Things to Do In Hattiesburg MS – 10 Great Activities For A Fun Vacation

Hattiesburg, MS is famous for several things, including being home to the University of Southern Mississippi. There are many things to do in Hattiesburg MS, which make your vacation here worthwhile. You can explore several things, including a renowned art museum and a popular football program. 

Hattiesburg, MS, is also known for its historic downtown area with many local shops and restaurants. It has a great Hattiesburg Zoo and the Longleaf Trace, a scenic biking and hiking trail. Additionally, Hattiesburg played a significant role in the civil rights movement, particularly during the Freedom Summer of 1964.

Doesn’t all this about visiting Hattiesburg MS sound tempting? After all, you get a ton of things to do in Hattiesburg MS! So, without wasting any time, let’s explore some great activities in which you can engage yourself and your family when you visit here. 

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Visit the University of Southern Mississippi

If you are thinking about some of the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS, you can explore this university. You can witness its beautiful campus, the USM Museum of Art, and attend a football game at M.M. Roberts Stadium. 

Additionally, there are many things to do in Hattiesburg MS, when you visit this university. Some activities include:

• Visit the USM Museum of Art: Explore the museum’s collection of over 7,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints.
• Attend a football game: Cheer on the Golden Eagles at M.M. Roberts Stadium during football season. It is one of the best things to do in Hattiesburg MS if you love sports.
• Tour the campus: Take a guided or self-guided tour of the beautiful campus and learn about its history and notable buildings.
• See a performance at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center: Enjoy concerts, plays, and dance performances in this state-of-the-art theatre. You can indulge in things to do in Hattiesburg MS, such as these, if you love art. 
• Visit the Bobby Chain Technology Center: Learn about the latest technological innovations and see cutting-edge equipment in action.
• Attend a lecture or seminar: USM hosts a variety of guest speakers and events throughout the year, covering a range of topics.
• Explore the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory: Take a tour of the laboratory and learn about marine science and conservation.
• Attend a sporting event: In addition to football, USM offers a variety of sports for fans to enjoy, including basketball, baseball, and soccer. Again, it is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for sport lovers. 
• Visit the Center for Undergraduate Research: Learn about research opportunities available to USM students and faculty, and see current projects on display.
• Join a student organization: Get involved on campus and meet new people by joining one of the many student organizations at USM.

Explore the Hattiesburg Zoo – Best Things to Do in Hattiesburg Zoo For Wildlife Lovers

You can witness a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and zebras, at this popular attraction. Visiting the zoo is one of the best things to do in Hattiesburg Zoo if you are visiting with your family. 

The zoo offers a wide range of activities for visitors. These include the following. 

• See the animals: Visit the zoo’s many exhibits and see a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, giraffes, and more.
• Take a train ride: Enjoy a ride on the “Zoo Train” and see the zoo from a different perspective. This ride is a must-do among all things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Feed the giraffes: Get up close with the zoo’s giraffes and feed them from a special feeding platform.
• Visit the petting zoo: Interact with friendly animals like goats and sheep in the petting zoo.
• Attend a special event: The Hattiesburg Zoo hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo, Zoo Brew, and more.
• Take a guided tour: Learn more about the animals and their habitats by taking a guided tour of the zoo. Indulging in such things to do in Hattiesburg MS, will allow you to explore the zoo deeply. 
• Play at the splash pad: Cool off on a hot day by playing in the zoo’s splash pad.
• Visit the gift shop: Take home a souvenir of your visit by shopping at the zoo’s gift shop.
• Explore the zoo’s gardens: Stroll through the zoo’s many gardens, including the Butterfly Garden and the Native Plant Garden. Your kids will love indulging in such things to do in Hattiesburg MS.
• Take a picnic: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the zoo’s many picnic areas

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Head to Longleaf Trace

Do you love biking? Then, you can head to Longleaf Trace to enjoy the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS.

