Car Rental Mississippi

Mississippi is the perfect place for a road trip. The cotton flats make way for verdant hills, the pretty towns lie next to acres of farmland as far as the eye can see. Then, just when you least expect it, the Mississippi River rolls into view or you reach the beaches of the state’s far south.

A couple of major routes define the state, the largest and longest of which is Interstate 55 (I-55). It enters Mississippi in the north from Tennessee and then proceeds south through most of the state, connecting Coldwater, Batesville, Grenada, on to Jackson, Crystal Springs and beyond until it crosses into Louisiana.

Jackson, sat in the state’s center, is also served by the I-20, which runs west to east, linking with Meridian towards the border with Alabama. Here you can get onto the I-59, which runs south. If you’re driving down to the coast, you can take Route 49 from Jackson or from Meridian join it near Hattiesburg. In the west, Route 61 traces the route of the Mississippi River and is known as the Blues Highway – hugely popular with road trippers and music fans.

The rural roads in Mississippi are generally quiet and have a speed limit of 70mph (112km/h) on stretches of Interstate, with a minimum speed of 40mph (64km/h). The limit on four-lane highways is 65mph (104km/h) and there may be minimum speeds on these too – as always, follow the signs.

Speeds drop in towns and cities, with limits of 20mph (32km/h) or lower in some school zones. As in the rest of the US, avoid using a cell phone while driving and ensure all passengers wear seatbelts. If you have any specific questions about driving in Mississippi, our team will be happy to answer them for you.

Mississippi is very much the real South. Unspoiled rural life is juxtaposed with thriving towns and cities. Old mansions rise up out of nowhere, surveying the fields of cotton that are like clouds fallen to earth.

Jackson, with its exploration of Civil Rights history and exquisite barbecue, is a great place to start, or you can explore the story of blues music. Elsewhere, there are seaside resorts, the curves of the great river and even the place where Elvis was born. Don’t miss a thing in Mississippi.

Jumping Jackson

Jackson is the urban heart of Mississippi – very much its largest town but still small enough to explore in a day or two. One of the main attractions here is the Civil Rights Museum, located next to the Museum of Mississippi History. It’s an unflinching look at the history of race relations in the state and the rise of the Civil Rights movement.

There’s brilliant art and culture here too, whether at the Mississippi Museum of Art or Museum of Natural Science. The Old Capitol Museum was once the state capitol building and is a handsome Greek Revival structure that now houses some fascinating state history. If you’re just looking to relax, head to the cool Fondren neighbourhood, packed with great restaurants and places to hang out, plus quirky independent stores.

The Blues Trail

Route 61 comes all the way down from the mid-west, but it’s the southern stretches that make up the Blues Trail – an essential road trip for music aficionados. The town of Clarksdale is a good jumping-off point, with venues that play host to the biggest touring blues acts, while it’s in driving distance of many of the major sights.

Drive to Indianola, a petite Delta town that houses the BB King Museum. It tells the story of his life, but also tackles the history of the Mississippi Delta and brings to life the often-tough conditions here, ones that inspired so many of the more plaintive Blues songs. King is buried here too, if you want to pay your respects to the legend.

The Highway 61 Blues Museum is smaller but just as charming, packed full of memorabilia. It’s in Leland, home to many noted Blues musicians including James ‘Son’ Thomas, whose son, Pat Thomas, plays at the museum most days.

Set a Gulf course

Set your sights on the seaside and visit one of the most unspoiled stretches of the Gulf Coast, right at the bottom of the state. There are spots here that have been developed – with the resorts, casinos, restaurants and golf courses you’d expect – but others seemingly untouched.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore combines remote beaches with barrier islands. At times you’ll be completely alone in this serene area, with just the seabirds and dunes for company. Swimming, hiking, fishing, snorkelling, stargazing – you can do it all here.

A bounty of Blues heritage, evocative history and eclectic landscapes await in the Magnolia State. Explore it all at your own pace with car rental in Mississippi from Hertz.