10 Prettiest Small Towns In Mississippi

Natural beauty is central to the appeal of Mississippi’s small towns, with the Mississippi River shaping many communities and signature magnolia trees lining countless streets. In Natchez, that beauty meets history along the riverfront, where old landmarks and grand homes give the town a timeless appeal. Ocean Springs brings a different kind of scenery, pairing its creative downtown with the natural calm of Davis Bayou and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. These 10 towns are some of the prettiest in Mississippi and show off the state’s charm from every angle.

Canton Tourism Receives Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society and Unveils New Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker

Canton’s commitment to preserving its civil rights history is being recognized at the state level. Last month, Visit Mississippi and the Mississippi Humanities Council unveiled a new Mississippi Freedom Trail marker at the Canton Freedom House. The unveiling was a significant moment for the community, marking a permanent, public recognition of the courage that defined Canton’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the Freedom House is the last surviving CORE Freedom House in Mississippi, and the home features photographs, articles, and memorabilia that bring that history to life.

The Mississippi Freedom Trail is a statewide initiative featuring more than 40 markers commemorating the individuals, locations, and events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement across Mississippi. For Canton, having a place on the trail is a confirmation that what happened here matters and that the people who played a part deserve to be remembered.

Canton Tourism has also received an Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society. Presented annually to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to preserving Mississippi history, this year’s committee voted to recognize Canton Tourism for its efforts in preserving and sharing Canton’s significant place in the Civil Rights Movement.

Canton has always had a story worth telling: one of resilience, courage, and community. This recognition is a testament to everyone who has worked to ensure that Canton’s Civil Rights story is never forgotten.

Want to experience this history for yourself?

Visit the Canton Freedom House Civil Rights and Multicultural Museum and see firsthand the place where ordinary people did extraordinary things. The museum’s collection of photographs, articles, and memorabilia makes the history feel personal in a way no textbook ever could. Guided tours are available by appointment, and it’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Be sure to check out our previous blog about Billy Joe Welch and more about the history of the Freedom House and CORE’s work in Canton. The more you know about the people behind this story, the more meaningful a visit to the Freedom House becomes. Canton’s civil rights history isn’t a single chapter; it’s an entire library, and we’re proud to tell it. 

O Brother Where Art Thou was mostly filmed in Mississippi.

In 1999, Actor George Clooney (center) greets fans Eunez McGonagill (left), Suzanne Salopek and Sonny McGonagill, during a break in filming the motion picture, "O Brother, Where Art Thou", on the square in Canton, Miss.

Mississippi: Though it’s technically a city, Canton has a historic small-town feel. That’s why it’s served as an idyllic backdrop for several major films, including “A Time to Kill” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Local tourist attractions include Canton’s Museum of History, the Courthouse Square and the city’s contributions to the Mississippi Blues Trail. It’s especially charming to visit during Christmastime when the whole city is strung with hundreds of thousands of lights. Canton’s Museum of History: $5.

9 Adorable Small Towns In Mississippi

In Mississippi, you can trace the Mississippi River by day and chase Delta blues after dark, then still make it back in time for hot tamales and a slice of pecan pie. That mix of scenery and sound plays out in small towns all over the state, from riverfront overlooks to neon-lit music rooms. Whether you are catching the game-day energy in Oxford, soaking up the waterfront charm in Ocean Springs, or getting up close with wildlife in Tupelo, it never takes long to find your next exciting stop in Mississippi.

Mississippi Freedom Trail marker unveiled in Canton to honor civil rights legacy

CANTON, Miss. —

Visit Mississippi and the Mississippi Humanities Council unveiled a new Mississippi Freedom Trail marker in Canton on Tuesday, honoring the Canton Freedom House's significant role during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Canton Freedom House served as a crucial headquarters for the Congress of Racial Equality during the Civil Rights Movement. Canton residents George and Rembert Washington rented the home to CORE organizer and Freedom Rider George Raymond, providing him with a safe base for organizing protests and voter registration drives.

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