Here are some things to do on the Longleaf Trace:

• Bike ride: Rent a bike or bring your own and enjoy a scenic ride on the 41-mile trail.
• Hiking: Take a leisurely hike and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. It is one of the great things to do in Hattiesburg for visitors. 
• Horseback riding: Bring your own horse and enjoy a ride on the trail.
• Running: Get some exercise by running on the flat, paved trail. Running on this trail is the greatest of all things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for fitness enthusiasts. 
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for the many bird species that live along the trail.
• Geocaching: Participate in a high-tech treasure hunt by searching for hidden caches along the trail.
• Fishing: Bring your fishing gear and spend some time fishing in the nearby lakes and streams.
• Picnicking: Take a break from your outdoor activities and enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the many picnic areas along the trail. You can have A fun time with your family while enjoying the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Photography: Take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery and capture some memorable photos.
• Take a guided tour: Learn more about the history and ecology of the trail by taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Explore the Camp Shelby Military Museum

If you want to learn about the history of Camp Shelby and the role it played in the world wars, then you can visit this place. The visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities when visiting this museum. After all, all museums are not boring. 

Some top things to do in Hattiesburg MS, to explore for visitors are as follows. 

• Explore the museum’s exhibits: Learn about the history of Camp Shelby and the role it has played in military training and operations throughout the years.
• See military vehicles and equipment: Check out the museum’s collection of military vehicles and equipment, including tanks, jeeps, and artillery.
• Visit the outdoor exhibits: Walk through the museum’s outdoor exhibits, including a World War II-era barracks and a collection of aircraft. It is one of the greatest things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for visitors who like to explore such outdoor exhibits. 
• Attend a special event: The museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including living history reenactments, military vehicle displays, and more.
• Watch a film: See a short film about the history of Camp Shelby and the military training that takes place there. Your kids will enjoy such things to do in Hattiesburg if they love the military and action. 
• Check out the gift shop: Take home a souvenir of your visit by shopping at the museum’s gift shop.
• Learn about local military history: Discover the contributions of local soldiers and units to military history.
• Visit the military chapel: See the museum’s restored military chapel and learn about the important role it played in soldiers’ lives. Indulging in things to do in Hattiesburg MS, like these will also inspire you. 
• Talk to the knowledgeable staff: The museum’s staff members are experts on military history and can answer any questions you have.
• Honor veterans: Pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the military by visiting the museum and learning about their sacrifices and contributions.

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Explore the Downtown Hattiesburg – Exploratory Things to do in Hattiesburg MS

Do you wish to explore some historical buildings and architecture? Then you can include exploring Downtown Hattiesburg in your things to do in Hattiesburg MS list. 

Here are some things to do in Downtown Hattiesburg:

• Visit the historic Saenger Theatre: Attend a play, concert, or other events at this beautifully restored 1929 theatre.
• Explore the art scene: Check out the Hattiesburg Arts Council Gallery, the Oddfellows Gallery, and other galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists.
• Take a walking tour: Stroll through the historic downtown area and learn about the architecture and history of the buildings. Walking tours are the most enjoyable of all things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Shop local: Visit the many unique shops and boutiques, including Southern Fried Comics, the Lucky Rabbit, and more. 
• Enjoy the nightlife: Listen to live music, grab a drink, or dance the night away at local venues like The Thirsty Hippo, The Porter, and more. Downtown Hattiesburg offers some of the best things to do in Hattiesburg MS for a lively time. 
• Visit the Farmers Market: Get fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products at the Downtown Farmers Market, held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
• See public art: Check out the murals and sculptures scattered throughout the downtown area.
• Sample local cuisine: Indulge in Southern-style cooking and other local favorites at restaurants like Cotton Blues, Keg and Barrel, and more.
• Attend a festival or event: Downtown Hattiesburg hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival, the Downtown BBQ Showdown, and more. You can attend such festivals for things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for a great time.
• Relax in the park: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown and enjoy the greenery at parks like Chain Park, Town Square Park, and more.

Visit the African American Military History Museum

Are you a history buff? Then you will love visitng this musuem when considering the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS. Here, you can discover the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers throughout history.

