Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the things that are close to home. If you live in Jackson, or are just passing through, here’s a guide to some interesting local sites.
Pinson Mounds. Just a short drive from South Jackson, Pinson Mounds offers a historically rich setting to take a walk through an ancient Native American site. An on-site museum offers a peek into history with displays of artifacts, including many that were found on the site. Saul’s mound, the first of many you’ll come across as you walk toward the trails, offers an opportunity to climb to the top of one of these mounds and view the area from a breathtaking perspective. Just be prepared to walk up a lot of stairs for this amazing view.
Casey Jones Village. With a restaurant, a mini-golf course, a museum and several shops, Casey Jones Village isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon. Casey Jones’ home is on the grounds for viewing. If you’re not familiar with the story of the engineer who sacrificed his life to save his passengers, this is the perfect place to catch up on your history.
Mind Field. A short drive west on I-40 takes you to Brownsville. In the center of town is a massive metal sculpture highlighting different aspects of the sculpture artist’s life. I guarantee, you’ve never seen anything like it.
Cypress Grove. With it’s long winding boardwalks, Cypress Grove is a great place for walking. Along the way, you’ll find a bird sanctuary where you can view owls, hawks, and eagles (most of them are recovering from injuries and I think they appreciate the vistors). There’s also a lake, and an observation tower. There is a pavillion with picnic tables as well…a great place for an afternoon picnic. Sometimes they offer classes on nature themed topics.
Downtown Jackson. Jackson’s downtown area was essentially dead for quite some time, but in recent years it’s really picked back up. It features several art galleries and museums, along with a handful of cafes and bars. If you haven’t been, or you haven’t been in a while, it’s definitely worth checking out.