Vicksburg National Military Park
National Military Park Β· Mississippi, Louisiana
NPS Photo
American Civil War historic site
Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. The park, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, flanking the Mississippi River, also commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign, which led up to the battle. Reconstructed forts and trenches evoke memories of the 47-day siege that ended in the surrender of the city. Victory here and at Port Hudson, farther south in Louisiana, gave the Union control of the Mississippi River.
About Vicksburg National Military Park
To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked "Vicksburg is the key" to victory, and could be the north's lifeline into the south. As the federals closed in on the Fortress City, they were met by a ring of forts with over 170 cannon. The resulting battle would determine the war's outcome.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday. Tour road is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily with last vehicle entry at 4:40 pm. Public restrooms are open at the Visitor Center and USS Cairo 7 days a week. Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM |
Vehicle Access to Tour Road
Tour Road is open to vehicles from 8:30 am-5 pm. Last vehicle entry on the tour road is 4:40 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM | 8:30AM - 5:00PM |
USS Cairo Outdoor Exhibit Area
The USS Cairo outdoor exhibit area including the ironclad itself is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM |
USS Cairo Museum
The USS Cairo Museum is open 7 days a week from 8:30AM till 4:30PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | 8:30AM - 4:30PM |
Vicksburg National Military Park Grounds
Park Roads are open to pedestrians and bicyclists from sunrise to sunset. Tour road is open to vehicles 8:30 am to 5 pm with last entry at 4:40 pm.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Vicksburg National Military Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00. This pass admits the driver and all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle to the park. Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age. Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. Good for 7 days You are purchasing a digital site pass that is valid only for weekly entrance fees at Vicksburg National Military Park. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age. The pass covers entry for one pedestrian or cyclist. Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $0.00. $10 per person, not to exceed commercial group rate. Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. $25.00 plus $10 per passenger (not to exceed $40). Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00. As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies. Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40.00. As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
What are the best activities at Vicksburg National Military Park?
Popular activities at Vicksburg National Military Park include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Road Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto.
What is the weather like at Vicksburg National Military Park?
Spring and fall in Vicksburg are always very pleasant with cool nights and warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from lows of 40 degrees to highs of 70 degrees. Winter weather in Mississippi is usually mild except for occasional cold air invasions which normally last only a couple of days. Temperatures range from lows of 30 degrees to highs of 50 degrees. In the summer, weather is consistently hot, beginning in the low 70's and climbing to highs ranging from 80-100 degrees in the afternoon.
How do I get to Vicksburg National Military Park?
Plane β Closest commercial airport: Jackson, MS, 50 miles to the east. Car β Directions to Vicksburg: From the east β Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, MS. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the north β Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, MS. To save time, use Interstate 220 bypass on west side of Jackson. Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg approximately 40 miles. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance.
Entrance Fees
This pass admits the driver and all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle to the park.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age.
Good for 7 days You are purchasing a digital site pass that is valid only for weekly entrance fees at Vicksburg National Military Park. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age. The pass covers entry for one pedestrian or cyclist.
$10 per person, not to exceed commercial group rate.
$25.00 plus $10 per passenger (not to exceed $40).
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
Weather
Spring and fall in Vicksburg are always very pleasant with cool nights and warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from lows of 40 degrees to highs of 70 degrees. Winter weather in Mississippi is usually mild except for occasional cold air invasions which normally last only a couple of days. Temperatures range from lows of 30 degrees to highs of 50 degrees. In the summer, weather is consistently hot, beginning in the low 70's and climbing to highs ranging from 80-100 degrees in the afternoon.
Directions
Plane β Closest commercial airport: Jackson, MS, 50 miles to the east. Car β Directions to Vicksburg: From the east β Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, MS. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the north β Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, MS. To save time, use Interstate 220 bypass on west side of Jackson. Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg approximately 40 miles. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance.
π View on Google Maps βLocation
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Mississippi
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