This museum offers a couple of things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for visitors. The top ones include the following. 

• Explore the exhibits: Learn about the contributions of African American soldiers to American military history through interactive exhibits.
• Tour the museum: Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the history of the building and its significance to African American military history.
• Learn about the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion: Discover the history of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first African American paratroopers in the U.S. Army. If you are a true American at heart, you will definitely enjoy such things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Visit the Hattiesburg Armed Forces Museum: The African American Military History Museum is connected to the Hattiesburg Armed Forces Museum, which features exhibits about all branches of the U.S. military.
• Attend special events: The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guest speakers, film screenings, and more. 
• Shop at the gift shop: Take home a souvenir of your visit by shopping at the museum’s gift shop, which offers a variety of books, apparel, and other items. Take some memories home while enjoying the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Learn about local military history: Discover the contributions of African American soldiers from Mississippi and the surrounding area to military history.
• See artifacts and memorabilia: Check out the museum’s collection of artifacts and memorabilia, including military uniforms, equipment, and more.
• Attend a lecture or workshop: The museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including lectures and workshops on African American military history. It is one of the greatest things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for people who love to gather more knowledge. 
• Pay tribute to veterans: Honor the brave men and women who have served in the military by visiting the museum and learning about their sacrifices and contributions.

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Visit the Paul B. Johnson State Park – Best Outdoor Things to Do in Hattiesburg MS

If you enjoy indulging in recreational activities, you can consider visiting Paul B. Johnson State Park. This park offers several things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for peace lovers. You can spend a day fishing, hiking, or picnicking at this beautiful state park.

The top activities that you can enjoy at this park include the following. 

• Enjoy outdoor activities: The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping.
• Go fishing: Cast your line and try to catch bass, bream, and catfish in one of the park’s lakes or ponds.
• Take a boat out on the water: Bring your own boat or rent one at the park and spend a day on the water. Boating is one of the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS that you and your friends can enjoy. 
• Swim in the lake: Take a dip in the clear waters of Geiger Lake, which is open for swimming during the summer months.
• Hike the trails: Explore the park’s trails, which wind through pine forests and along the lake shore.
• Have a picnic: Enjoy a meal in the great outdoors at one of the park’s picnic areas, which are equipped with tables, grills, and pavilions.
• Play disc golf: Try your hand at disc golf on the park’s 18-hole course. If you have never tried golfing before, it is one of the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS that you can include in your to-do list. 
• Go camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the park’s campsites, which offer both primitive and R.V. camping options.
• Attend a park event: The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, educational programs, and more.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for the many species of birds that call the park home, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. It is one of the most amazing things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for nature lovers. 

Visit De Soto National Forest – Things to do in Hattiesburg MS for outdoor lovers

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can definitely enjoy visiting the De Soto National Forest. It can be one of the best things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for people who love adventure and hiking. 

There are a couple of things to do in Hattiesburg MS, that you can enjoy at De Soto National Forest. 

• Hiking: De Soto National Forest offers many hiking trails for all levels of the hiking experience. Some of the popular trails include Black Creek Trail, Tuxachanie Trail, and Longleaf Trace.
• Camping: Camping is allowed in designated areas within the forest. Visitors can choose from primitive camping to developed campsites that offer amenities like electric hookups, water, and showers. It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for visitors who like to stay outdoors to have fun. 
• Fishing: The forest offers great fishing opportunities for anglers. Visitors can fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish in the many creeks and lakes within the forest.
• Canoeing and kayaking: Black Creek, which runs through the forest, is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking.
• Horseback riding: De Soto National Forest offers miles of trails for horseback riding. Indulging in things to do in Hattiesburg MS, such as these offer one of a kind experience to visitors. 
• Wildlife viewing: The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Visitors can take a wildlife viewing drive or hike to observe the animals.
• Hunting: The forest offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, squirrel, and other small game during hunting season.
• Photography: The forest offers many opportunities for nature photography, including scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visiting this place will allow you to enjoy the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS, and also get some posts for your social media networks. 
• Picnicking: Visitors can enjoy a picnic in designated areas throughout the forest.
• Educational programs: The forest offers educational programs and guided hikes for visitors to learn about the natural history and ecology of the forest.

