Road trips don't have to be about non-stop adventure and excitement. They can actually be very relaxing, too... just look at the Natchez Parkway! The rolling scenic route winds through verdant forests and fields and past sleepy Southern towns. It's also loaded with history, from its origins as a buffalo path and Native American trade route to sites along the way that are important to the Civil War, blues music, antebellum architecture, and more. The speed limit along the way never gets above 50 MPH, but there's so much to see along the way that you won't mind life in the slow lane one bit. Load up the RV and get ready to immerse yourself in the Southern hospitality and history of the Natchez Trace.
Stop at milepost 385.9 along the Natchez Trace Parkway to take a trip back in time and experience Meriwether Lewis' (of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition) last moments before his death. Here, you'll find a monument remembering the brilliant explorer and you can even explore an inn that replicates the tavern where his mysterious death took place.
Located in northwest Alabama, the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall is a touching stop. Tom Hendrix's memorial to his great-great-grandmother was a work in progress for three decades until Hendrix's recent passing. Her beautiful story of her journey home from Oklahoma, where she and her family were sent as Native Americans were removed from their ancestral land in the 1800s, is remembered by miles of stones creating a walking path and wall. Visitors from over one hundred countries have brought stones to add to the monument! It's sure to humble anyone who visits and is the perfect (not to mention free) hidden treasure for any traveler.
Located near the half-way point, at milepost 266 of this 444-mile scenic drive through history, the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor's Center hosts an information center, a bookstore, and even a nature walk. It's a perfect place to learn about the trace's past, and plan your future stops!
Tip: From the visitor's center, you can take a trail to Old Town Overlook and the Chickasaw Village Site, two more important landmarks in the area!
About 30 miles southwest of Tupelo, at milepost 323.4, Bynum mounds offer a rich history tracing back to somewhere between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. when scholars believe the earthworks were built. They were likely used as both a ceremonial spot and a burial ground for the tribes who called this region home, so this site is an important reminder of our past civilizations and all of their advancements. There are also many other Native American sites around the mounds to check out as well as you stroll through this mysterious and ancient place!
Oprah Winfrey Rd n Hwy 12E about one mile east of town, Kosciusko, MS, US
Only 10 miles north of the historical town of Natchez, this state park offers things to do all year-round. Enjoy a relaxing stop, whether you want to try your hand at fishing (the state's biggest largemouth bass was caught here), boating on Lake Natchez, hiking on the nature trail, a quick picnic, or a round of disc golf. It's a small little park, but it's a great place to take a break from the road and stretch your legs while enjoying the serene beauty of the southern landscape.
The Natchez National Historical Park is must stop spot in your Natchez Trace travels, especially for the history buffs. The group of historic buildings tells the story of the town, from the Natchez Indians to the plantation owners and slaves who inhabited the town during the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement and beyond. Tour the William Johnson House (free) as well as the Melrose Estate ($10) for an insight into the antebellum and Civil War era, and to take in the stunning architecture and well-preserved history here. Tours end at 4 pm, so be sure to get there early!
There are few road trips quite as relaxing as the Natchez Trace. The rich history, quiet beauty, and leisurely and winding route make for a trip that's sure to create memories of mouthwatering meals shared in friendly local diners, hours spent exploring hidden gems off the route, and late nights camping out under the stars.