When it comes to military parks in Mississippi, Vicksburg is probably the first thing that comes to mind, but what if I told you there’s another just as worthy of a visit? Tucked away in the small town of Port Gibson, the Grand Gulf Military Park spans several hundred acres and includes everything from historic buildings to a submarine that was once used to transport bootlegged alcohol.
Punkmuts/TripAdvisor Established in May of 1962, the Grand Gulf Military Park was created to commemorate the historic town of Grand Gulf as well as the Civil War battle that occurred there.
Angie T./Yelp Spanning 400 acres, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes forts, a historic cemetery, museum, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, an observation tower, several restored buildings that date back to Grand Gulf’s heyday, and great views of the Mighty Mississippi.
OneAddictedTraveler/TripAdvisor Start your tour of the park at the museum, which is loaded with artifacts. Outside the back door of the museum is the Carriage House. Here, you can explore an old buggy and a Civil War ambulance.
OneAddictedTraveler/TripAdvisor After touring the Carriage House, head out back, where you’ll find an old fire engine, blacksmith shop, and the old Grand Gulf Jail (pictured).
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Next, you’ll definitely want to check out the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, which dates back to 1868, and is considered the “most outstanding example of Gothic church architecture” in Mississippi.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr To really head back in time, explore Scotia, a one room cabin that dates back to 1768. The historic cabin was originally located in Roxie but was moved to the park in 1976.
Kristen Veal Continue your historic journey as you head to the water mill. Dating back to 1948, the water wheel was constructed at a welding shop in Mendenhall for $75.
Monica58860/TripAdvisor Take the road to Fort Wade and you’ll come across a submarine. An interesting piece of history, the submarine was used during prohibition as a way to transport bootlegged whiskey and rum from Davis Island to Vicksburg.
visitmississippi.org From Fort Wade, head to the top of the nearby hill, where you’ll find the remnants of the town of Grand Gulf. Although only two original structures remain, the area also includes a cemetery and is loaded with history.
MSULuv2travel10/TripAdvisor Finish your tour with a stop at the 75’ observation tower. Climb to the top and you’ll get an exceptional view of the park as well as the Mississippi River.
The Grand Gulf Military Park is located at 12006 Grand Gulf Road in Port Gibson. Get to the park by exiting the Natchez Trace Parkway onto Mississippi Hwy 18 (milepost 41) and drive into Port Gibson. From the courthouse area of Port Gibson, take Anthony St., which becomes Old Mill Rd. You’ll then turn left onto Grand Gulf Rd. and follow it to the park. For more information, click here.
Punkmuts/TripAdvisor
Established in May of 1962, the Grand Gulf Military Park was created to commemorate the historic town of Grand Gulf as well as the Civil War battle that occurred there.
Angie T./Yelp
Spanning 400 acres, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes forts, a historic cemetery, museum, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, an observation tower, several restored buildings that date back to Grand Gulf’s heyday, and great views of the Mighty Mississippi.
OneAddictedTraveler/TripAdvisor
Start your tour of the park at the museum, which is loaded with artifacts. Outside the back door of the museum is the Carriage House. Here, you can explore an old buggy and a Civil War ambulance.
After touring the Carriage House, head out back, where you’ll find an old fire engine, blacksmith shop, and the old Grand Gulf Jail (pictured).
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
Next, you’ll definitely want to check out the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, which dates back to 1868, and is considered the “most outstanding example of Gothic church architecture” in Mississippi.
To really head back in time, explore Scotia, a one room cabin that dates back to 1768. The historic cabin was originally located in Roxie but was moved to the park in 1976.
Kristen Veal
Continue your historic journey as you head to the water mill. Dating back to 1948, the water wheel was constructed at a welding shop in Mendenhall for $75.
Monica58860/TripAdvisor
Take the road to Fort Wade and you’ll come across a submarine. An interesting piece of history, the submarine was used during prohibition as a way to transport bootlegged whiskey and rum from Davis Island to Vicksburg.
visitmississippi.org
From Fort Wade, head to the top of the nearby hill, where you’ll find the remnants of the town of Grand Gulf. Although only two original structures remain, the area also includes a cemetery and is loaded with history.
MSULuv2travel10/TripAdvisor
Finish your tour with a stop at the 75’ observation tower. Climb to the top and you’ll get an exceptional view of the park as well as the Mississippi River.
Looking for more historical sites in the state? You’ll definitely want to check out “10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Mississippi.“
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