Mississippi is definitely not lacking when it comes to great museums. Even better, many of the state’s museums have no admission. That’s right; a visit is completely FREE. (Of course, donations are always accepted.) Ready to have some fun that both you and your wallet will enjoy? Keep reading for 7 museums you can visit without charge.
- Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum/Facebook A true hidden gem, this museum is tucked away on a National Guard base so lots of people don’t even know it exists – and that’s a real shame. As the state’s “official military history museum,” it’s loaded with incredible life-size exhibits that provide information on warfare from the Civil War to present-day. Visit the museum at Bldg 850, 1001 Lee Ave. W, Hattiesburg, MS 39407.
- Apron Museum
The Apron Museum/Facebook Small town Mississippi is full of wonderful surprises, including the “world’s only apron museum.” Step inside the one-of-a-kind attraction, and you’ll find thousands of aprons, some of which date back centuries! The museum is located at 110 E Eastport St., Iuka, MS 38852.
- The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Kristen S/TripAdvisor Please note, the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum is no longer free. Now, admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child. From elaborate model-trains and the largest Lego display in the state to outdoor exhibits and train rides, you could easily spend an entire day at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. Check it out for yourself at 504 Pass Rd., Gulfport, MS 39507.
- Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum
Fred Clause/Google This museum may be located in small town Mississippi, but it’s worth the trek for any fan of Jim Henson and his beloved creations, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang. The museum may not be huge but it’s packed with Henson family photos, tons of memorabilia, and Muppets of all sizes. Visit the museum at 415 S Deer Creek Dr. E, Leland, MS 38756.
- Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum
msstate.edu “What time is it?” is a question you won’t have to ask yourself when visiting this unique museum, which is situated on the Mississippi State University campus. Truly unique, the museum boasts a collection of over 400 time pieces dating back as far as the 1700s! There’s a small art gallery located just upstairs from the museum, so it’s like two attractions in one. Check it out for yourself at the MSU Welcome Center, which is located at 75 B.S. Hood Dr., Mississippi State, MS 39759.
- Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture
JuneJanuary/TripAdvisor Housed in a former post office, this museum is brimming with local history, spanning from 1716 to the present. With artifacts, photographs, home furnishings, and personal items of local residents, stories from the past are brought to life at this Natchez attraction. Though free to attend, a $7 donation is suggested. Visit the museum at 301 Main St., Natchez, MS 39120.
- Cobb Institute of Archaeology Museum
Cobb Institute of Archaeology, Mississippi State University/Facebook Another hidden gem on Mississippi State University’s campus, this museum offers a one-of-a-kind look into the past. In addition to artifacts from the Native American cultures of the United States, the museum includes exhibits pertaining to the civilizations of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean region. The museum is located at 340 Lee Blvd., Mississippi State, MS 39759.
So, have you visited any of these incredible museums? Know of one that should’ve been included? Tell us in the comments section.
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum/Facebook
A true hidden gem, this museum is tucked away on a National Guard base so lots of people don’t even know it exists – and that’s a real shame. As the state’s “official military history museum,” it’s loaded with incredible life-size exhibits that provide information on warfare from the Civil War to present-day. Visit the museum at Bldg 850, 1001 Lee Ave. W, Hattiesburg, MS 39407.
The Apron Museum/Facebook
Small town Mississippi is full of wonderful surprises, including the “world’s only apron museum.” Step inside the one-of-a-kind attraction, and you’ll find thousands of aprons, some of which date back centuries! The museum is located at 110 E Eastport St., Iuka, MS 38852.
Kristen S/TripAdvisor
Please note, the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum is no longer free. Now, admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child. From elaborate model-trains and the largest Lego display in the state to outdoor exhibits and train rides, you could easily spend an entire day at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. Check it out for yourself at 504 Pass Rd., Gulfport, MS 39507.
Fred Clause/Google
This museum may be located in small town Mississippi, but it’s worth the trek for any fan of Jim Henson and his beloved creations, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang. The museum may not be huge but it’s packed with Henson family photos, tons of memorabilia, and Muppets of all sizes. Visit the museum at 415 S Deer Creek Dr. E, Leland, MS 38756.
msstate.edu
“What time is it?” is a question you won’t have to ask yourself when visiting this unique museum, which is situated on the Mississippi State University campus. Truly unique, the museum boasts a collection of over 400 time pieces dating back as far as the 1700s! There’s a small art gallery located just upstairs from the museum, so it’s like two attractions in one. Check it out for yourself at the MSU Welcome Center, which is located at 75 B.S. Hood Dr., Mississippi State, MS 39759.
JuneJanuary/TripAdvisor
Housed in a former post office, this museum is brimming with local history, spanning from 1716 to the present. With artifacts, photographs, home furnishings, and personal items of local residents, stories from the past are brought to life at this Natchez attraction. Though free to attend, a $7 donation is suggested. Visit the museum at 301 Main St., Natchez, MS 39120.
Cobb Institute of Archaeology, Mississippi State University/Facebook
Another hidden gem on Mississippi State University’s campus, this museum offers a one-of-a-kind look into the past. In addition to artifacts from the Native American cultures of the United States, the museum includes exhibits pertaining to the civilizations of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean region. The museum is located at 340 Lee Blvd., Mississippi State, MS 39759.
These museums aren’t the only places in the state that offer FREE fun! Read about others here.
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