Mississippi's Top Accessible Travel Destinations

Along with its mysterious, mesmerizing swamp land, there are outstanding activities, including adaptive scuba diving, to enjoy in Mississippi. Check out all the wheelchair accessible attractions the state has to offer!

The Museum of Natural Science, Jackson

The Museum of Natural Science is located in LeFleur's Bluff State Park. The building covers a 73,000-square-foot complex that overlooks the magnificent 300-acre park, and highlights an accessible outdoor amphitheater. The museum's main focus is preserving, collecting, and studying Mississippi's natural wonders. Inside the museum you'll see exhibits that highlight Mississippi's diverse habitats, 200 living species housed in a large aquarium, and a 1,700-square-foot greenhouse known as "The Swamp."

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, along with an accessible outside trail. There are two wheelchairs onsite available on a first come, first served basis.

Mississippi River Museum, Tunica River Park

The Mississippi River Museum is packed full with genuine artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history, nature, and culture of the river. During your visit you can explore trails of Spanish Conquistadors, view aquariums filled with lowland and aquatic life, check out exhibits that highlight the cotton industry, learn about the 2011 Mississippi River flood, and view lots of other unique collections!

The museum is broken up into three levels, and is completely wheelchair accessible with elevators.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport

This is the perfect place to bring your kids! The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center has multiple interactive exhibits. The What It's Like To Be Me exhibit helps children understand and accept differences and disabilities among other children. The exhibit "Celebrate the World We Share" allows children to learn about different cultures and customs. The History Hotel lets you get a feel for what Mississippi City was like in the 1890s. All of the exhibits are focused on helping children learn while having fun!

The facility is equipped with a ramp and an elevator. The outdoor tree houses are also accessible via ramp.

Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg

The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the turning point of the Civil War. President Davis wanted to keep the city for the Confederacy and President Lincoln wanted to take the river over to divide the South. You'll see historical information, an orientation film, and other Civil War exhibits at the visitor center. View items like sailors' personal possessions, cookware, medical supplies, weaponry and many other miscellaneous artifacts from the Civil War at the USS Cairo Museum and Gunboat.

There are 16 miles of paved roads you can tour with your wheelchair accessible vehicle! You can purchase an audio tour CD, rent a GPS Ranger device, or hire a battlefield guide to show you around. All visitor facilities are handicap accessible, and handicap parking spaces are available at Clay Street Visitor Center and the USS Cairo Exhibit.

Armed Forces Museum, Hattiesburg

The Armed Forces Museum serves as the military history museum for the state of Mississippi. You'll learn about the services and sacrifices made by the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve their country. There are more than 15,000 artifacts from the branches in the military. The fascinating exhibits tell stories of heroes and have continued to educate generations about the price paid for freedom.

The museum is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs available for rent.

Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg

Encounter more than 80 different species of animals at the Hattiesburg Zoo! Take in exhibits like the Chilean flamingo exhibit, Zebu exhibit, and play some drums inside the African region of the zoo. See magnificent citron-crested cockatoos, great horned owls, alligators, and other rare animals!

The Hattiesburg Zoo is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair rentals.

Adventure Charters and Dive, Pascagoula

Have you ever wanted to try scuba diving? Adventure Charters and Dive has an adaptive scuba program that teaches you how to dive regardless of any disabilities. You'll train with an adaptive buddy who will assist you on your wild adventure! The company also specializes in Adaptive Charters--like dolphin and bird-watching tours, where you'll see beautiful views of the Mississippi Barrier Islands. You can even take a full-service fishing trip!

When you book any of the activities, be sure to tell them you'll need an adaptive adventure.

Visit Mississippi--birthplace of Elvis!--to enjoy the blues, catfish, and of course, wheelchair accessible attractions.