Any trip to the Deep South should include Tupelo, especially if you’re an Elvis Presley fan. Famous as the King of Rock and Roll’s birthplace, there are many sites related to his early life here. At this top destination in Mississippi, you’ll find much more than that when it comes to things to see and do, making it appealing for fans and non-fans alike.
Take the Grand tour of the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
What Is It? A historic museum dedicated to preserving Elvis Presley’s birthplace that includes a modest two-room house where he was born on January 8, 1935.
Why Do It? The home where Elvis was birthed is the most significant landmark in Tupelo’s modern history. It was built by his father for just $180 and is the centerpiece of 15-acre Elvis Presley Park. Visit the actual building where the Presley family attended church services and Elvis was first exposed to Southern gospel music which ultimately became a staple of his musical repertoire.
Good to Know: By taking the Grand Tour you’ll get to visit all three attractions in the park: Elvis Birthplace, the Elvis Presley Museum, and Memorial Chapel.
Learn About Tupelo's History at the Oren Dunn City Museum
What Is It? Oren Dunn City Museum is a museum in Ballard Park that focuses on the history of Tupelo and the surrounding region.
Why Do It? Learn more about Tupelo’s history by exploring displays that depict Chickasaw history, the historic Battle of Tupelo, the devastating 1936 cyclone, notable accomplishments in industry and agriculture, and more. It includes a train car, historic buildings, a model railroad, dioramas, and fossils.
Good to Know: There are two festivals hosted here, including the Dudie Burger Festival in May and the Dogtrot Festival in October.
Discover U.S. War-Related Items at the Tupelo Veterans Museum
What Is It? A museum featuring exhibits focused on the Civil War, the World Wars, Korean War, Vietnam, and Gulf wars.
Why Do It? It’s a fascinating museum for anyone who is interested in America’s military and war history. Owned and operated by a US Army veteran, it contains items he collected over six decades, including ancient artifacts and military uniforms, Jeeps, weapons, a model fighter aircraft, a documented Abraham Lincoln signed, a fedora Harry Truman wore, and much more. It’s also a free attraction ideal for budget-minded travelers.
Good to Know: Keep an eye out for the owner, US Army veteran Tony Lute, as you tour the museum as you might be able to talk to him about his history and incredible collection.
Check Out the Animals at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
What Is It? A 175-acre park and zoo.
Why Do It? The largest of its kind in the state, the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is home to 260 animals with the primary focus on species that are rarely seen or non-existent elsewhere in Mississippi. Get up close and personal with a yak, a camel, an African lion, a white tiger, ring-tailed lemurs, Capuchin monkeys, and more.
Good To Know: Guided tours are available on the “Monster Bison Bus” that will bring you through Buffalo Park for a safari that brings the chance to spot buffalo, Watusi cattle, zebra, and many other animals while learning about the history of the park, Native Americans, and buffalo.
Explore the Tupelo National Battlefield
What Is It? A historic Civil War battlefield where a battle between the Union and Confederate troops that took place over two days in July of 1864.
Why Do It? A must for history enthusiasts, the site is open 24/7 and includes a memorial, cannons, gravesites, and markers.
Good to Know: Neither side was able to claim a decisive victory but the Union troops were successful in that they achieved their primary goal of keeping the Confederates away from Tennessee Union railroads.
Capture Photos of the Street Murals For Your Instagram Feed
What Is It? There are murals on walls throughout the streets of Tupelo, including the popular “Greetings from Tupelo” mural and many featuring Elvis.
Why Do It? If you’re looking for some great photo-ops for your Instagram feed, this is the perfect place to grab your camera (or your phone) and start exploring.
Good to Know: Famous graffiti artist Ryan Christenson created the 1950s Elvis Mural that’s considered one of the best in the city while he was here during the Tupelo Elvis Festival.
Go Antique Shopping
What Is It? Tupelo is a popular destination for antique shopping with many fantastic places to browse. You could easily spend an entire day looking through all the treasures here.
Why Do It? Relics Antique Marketplace alone, located in the historic Tupelo Garment Company building, hosts over 100 different booths selling antiques along with vintage, handmade and re-purposed items.
Good to Know: The 16,000-square-foot marketplace covers two floors and also includes a coffee shop and spaces where local artists exhibit their works.
Check Out the Farmers' Depot Farmers' Market
What Is It? The Farmers’ Depot, located downtown, is open between May and October. It’s an open-air market with vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers and baked goods.
Why Do It? It’s the perfect place to pick up local ingredients for a picnic. Cooking classes and activities for the kids are offered too.
Good to Know: The market is open on Tuesday afternoons from 3 to 6 pm and Saturdays from 6 am to noon. Live music can be enjoyed on the first Saturday of every month.
Browse the GumTree Museum of Art
What Is It? A beautiful visual arts gallery with rotating displays and a permanent collection. It includes various works of art created by local high school students.
Why Do It? It’s free to browse and offers the chance to get to know the artists.
Good to Know: If you’re here in May, try to catch the annual festival the museum is famous for. It honors the area’s art scene and includes live performances, food stalls, music, and various works by regional artists.
Catch a Show at the Historic Lyric Theatre
What Is It? The Lyric Theatre is home to the award-winning Tupelo Community Theatre which offers a wide range of shows and performances year-round.
Why Do It? The building the theater is located in was built in 1912, originally designed for vaudeville. It’s hosted hundreds of plays over the years and now offers comedy shows, cabaret, and musicals.
Good to Know: Thanks to its sturdy brick walls, this was one of the few buildings that managed to remain unscathed from the 1936 cyclone. In the aftermath of the tragedy, it was used as a temporary mortuary.
