By Katie Ginn
Are you behind on planning your summer vacation? Sometimes inspiration is right around the corner: Below are just a few of metro Jackson’s visit-worthy attractions, whether you live in the tri-county or within driving distance – plus, the perfect place to rent a car for day trips or longer excursions.
Cypress Point Resort, Brandon
Memories are made at Cypress Point, so be sure and bring a camera! Ever wondered what a buffalo looks like up close? Ever wish you were surrounded by exotic animals that you could never see in Mississippi? Cypress Point Resort Safari Tours is the answer for you.
With hundreds of animals representing more than 30 different exotic species, Cypress Point offers an experience like no other. This safari tour is located close to “home” in metro Jackson, yet it feels like miles away. Observe exotic animals as they roam throughout the property, looking every bit as natural here as on the Serengeti.
Guests can drive their own vehicles through the Safari Park when doing the Drive-Thru Safari Tour. For guests not wanting to drive their own vehicles through, Cypress Point offers Jeeps that can be rented for up to five passengers at a time.
Field trip and bus tours are available on request. Cypress Point offers educational field trips for groups of all ages! Each field trip includes a 45-minute safari tour in which knowledgeable staff will provide educational information about the various species that you will encounter. Guests will be able to get within touching distance of some of the safari animals while getting to feed others! Each tour concludes with a visit to the Petting Zoo, which includes barnyard animals as well as exotics.
Whether it is a couple on a unique date, a family making memories, or a school group learning about animals, Cypress Point is a must visit. Plan your visit now, and capture memories in the wild!
Mississippi Petrified Forest, Flora
Just 20 minutes from Jackson lies the Mississippi Petrified Forest, a 36-million-year-old landmark of our state’s geological history. Long ago, a massive flood brought large trees to the area and buried them in mineral rich sediment. Slowly, minerals replaced the wood’s organic material, preserving every detail in stone.
As you walk along the shaded nature trail, a printed trail guide (included with admission) highlights points of interest. Your walk ends at the Earth Science Museum, a showcase of petrified wood, fossils, gems, and minerals from around the world alongside discoveries from here in Mississippi.
Next, browse the gift shop for a unique souvenir, like a piece of Mississippi petrified wood — our official state stone. Aspiring rock collectors can try the Gem Fluming activity, sifting through sand and water to uncover colorful gems to keep. Then, enjoy the park and covered picnic areas included with your admission ticket.
Visitors often spend multiple hours at the Petrified Forest, but you can even stay overnight. The wooded campground offers full hook-up RV sites, tent sites with power and water, restrooms, showers, and plenty of peace and quiet.
Sound like fun? Pack a picnic, grab the dog, and head to Flora for an educational, nature-focused outing for all ages.
Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson
The Two Mississippi Museums are now booking summer group tours, and church groups can get FREE admission! Sunday school classes, church youth groups, Bible studies, senior citizen religious groups, or any other faith-affiliated community may now visit the Two Mississippi Museums for free with groups of 10 or more people. These visits are made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
At the Museum of Mississippi History, experience 15,000 years of culture and learn how our shared past influences our future together. Lift a mound builder’s basket, sit in a historic church pew, step into a juke joint, and more!
Explore the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and see the movement that changed the nation. Discover stories of Mississippians like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, as well as those who traveled many miles to stand beside them, come what may, in the name of equal rights for all.
For more information on how your church group can book a free tour of the Two Mississippi Museums, call 601-576-6902 or email twommgrouptours@mdah.ms.gov.
U-Save Car & Truck Rental
Renting a car for a vacation is often better than driving your own or relying on other transport. It saves wear and tear on your car, gives you access to the perfect type of vehicle for your trip (think SUVs for mountains, convertibles for beaches), and allows you to test out a new car model you might be curious about. Also, rental companies regularly service their vehicles, so you’re less likely to run into mechanical issues. Finally, depending on gas prices and the efficiency of the rental, it can actually be cheaper than using your own vehicle — especially if yours isn’t fuel-efficient or you’d otherwise need to pay for maintenance after a long trip.
If you’d like help figuring out what kind of rental would suit your trip, or tips on finding deals, call 601-957-8728, email jacksonmsmanager@rentusave.com, or visit usavejackson.com for more information.