National Military Park · Mississippi, Louisiana
Vicksburg National Military Park
To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked "Vicksburg is the key" to victory, and could be the north's lifeline into the south. As the federals closed in on the Fortress City, they were met by a ring of forts with over 170 cannon. The resulting battle would determine the war's outcome.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Living History
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Weather & when to go
Spring and fall in Vicksburg are always very pleasant with cool nights and warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from lows of 40 degrees to highs of 70 degrees. Winter weather in Mississippi is usually mild except for occasional cold air invasions which normally last only a couple of days. Temperatures range from lows of 30 degrees to highs of 50 degrees. In the summer, weather is consistently hot, beginning in the low 70's and climbing to highs ranging from 80-100 degrees in the afternoon.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
This pass admits the driver and all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle to the park.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Good for 7 days You are purchasing a digital site pass that is valid only for weekly entrance fees at Vicksburg National Military Park. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age. The pass covers entry for one pedestrian or cyclist.
$10.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$10 per person, not to exceed commercial group rate.
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00 plus $10 per passenger (not to exceed $40).
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
As provided by non-NPS charter tour companies.
$100.00
Operating hours
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday. Tour road is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily with last vehicle entry at 4:40 pm. Public restrooms are open at the Visitor Center and USS Cairo 7 days a week. Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Vehicle Access to Tour Road
Tour Road is open to vehicles from 8:30 am-5 pm. Last vehicle entry on the tour road is 4:40 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
USS Cairo Outdoor Exhibit Area
The USS Cairo outdoor exhibit area including the ironclad itself is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
USS Cairo Museum
The USS Cairo Museum is open 7 days a week from 8:30AM till 4:30PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Vicksburg National Military Park Grounds
Park Roads are open to pedestrians and bicyclists from sunrise to sunset. Tour road is open to vehicles 8:30 am to 5 pm with last entry at 4:40 pm.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Vicksburg National Military Park?
- Entrance to Vicksburg National Military Park costs $20.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $10.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Vicksburg National Military Park?
- The Visitor Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday. Tour road is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily with last vehicle entry at 4:40 pm. Public restrooms are open at the Visitor Center and USS Cairo 7 days a week. Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's …
- Do I need a reservation for Vicksburg National Military Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Vicksburg National Military Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Keep exploring
More parks in Mississippi, Louisiana.