Mississippi in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph

The state of Mississippi has rich culture, from blues music and the performing arts to American history and architecture, so the picture possibilities in the state covers many bases. The outdoor scene is just as diverse, from serene nature parks and scenic byways to the ocean waters in the coastal region.

From paddleboats on the mighty Mississippi River to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, there are so many visual treasures in the state. Since there are many aquatic images available in Mississippi, you may want to plan your photography outings around the sunsets, when you will find the most brilliant color and reflections on the water.

1. Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the main attraction in the state, with so many vantage points from which to capture it in photos. Mississippi is the last stretch of the 2,320-mile river as it makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River snakes its way through the landscape, so you will find beautiful riverscape scenery and wildlife along every stretch of it.

2. Biloxi Lighthouse

The 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the most photographed locations on Mississippi's Gulf Coast. It has a grand presence, especially since it is located in the middle of a highway. The evening light on the lighthouse with the Gulf Coast in the background is one of the most beautiful images to capture in the state.

3. Vicksburg Battlefield

The Vicksburg National Military Park is an area with a protected battlefield and the gravesites of 18,000 Civil War soldiers. The Siege of Vicksburg was an important battle in American Civil War history, and the artifacts, like the cannons housed within the area, are not only historic but visually beautiful.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mississippi

4. Moss Point

The swampy areas of Moss Point are great locations to find local wildlife to photograph. Alligators are camouflaged in the green swamps of this southern Mississippi region. Moss Point is located close to the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which is another area that has plenty of wildlife to photograph.

5. Natchez Trace Cypress Swamp

Deep within the Natchez Trace forest trail in Mississippi are majestic cypress swamps with green, monochromatic scenery. A section of the 440-mile trail goes through Mississippi and connects to other sections throughout the United States.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Natchez

6. Mississippi Backroads

It is worth driving along the backroads in rural Mississippi just to see what unique images await. From historic barns and green fields to rusted out vehicles that seem to lend themselves artistically to the landscape, each direction is sure to turn up unexpected imagery.

7. Lake Lamar Bruce

The beautiful Lake Lamar Bruce near Saltillo is a pristine 300-acre lake that is popular with fisherman and photographers. The thick woods that border the lake frame the calm water. Catching the sunrise or sunset over the lake enables vibrant colors and clouds to be brilliantly reflected in the water.

8. Biloxi Bay

The waters in Biloxi Bay are a nice place to capture seaside images like commercial shrimping boats that have docked for the day. Days with puffy clouds in the sky add to the maritime imagery. Sunset is also a nice time to photograph at Biloxi Bay.

9. Fort Massachusetts

Fort Massachusetts is a uniquely designed fort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on West Ship Island. The historic brick fort dates back to the mid 1800s and is now a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The view of the military fort against the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast is an appealing image with contrasting subjects.

10. Greenville

The paddleboats that cruise down the Mississippi River are always an elegant sight to see if you catch them as they go by, but there is one in the state that you can photograph anytime. The black and white, double-decker paddleboat in Greenville, Mississippi serves as the local visitor center. The boat is on the water, and it is beautifully restored to reflect charming Southern elegance.

11. Midway Marina

Midway Marina in Fulton, Mississippi is the stopping point for small boats and yachts. It has many docks and moorings that make for stunning photographs, especially at sunset, when the rich colors are cast onto the wooden planks and water.

12. Tishomingo State Park

The Tishomingo State Park is where many archaeological excavations have occurred, confirming the presence of Paleo Indians on the land as far back as 7000 BC. The park has tremendous natural beauty and historical imagery, including a pioneer cabin and footbridge tucked away among the hillsides of the park.

13. Mississippi State Capitol

The state capitol along the skyline of Jackson, Mississippi is a beautiful photograph to capture, especially during the early evening hours when the rotunda is lit with a golden hue. Photograph the capitol building from different angles and get the statues and other historic items in the shots, like the cannon on one side of the complex.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jackson, MS

14. Union Station

Historic train stations are always ripe with great shots for photos. Union Station in Meridian facilitated passenger rail transportation since the early 1900s. While the depot is now used for more modern transportation, there are many remnants of its historic significance, like old passenger train cars that you can find around the facility to photograph.

15. Pearl River

The Pearl River runs through Mississippi and Louisiana and has a diverse wildlife and ecosystem. This is a prime location for nature photographs, as it attracts many species of birds and other rare water animals. The beautiful landscape around this natural area is especially stunning during the sunset hours, when golden hues of color bring out the details of the landscape.

16. Gulf Coast Shoreline

The Gulf Coast shoreline in Biloxi Beach conjures all the imagery needed to inspire an ocean getaway. While the beachfront is busy during the day with sun worshipers, evening is when photographers can catch the best shots over the water, with the beach chairs ready for another day of activity.

17. Mississippi's Gardens

You are likely to smell the sweet magnolia fragrance of Mississippi before you arrive, as the state's official flower dominates the state. The beautiful and fragrant magnolia tree is the most common in the state, and it's the Mississippi state tree. The grand flowers bloom six to eight inches wide in May and June.

18. Restaurants (Mississippi Mud Cake)

Just the sight of a traditional Mississippi Mud Cake will make you hungry for the decidence that makes this dessert popular in the state. Also called a Mississippi Mud Pie, the dessert has many variations but its base is a dark chocolate cake that has become a staple of the American South.

19. Tree Branches (Mississippi Kite)

The Mississippi kite is a gray and black species of bird that is found in the southeastern United States. It is often spotted in the forests and prairies. The small raptor can be identified by its narrow wings, dark tail, dark eye patches, and pale head.

20. The Pastures of Rural Mississippi

A drive through rural Mississippi will reveal some of the most stunning pastures and scenic agriculture in the country. The state has more than 34,000 farms, and agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry. Catch the view of the pastures at sunrise or sunset, when golden colors highlight the already picturesque landscapes.