Attractions and Places To See around Ridgeland - Top 6

Ridgeland offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily centered around the Ross Barnett Reservoir and the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can go boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the reservoir. For land-based activities, there are extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and running on trails like the Chisha Foka Multiuse Path and the Ridgeland Mountain Biking Trails. The area also features several parks and natural areas for exploration.

Yes, Ridgeland is well-equipped for biking. The Chisha Foka Multiuse Path is a 10 km crushed limestone and gravel trail running parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway, suitable for cycling. Additionally, the Ridgeland Mountain Biking Trails offer a dedicated MTB park with numerous intersections, bridges, berms, and flowy sections designed for cyclists. These trails are also open to foot traffic.

You can find several hiking opportunities in and around Ridgeland. The Ridgeland Mountain Biking Trails are open to hikers, though bikers have the right-of-way. The Simmons Arboretum offers a network of interconnecting trails with informational signs, boardwalks, and bridges. For longer walks, sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway and the nearby hiking routes provide diverse terrain.

Ridgeland has a rich history, particularly tied to the Natchez Trace. You can explore the Ridgeland History Trail, a self-guided trail with 22 markers highlighting local culture and history, including sites like the Natchez Trace Parkway and Greenwood Plantation. The Old Agency Road is another significant historical site, part of the Old Agency Corridor Preservation District, named for the Choctaw Indian Agency. A short section of the historic Old Trace is also accessible behind the Bill Waller Craft Center.

Yes, Ridgeland offers several cultural and art venues. The Bill Waller Craft Center (Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi) is a 20,000-square-foot gallery showcasing and selling works by over 400 Mississippi and Southeast artists. You can also visit the Jackson Street Art Gallery for paintings by Mississippi artists or Fischer Galleries for contemporary art including paintings, photography, and sculptures by local artists.

Ridgeland provides several family-friendly options. The View of Ross Barnett Reservoir offers a scenic spot for picnics and enjoying the water. The Simmons Arboretum features easy trails with educational signs, suitable for all ages. Additionally, parks like Friendship Park are ideal for families with young children, and the Chisha Foka Multiuse Path is a pleasant route for family walks or bike rides.

The Chisha Foka Multiuse Path features a crushed limestone and gravel surface, making it relatively smooth and suitable for various activities. The Ridgeland Mountain Biking Trails, while open to foot traffic, are designed for mountain biking with features like bridges, berms, and flowy sections, offering a more dynamic and varied natural terrain.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Ridgeland, with mild temperatures ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are typically mild but can have occasional cold snaps. Visiting outside of peak summer heat will enhance your experience on trails and at outdoor attractions.

For breathtaking vistas, head to the View of Ross Barnett Reservoir, which offers a great overlook from the parking area on the southern side of the Natchez Trace Village Dam. The Natchez Trace Parkway itself provides numerous scenic drives and viewpoints, including the Reservoir Overlook, and the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail also offers picturesque views, especially along the reservoir.

The Chisha Foka Multiuse Path, with its crushed limestone and gravel surface, offers a relatively smooth and accessible route for many users. The Cypress Swamp, located a short drive from Ridgeland along the Natchez Trace, features a boardwalk that allows for easy access to observe the unique swamp environment. Many parks also offer paved paths suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Many outdoor areas and trails in Ridgeland, including sections of the Natchez Trace and local parks, are dog-friendly. It is generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash and to clean up after them. Always check specific signage at trailheads or park entrances for any particular rules or restrictions regarding pets.

Ridgeland boasts several areas for shopping and dining. Renaissance at Colony Park and The Township at Colony Park offer premier experiences with an 'Old World-style' ambiance. Northpark is a shopping center with a variety of stores and a food court. For a more unique experience, the Ridgeland Railroad District along West Jackson Street combines Southern charm with historic buildings and distinctive shops and eateries.