Why not head out on that vacation knowing the best things to do in Tupelo (MS) and be guaranteed the best time of life?
Tupelo is a delightful city in Mississippi with a wonderful mix of art, culture, history, and fascinating natural beauty.
The city is quite popular because it is the birthplace of the famous rock legend Elvis Presley. It plays host to many exciting festivals and events that last four seasons.
Visit the magnificent Natchez Trace Parkway passes through the city, the Oren Dunn City Museum, and the two historic battlefields of the Civil War.
With lots of captivating monuments and colorful street art, you have the opportunity to take many beautiful photos.
Let’s get to it already; exciting things to do in Tupelo (MS):
Fun Things To Do In Tupelo (MS)
1. See Beautiful Murals
Tupelo as a city is well-known for its stunning street art, with the Elvis Mural being one of the city’s most beautiful paintings.
Another fascinating painting is the drawing of the Book Stack. The painting was painted in 1997 by a regional artist and was introduced to Reed’s Department Store – a popular local family business in Tupelo.
You will also see Buy Local Produce Mural, located near the Farmer’s market.
It includes a beautiful farm with lots of fruit and vegetables, a flower garden, and a tractor.
Don’t forget Coca-Cola Wall Art, Jail House Rock Elvis Mural, Chickasaw Heritage Mural, and Icehouse Elvis Mural.
Address: 202 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
2. Visit the Trace State Park
Trace State Park is a popular park in Tupelo and is best known for its camping, disc golf, golf, hiking, picnics, and water trips.
It also has a large pool, golf course, dense jungles, picnic areas, playgrounds, camping areas, and inspiring hiking trails.
It also offers visitors the opportunity to go fishing and skiing.
And if you want to explore the environment, you can do that here while still near the city.
Trace State Park is a popular destination, so make sure to book your reservation before your visit.
Address: 2139 Faulkner Rd, Belden, MS 38826, United States
3. Explore Art a Gumtree Museum of Art
The Gumtree Museum of Art is a famous gallery of visual arts that incorporates a permanent collection and rotating exhibits.
Here you will see a variety of artwork done by high school students, all exhibited several times during the year.
They also pull off the Gumtree annual festival held over the weekend in May. It celebrates regional art and includes music, delicious food, and live concerts.
All these events and exhibitions are free to be accessible to the public.
Address: 211 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Things To Do In Tupelo (MS) At Night
1. Visit BancorpSouth Arena
BancorpSouth Arena is home to Tupelo ice hockey and indoor soccer teams.
Formerly known as the Tupelo Coliseum and the BancorpSouth Center, the BancorpSouth Arena is a 10,000-seat stadium near the town of Tupelo, Mississippi.
You participate in various shows, music concerts, entertainment concerts, parties, and sports competitions, among other events.
Interestingly, big names like Aerosmith, Goo Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, Elton John, and the Florida Georgia Line have all performed here.
Address: 375 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
2. Watch a Show at Tupelo Community Theatre
Your visit to Tupelo should not end without a visit to the Tupelo Community Theater, an award-winning theater.
Since its inception, the theater has produced more than 300 shows and performances. And just recently, it has introduced cabaret, comedy, and music.
It is a great place for evening entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to relax and unwind after the stress of the day.
Address: 201 N Broadway St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
3. Stroll Through Downtown Tupelo Main Street
Downtown Tupelo has long served as the centerpiece of the city with a newly built shopping mall, making Downtown the target of new rivals.
With the help of city business owners and officials, the National Main Street Center and the Mississippi Main Street Association restored life to Tupelo Main Street.
Among the buildings in Downtown Tupelo are those of the provincial government and major financial companies.
Up to 15, special events take place in the city center throughout the year. You should visit soon.
Address: 108 S Broadway St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Things To Do In Tupelo (MS) For Couples
1. Stop by Relics Antique Market Place
Relics Antique Market Place is the oldest shopping mall in town and joins the list of top places you should visit in Tupelo.
The Relics Marketplace is a large building that spans two floors and holds over a hundred vendors’ booths.
It features more than 100 antique dealers selling various antique items such as furniture, furniture, watches, home decor, glassware, cutlery, paintings, jewelry, and much more.
Part of the thrill of the mall includes local art stores where they advertise their works. You shouldn’t leave Tupelo without visiting this antique store.
Address: 248 S Green St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
2. Tombigbee Lake State Park
Pam’s Tombigbee Lake State Park is well-known for its wide variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, picnic, fishing, and disc golfing.
