Clinton Travel Guide

Explore Clinton, Mississippi with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the top places to visit, things to do, and the city's local culture and customs.


Introduction to Clinton

Clinton, Mississippi is a charming city in the Capital-River region of Mississippi and offers visitors an intriguing blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Clinton is considered a hidden gem in Mississippi because of its historical landmarks, colorful culture, and scenic outdoors.

If you’re looking for a memorable vacation experience, Clinton is definitely worth exploring. This tour guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to get the best out of your visit to Clinton.

List of Places to Visit in Clinton

Here is a list of must-visit places in Clinton:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mississippi College - One of the nation’s oldest Baptist colleges, Mississippi College is undergoing continual renovations but still maintains its traditional architecture. In 2015, Mississippi College was named the safest campus in Mississippi in annual rankings by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

  2. Mount Vernon Church - This is a historic church built in the 1800s and is beautiful for its simplicity and historical value.

  3. Clinton Community Nature Center - Discover the natural beauty of the area at the Clinton Community Nature Center. The center offers several trails, butterfly gardens, and nature education programs.

Natural Attractions of Clinton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Traceway Park - This 116-acre park is great for families and has playgrounds, soccer fields, picnic areas, and walking trails.

  2. Mississippi’s Old Natchez Trace - Explore miles of scenic roads in Mississippi’s Old Natchez Trace, with its stunning views of the Mississippi River.

  3. Brighton Park - Relax in this serene park with its trails and peaceful streams.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Clinton

If you’re looking for adventure, Clinton offers some great hiking and biking trails:

  1. Clinton Boulevard Trail - This 2-mile trail runs alongside Clinton Boulevard and has plenty of beautiful scenery.

  2. Brickyard Trail - Travel 1.3-miles along this trail and experience some of the best views in Clinton.

  3. Brighton Park Trail - This is a short, easy trail that’s perfect for a quick morning hike or a romantic evening stroll.

Best Things to Do in Clinton: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Clinton:

  1. Olde Towne Clinton - Step back in time as you walk around this area, which features several antebellum homes and historical buildings.

  2. The Mississippi Petrified Forest - Explore the ancient forest with fossilized tree trunks dating back millions of years.

  3. Countryside Park - A perfect spot for a picnics and barbeques, as well as fishing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Clinton

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Clinton:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Mississippi College and its Heritage Museum
Day 2 Take a guided bike tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway
Day 3 Visit the Mississippi Petrified Forest and Countryside Park
Day 4 Explore Olde Towne Clinton and Mount Vernon Church
Day 5 Discover the wildlife at Clinton Community Nature Center and Traceway Park
Day 6 Take a day trip to nearby Jackson City
Day 7 Relax at Brighton Park and Brickyard Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Clinton

Clinton offers tasty Southern-style cuisine that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Fried catfish - This dish is a Southern classic and can be found at almost any local restaurant.

  2. Hot tamale - A spicy tamale is a delicious snack that is served throughout the city.

  3. Mississippi sin - This unique dip features ingredients like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Sweet tea - The South is known for its sweet tea, and Clinton is no exception.

  2. Craft beer - Clinton has several breweries that produce some of the best craft beers in Mississippi.

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

Clinton offers several accommodation options for travelers:

  1. Comfort Inn and Suites Clinton - This hotel has cozy rooms, a fitness center, and free breakfast.

  2. Days Inn Clinton - The hotel is located close to several attractions and provides free Wi-Fi.

  3. Clinton Inn and Suites - This motel offers affordable rooms with easy access to the highway and local attractions.

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

Here are some of the popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from Clinton:

  1. Mississippi cotton towels - These towels are made from 100% cotton, and are durable and stylish.

  2. Homemade jams and jellies - Shops in Clinton offer several fresh and homemade jams and jellies, made with natural ingredients.

  3. Mississippi-made pottery - Take home a beautiful and unique piece of pottery by Mississippi artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Clinton

Clinton’s culture is a blend of traditional Southern and modern American customs. If you’re visiting Clinton, you should keep in mind the following customs:

  1. Southerners are friendly and hospitable, so don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a smile and a “Hello!”

  2. It’s customary to say grace before meals.

Best Time to Visit Clinton

The best time to visit Clinton is in spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its best. Spring in Clinton offers blooming flowers and perfect temperatures to go on outdoor hikes. Fall is perfect for experiencing the red and gold leaves, and it’s a perfect time to go on a bike tour of Old Natchez Trace parkway or hike around the scenic trails.

Do’s and Don’ts of Clinton

Here are some of the important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Clinton:

Do:

  1. Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the city’s trail and explore hiking spots.

  2. Take a guided bike tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter or damage the natural surroundings when you’re exploring the nature trails.

  2. Don’t forget to tip at restaurants and local shops.

Safety and Health

Safety in Clinton

Clinton is generally a safe city, but visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their safety, such as locking car doors and keeping the valuables safe.

Health in Clinton

Clinton has several medical facilities and hospitals offering top-notch healthcare services. In case of any health-related trouble, you can always rely on their 24/7 emergency services.

Getting to Clinton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to help you get to Clinton:

Airports Near Clinton

The nearest airport to Clinton is the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), which is located 20 miles away and offers several domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Clinton

Greyhound is an affordable bus service that offers transportation to Clinton from different parts of the country.

Other Options

Clinton is quite easy to navigate and explore on foot, but if you’re looking for something more convenient then you can opt for taxis, ride-shares, or rental cars.

How to Get Around in Clinton

Clinton has several transportation options to help you get around the city:

  1. Walking - Clinton is easily accessible on foot, and walking is the best way to discover the hidden gems of this charming city.

  2. Biking - If you want to explore the outdoors, then biking is a great way to get around in Clinton. You can rent a bike or join a guided bike tour.

  3. Car Rental - Several car rental companies are available to help you navigate around Clinton, providing easy and convenient transportation.

Where to Go Next from Clinton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit from Clinton:

  1. Jackson, the state capital city, is located approximately 10 miles from Clinton, and offers several attractions and entertainment options.

  2. The town of Vicksburg, known for its rich Civil War history and stunning river views, is located only 40 miles from Clinton.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an authentic Southern experience, Clinton is a must-visit destination in Mississippi. Explore the natural surroundings, discover the rich history and culture, and indulge in its delicious cuisine. We hope this tour guide has been helpful to plan your perfect trip to Clinton.

The Natchez Trace Parkway near Clinton The Natchez Trace Parkway near Clinton Tanglewood House Tanglewood House