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Visit the Turtle Creek Mall

Apparently, you would want to enjoy some amazing dine-in experiences with your friends and family. Including this mall in your top things to do in Hattiesburg MS list will also allow you to explore some amazing shopping destinations. 

Some great things to do in Hattiesburg MS, at the Turtle Creek Mall include the following. 

• Shopping: As a traditional indoor shopping mall, Turtle Creek Mall has a wide variety of stores for visitors to shop at, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, electronics, and more.
• Dining: There are several dining options within the mall, including fast food and sit-down restaurants, as well as cafes and snack shops. You can enjoy some amazing food while indulging in top things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Entertainment: The mall has an arcade and a movie theatre that offers a range of movies for all ages.
• Beauty services: The mall has beauty salons and spas that offer hair and nail services, as well as skincare treatments and massages.
• Fitness: The mall has a fitness centre, which offers gym equipment and fitness classes. For fitness lovers exercising at this place is among the top things to do in Hattiesburg MS.
• Events: The mall hosts various events throughout the year, such as holiday events, back-to-school promotions, and more.
• Play areas: The mall has a children’s play area, which offers a variety of activities for children.
• Gift cards: Turtle Creek Mall offers gift cards, which can be purchased at the mall or online, and can be used at any of the mall’s stores.
• Personal shopping services: Some of the stores within the mall offer personal shopping services, where a professional stylist will help visitors pick out clothing and accessories.
• Relaxation: The mall offers several areas for relaxation, including seating areas and benches where visitors can rest and take a break from shopping. For people who love relaxing activities, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 

Explore the Black Creek Trail – Things to do in Hattiesburg MS for adventure lovers

For nature lovers who enjoy the top outdoor activities, exploring the Black Creek Trail will offer the best of all things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 

The top activities that you can enjoy at this place include the following. 

• Hiking: Black Creek Trail is a 40-mile hiking trail that winds through the De Soto National Forest, offering a great opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the forest.
• Camping: Visitors can camp at designated campsites along the trail, which offer primitive camping options. Camping is one of the best things to do in Hattiesburg MS. for outdoor enthusiasts. 
• Fishing: Black Creek is a popular destination for fishing, where visitors can fish for a variety of species, including bass, bream, and catfish. 
• Canoeing and kayaking: Black Creek is also a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, where visitors can paddle down the creek and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
• Wildlife viewing: Visitors can observe the forest’s wildlife along the trail, including birds, deer, and other animals.
• Photography: The trail offers many opportunities for nature photography, including scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can get some amazing photographs while enjoying the things to do in Hattiesburg MS. 
• Picnicking: Visitors can enjoy a picnic at designated picnic areas along the trail.
• Educational programs: The forest offers educational programs and guided hikes for visitors to learn about the natural history and ecology of the forest and the trail.
• Geocaching: Black Creek Trail offers many geocaching opportunities, where visitors can search for hidden treasures along the trail. 
• Relaxation: Visitors can enjoy the peacefulness of the forest and the calming sounds of the creek as they take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Wrapping It Up!

Hattiesburg is a charming and vibrant city in the state of Mississippi, with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, it has some top things to do in Hattiesburg MS, for everyone. 

Some of the city’s top attractions include the University of Southern Mississippi, the Hattiesburg Zoo, and the De Soto National Forest, all of which offer a variety of outdoor activities and educational programs for visitors of all ages. 

Additionally, Hattiesburg boasts a thriving downtown area with an array of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as several museums and cultural centers that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and heritage. 
With its warm Southern hospitality, beautiful scenery, lively atmosphere, and several things to do in Hattiesburg make it definitely worth a visit. Other than this, you can visit Preston if you are looking forward to enjoying a vacation in some other vacation. There are many things to do in Preston that you can explore.

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