The park includes a pool, barbecue grills, a soccer pitch, a fishing spot which is located in the middle of the park, etc.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery, picnic, walk along the power trails, get some fresh air, play a fun volleyball game, and camp here for the night.
Address: 264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
3. Have Retail Therapy at Mall at Barnes Crossing
Barnes Crossing Mall is a shopping mall that attracts more than 12 million visitors through its varied mix of anchors, businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The mall is located in the main area of Tupelo. David Hocker & Associates owns and manages the mall.
In addition to the Cinemark movie theater and 600-seater restaurant, the mall has more than 90 specialty stores.
Barnes & Noble, Jos. A. Bank, JCPenney, Ulta Beauty, two Belk stores, Cinemark, and Dick’s Sporting Goods are the main shops in the mall.
Address: 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Things To Do In Tupelo (MS) For Kids
1. Healthworks! Kids Museum
If you have young children, this is for you. Visit Healthworks! You should definitely make time for the Kids Museum while in Tupelo.
If your kids are up to 10 years old, they can have a lot of fun and games that you can enjoy inside this museum.
Healthworks! The Kids Museum is dedicated to health and the human body and has the world’s largest fiberglass teeth, a climbing wall, and several activities and games that promote body movement.
Address: 219 S Industrial Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
2. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo
The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo covers about 200 hectares and is home to more than 250 animals.
You can see several buffalo, camels, capuchin monkeys, one of the world’s longest giraffes, lemurs, zebras, blackbuck, llama, African gray parrot, Burmese python, horses, Arctic fox, llama, deer, rose tarantula, blackbuck, and many more.
One distinguishing feature of this zoo is that visitors can feed the animals. Also, children can try to ride a pony zoo.
Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo also organizes color competitions and parties which should not be missed, especially for children.
Address: 2272 Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
3. A Trip to Romie’s Grocery
Romie’s Grocery is a great way to have lunch or dinner, especially if you have small children.
Macaroni and cheese made here are guaranteed to meet your children’s taste, and your whole family will love the Crawfish Romie Dip.
For dessert, try the Chocolate Delight — a delicious whipped cream and chocolate with graham cracker crust with sugar/salt.
Address: 804 W Jackson St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Indoor Activities To Do In Tupelo (MS) For Adults
1. Paradox Games and Escape Rooms
At Paradox, you can be a Houdini visitor or a secret agent all day with their immersive self-immersive adventure games.
Come with your friends and family as you try to unravel and solve mysteries in an effort to uncover hidden treasures or save the world.
You will have a great time as they provide a fun experience for all ages.
The Secret Agent 22 office and Houdini’s challenge are among the most popular challenges you can try out.
Address: 716 N Gloster St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
2. Make a Stop by the Tupelo Veterans Museum
The Tupelo Veterans Museum is another exciting place to be. It includes exhibits from the Civil War, the Gulf War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and World Wars.
It is owned and operated by a U.S. Army veteran and contains exhibitions collected from over sixty years, like ancient military uniforms, art supplies, military weapons, photographs, jeeps, model airplanes, jeeps, a fedora worn by Harry Truman, a document signed by Abraham Lincoln, and much more.
The Tupelo Veterans Museum pays tribute to U.S. soldiers for their contributions and sacrifices for the nation.
Address: Ballard Park, 689 Rutherford Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
3. Visit the Oren Dunn City Museum
Oren Dunn City Museum educates visitors on the history of Tupelo and its surrounding regions with exhibits featuring the historic Tupelo War, outstanding agricultural and industrial success, the devastating hurricane of 1936, the history of Chickasaw, and more.
It also has a model railroad, a train car, dioramas, photographs, relics, historic buildings, and other regional monuments.
The museum hosts the Dudie Burger Festival, the Dogtrot Festival, toy shows, geology exhibitions, fossil shows, summer camps, and more.
The Ballard Park, where the museum is located, includes nature views, playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails near the lake.
Address: 689 Rutherford Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
Romantic Things To Do In Tupelo (MS)
1. Explore Mill Village
The first Tupelo History District, Mill Village, includes a cotton mill built in 1901, the surrounding bungalow houses, and the park.
This mill is a local symbol, although it ceased to function in 1937 and is now the site of the event.
The scenery is home to a few small businesses, train tracks, and many colorful murals.
