War National Cemetery

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Inside the Visitor Center, Park Rangers are ready to answer your questions and assist with your orientation to park areas. To help ensure that their visit is safe and enjoyable, large groups or tours should check in with the ranger at the desk when they arrive. Interpretive media including exhibits and park film are located inside the Visitor Center.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Vicksburg National Military Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Vicksburg National Military Park

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Hampton Inn & Suites Vicksburg

With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Vicksburg in Vicksburg, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 6 minutes by foot from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3330 Clay St, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Web: Link

Econo Lodge Vicksburg

With a stay at Econo Lodge Vicksburg in Vicksburg, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3959 Clay Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Web: Link

Quality Inn Vicksburg

With a stay at Quality Inn Vicksburg in Vicksburg, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3975 S Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Vicksburg

A stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Vicksburg places you in the heart of Vicksburg, steps from Mississippi River and 12 minutes by foot from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4127 I20 Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vicksburg, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vicksburg, an IHG Hotel in Vicksburg, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 2-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4330 S Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

Deluxe Inn Vicksburg Mississippi

When you a stay at Deluxe Inn Vicksburg Mississippi in Vicksburg, you'll be in the historical district, just steps from Mississippi River and Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2751 N Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

Courtyard Marriott Vicksburg

With a stay at Courtyard Marriott Vicksburg in Vicksburg, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 2-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Underwood Dr, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vicksburg

With a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Vicksburg in Vicksburg, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4160 S Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

Comfort Suites Vicksburg

A stay at Comfort Suites Vicksburg places you in the heart of Vicksburg, steps from Mississippi River and a 2-minute drive from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Berryman Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Web: Link

Motel 6 Vicksburg, MS

With a stay at Motel 6 Vicksburg, MS in Vicksburg, you'll be in the historical district, just a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 13 minutes by foot from Vicksburg National Military Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4137 I-20 N. Frontage Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-22Vicksburg National Military Park Welcomes New Superintendent
The National Park Service today announced the selection of Treacy Stone as the new superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park. Stone will begin his new role in June. More
2026-02-23Illinois Memorial Closed for Restoration
The memorial itself closed for restoration starting on September 16, 2025. Starting on March 2, 2026, access to Tour Stops 2 and 3 will be temporarily closed. The closure point will be at the Shirley House. Visitors will still be able to continue north along Union Avenue and access the remainder of the Tour Road. This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026. More
2026-02-23National Park Service to Close Road in Vicksburg National Military Park for Visitor Safety
On March 2, the National Park Service will close a short section of the Tour Road near the Illinois Memorial that provides access to Tour Stops 2 (Shirley House) and 3 (Third Louisiana Redan). This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026. More
2026-02-21Using Prescribed Fires for Battlefield Landscape Management 
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires to manage vegetation in select areas of Vicksburg National Military Park on Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23, depending on weather. Areas for prescribed fires will include large grassy areas in the South Loop, near the Illinois Memorial and Shirley House, the western slope of Fort Hill, along Graveyard Road and at Thayer’s Approach. The area of prescribed burns will include approximately 231 acres. More
2025-10-09National Cemetery Closed to Vehicles; Open to Pedestrians
Due to weather related incidents, Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to vehicular traffic, however it is open to pedestrians. Visitor can park in the adjacent USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery.
2025-10-09Louisiana Circle Closed
Louisiana Circle is closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to slope instability. Navy Circle is open and also provides views of the Mississippi River.