Collins Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay and shop in Collins, Mississippi. A comprehensive travel guide with safety tips, cultural insights, and transport information for a perfect vacation in Gulf Coast.


Located in the heart of the Gulf Coast, Collins is a hidden gem in the state of Mississippi, United States. It is a small town that offers visitors a chance to experience the Southern charm and hospitality of Mississippi. Collins is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of a city. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide for those planning to head to Collins:

Introduction to Collins

Collins is a quaint town with a population of around 2,500 people. It is in the south of the United States, in the state of Mississippi. Collins has a rich history and an inviting vibe that draws visitors to it. The town is famous for its scenic views, outdoor adventures, and Southern cuisines.

List of Places to Visit in Collins

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art: This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art. It has a vast collection of American art, including works by renowned artists like Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent.
  • Grand Paradise Water Park: This is a great attraction for families. It is the perfect place to cool off during hot summer days in Mississippi. It has exciting water rides, slides, and pools.
  • The Collins Civic Center: If you want to learn more about the town’s history, this is the place to be. It has several exhibits showcasing the town’s journey from past to present.
  • Downtown Collins: This area has several shops that offer visitors unique souvenir shopping experiences. It is also an excellent place to stop by during Christmas, as the town puts up beautiful decorations to celebrate the holiday season.

Natural Attractions of Collins: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Flint Creek Water Park: This water park is an excellent place to explore with your family as it offers a range of activities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing.
  • Little Black Creek Water Park and Campground: This is an ideal location for anyone who loves outdoor activities. It has beautiful trails for hiking, swimming, and kayaking areas. It is also a great place to camp.
  • Black Creek Canoe Rental: Black Creek Canoe Rental offers rental services for canoes and kayaks. It is a perfect place to spend a day in nature and explore the creek’s flora and fauna.
  • Covington County Lake: This well-maintained lake is great for fishing and having a picnic. It has a beautiful park for children and families, and you can rent a boat for a leisurely day on the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Collins

  • Black Creek Trail: This trail is perfect for hikers and bikers. It stretches around 42 miles and is well-marked. The trail passes through beautiful forests and over several wooden bridges.
  • The Longleaf Trace Trail: This trail is perfect for anyone looking to explore the flora and fauna of the Gulf Coast. It stretches for around 40 miles and is a great place to hike or bike.

Best Things to Do in Collins: Activities and Tours

  • Touring the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art: The museum offers great tours that showcase their vast art collection. The guided tours provide insights into the artist’s history and their works.
  • Exploring Downtown Collins: Rent a bike or walk through downtown to explore the town’s shopping experience and delicious food scene.
  • Fishing at the Covington County Lake: Spend a day relaxing at the lake and enjoy fishing or having a picnic with your family.
  • Kayaking at Black Creek Canoe Rental: Rent a kayak and explore the beautiful landscape of the creek.
  • Enjoying the water park: The Grand Paradise Water Park or Flint Creek Water Park offers a great day trip to beat the Mississippi heat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Collins

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and enjoy a Southern meal at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Explore downtown Collins and shop for souvenirs. Enjoy delicious food at any of the local eateries.
Day 3 Spend the day at Covington County Lake, fishing, and having a picnic with family.
Day 4 Go hiking or biking on the Black Creek Trail.
Day 5 Bring your family to Grand Paradise Water Park and experience a day of fun and relaxation.
Day 6 Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Black Creek Canoe Rental.
Day 7 End your trip relaxing at a nearby beach – Bay St. Louis or Biloxi.

Food and Drink Scene of Collins

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken: Southern fried chicken is a must-try when in Collins. Collins has several places that serve crispy, flavorful fried chicken.
  • Catfish: Catfish is another traditional Southern dish that is popular in the town. It is available in many local restaurants.
  • Jambalaya: This spicy dish is a local favorite, and it is available in most restaurants in Collins.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: Collins is known for its sweet tea, and you can find it almost anywhere in town.
  • Craft Beers: Collins has several breweries that offer locally brewed beers and other alcoholic drinks.

Where to Stay in Collins: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Collins has a range of accommodation options that suit different budgets. Some of the popular options include:

  • Hampton Inn: This hotel is ideal for anyone looking for luxury accommodation in the town.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Collins: Super 8 is a budget-friendly option in Collins that offers clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Hub City Inn: This inn offers affordable accommodation, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

What to Buy in Collins: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Blues and Country Music CDs: Mississippi is famous for its blues and country music, making it an excellent souvenir to bring home.
  • Spices: Mississippi is known for its spices and seasonings, and Collins has several spice shops where you can buy local seasonings.
  • Handmade Crafts and Jewelry: Downtown Collins has several local shops that sell unique handmade crafts and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Collins

Collins is a friendly town that welcomes visitors with open arms. Residents of the town are proud of their culture and history and enjoy sharing it with visitors. You will also notice that Southern hospitality is an essential part of the town’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Collins

The best time to visit Collins is between March and May or September and November. During these months, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, making it easier to navigate through the town and enjoy its offerings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Collins

Do:

  • Respect the local culture: Southern hospitality is an essential part of Collins’s culture, and visitors should respect it and reciprocate it.
  • Visit the local shops: Downtown Collins has several local shops that sell unique merchandise, souvenirs, and other products unique to the area.
  • Try Southern cuisine: Collins is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, and visitors should try traditional dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and jambalaya.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors should dispose of their litter correctly and not litter on the beaches or parks.
  • Disrespect local traditions: Visitors should respect local traditions and practices and refrain from being disrespectful or insensitive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Collins

Collins is a safe town to visit. However, visitors should take precautions like any other place. They should take care of their belongings, avoid carrying too much cash, and avoid walking in poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Collins

Visitors should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites as Mississippi is known to have cases of mosquito-borne diseases. They should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use mosquito repellent, and avoid staying outdoors at dawn or dusk.

Getting to Collins: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Collins

The nearest airport to Collins is Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. It is around 40 miles from the town.

Bus Stations Near Collins

Greyhound Bus Lines offer transportation services near Collins.

Other Options

Renting a car is the most convenient way to get to Collins as public transportation is limited in the town.

How to Get Around in Collins

The best way to get around Collins is by renting a car. There are also taxis and Uber services available for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Collins: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Collins is a great place to start exploring the Gulf Coast. The nearby destinations include:

  • Hattiesburg: Hattiesburg is around 30 miles from Collins and is an excellent place to explore local cuisine and Southern culture.
  • Biloxi: Biloxi is a popular destination known for its beaches, casinos, and nightlife. It is around 80 miles from Collins.

Conclusion

Collins is a unique town with a rich history and culture. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway from a busy city. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, explore the local cuisine and culture, and shop for unique souvenirs. Planning a trip to Collins guarantees a memorable experience in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.