Address: 756 Chestnut St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
3. Visit the Elvis Guitar Trail
Go on a leisure walk along the Elvis Guitar Trail and hunt for about 30 whimsical guitars. It has become more of a culture around the city.
You shouldn’t leave without being part of it.
Each colorful guitar tells a small part of the famous Tupelo’s son’s life. It also serves as a perfect background for pictures. You should come along with a camera so you can capture beautiful moments.
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
Free Things To Do In Tupelo (MS)
1. Enjoy a Long Scenic Drive
One of the attractions in Tupelo is the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is a beautiful road that crosses three counties: Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
It has various features like archaeological sites, green meadows, the Mississippi River, and beautiful clifftop views.
Others include the abandoned city, ancient tombs, water parks, scenic streams, spectacular waterfalls, parks, hiking trails, ancient dunes, and the Tennessee River.
It also gives you an opportunity to try so many outdoor activities, such as cycling, mountaineering, boating, picnics, cycling, camping, bird watching, and more.
Address: Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
2. Visit the Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield
This is the base from which the Confederate Army emerged victorious in the June 1864 war against the Union Army.
The victory led to Confederate forces, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, taking over a railway line that was used to send military supplies and food to Union troops.
Today, the Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield has two explosives and a monument.
Adjacent to the historic battlefield is a cemetery comprising the tombs of nearly 100 Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in battle.
Address: 128 MS-370, Baldwyn, MS 38824, United States
3. Visit the Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue in Fairpark
The Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue is a masterpiece of rock ‘n’ roll located near the City Hall in the town of Tupelo.
Inspired by a famous portrait of Elvis that was taken during a concert on his return to the city in 1956 and was filmed by a regional artist.
The Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue is located in the exact area where the concert took place.
Here, you can take a picture of Elvis Presley reaching out to you.
Address: Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Cheap Things To Do In Tupelo (MS)
1. Travel Back in Time to Chickasaw Village Site
According to local historians, Chickasaw castles and villages flourished in the area during the 1700s.
Here, you can find hiking trails and mountains, like the Blackland Prairie Trail, which is a six-mile trail that can take you to Old Town Overlook and Parkway Visitor Center.
You can also see the plants and their use by the American Indians on a one-mile educational route.
Address: Unnamed Road #38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
2. Join Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour
In Tupelo, you can also take Elvis’ self-guided tour.
The Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour takes you to 14 places in Tupelo that were important to Elvis in his childhood.
Rent a bike and cycle down the city. Or you can come on your bike as well.
The tour includes Lyric Theater, where Elvis went to see theaters, Johnnie’s Drive-In, where he loved food, and Tupelo Hardware Store, where his mother bought him his first guitar, among other places.
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
3. Buy Stuff at Tupelo Hardware Company
This store is where Elvis Presley’s mother bought him his first guitar, and the rest, they say, is now history.
You can visit this store, look around, and engage with staff who will tell you various stories about Elvis.
It is located in the center of Tupelo town, a family-owned business close to 100 years old.
Address: 114 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Cool Places To Visit In Tupelo (MS)
1. The Birthplace of Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was born in a double-barreled shack in 1935. It was a tiny white home built by her father.
The building is, however, now part of a large park visited by thousands worldwide. True fans often shed tears; even non-fans will find this a memorable occasion.
1939’s Plymouth, statues, chapel, and fountain are some attractions you can enjoy while honoring the deceased, the great King of Rock and Roll – Elvis Presley.
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
2. Farmers’ Depot
Farmers’ Depot in the city center is a farmers’ market that runs from May to October in Tupelo, where retailers sell everything from vegetables to fruits to baked goods to local products and flowers.
The open market also organizes cooking shows and other activities for children and adults. You should be part of this, as it is a perfect way to bond with locals and learn about local culture and traditions.
You will also enjoy live music played on the first Saturday of each month.
Address: 415 S Spring St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
3. Reed’s Department Store
Reed’s Department Store is a family-owned business that started as a dry goods store.
You can go shopping for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, including accessories.
There is also a bookstore and a gift shop.
Would you rather shop while you are in Tupelo? Go to Reed’s Department Store; they are open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 131 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
Conclusion
There are lots of attractions that promise fun and entertainment in Tupelo, attractive museums, fascinating parks, historical sites, fascinating, beautiful murals, and elaborate restaurants; don’t miss any of them.
Make our specially curated checklist of things to do in Tupelo (MS) your guide as you explore this thriving city.
Let us know how your vacation goes. Happy travels!
