If you’ve ever road-tripped the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ve likely breezed right past Ridgeland, Mississippi without realizing this vibrant city is one of the Trace’s best-kept secrets. Situated just north of Jackson along I-55, Ridgeland really leans into its outdoors scene: kayaking on the Barnett Reservoir, biking the local multi-use trail, picking flowers in the community wildflower fields. So if you’re visiting Mississippi, here’s how to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland so you don’t waste a single moment.
This project is in partnership with Explore Ridgeland. All opinions are our own.
Getting outdoors in Ridgeland
Over the past few years, we’ve visited Ridgeland a handful of times en route to or from other Mississippi cities like Tupelo, Jackson, Natchez. We’ve come to find that Ridgeland is more than just a stop along the Trace—it’s a stand-alone destination in its own right. The first time we ever visited during the South’s dreamy, temperate fall weather, we were immediately smitten with all the green space Ridgeland offered, not to mention the fact that everyone seemed to move around by bike.
Cycling in Ridgeland
Ridgeland, which has long been designated an official Tree City, is an ideal weekend getaway for anyone looking to get around by two wheels, whether to hit the Retail Trail, skirt the edge of Mississippi’s largest reservoir, observe the region’s many wildlife habitats or simply log a bit of exercise.
With eight different access points spread throughout the city, the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland. You can start near the Natchez Trace Parkway and pedal past the wildflower fields, grab a cold drink or seafood platter at one of the waterfront restaurants like Pelican Cove Grill, then take a break to browse Mississippi-made art at the Bill Waller Craft Center.
The trail winds along the Barnett Reservoir, where overlooks and parks offer plenty of stops for resting, picnicking or a round of disc golf. In Ridgeland proper, the Railroad District is a more urban biking destination where you can grab lunch or shop local boutiques before hopping back on the path.
If you’re not traveling with your own bike, you can make use of Explore Ridgeland’s free bikeshare program. Simply download the Koloni app before you go, create a free account, then pick up a bike at either the Ridgeland Bikeshare at The Bike Crossing or the Ridgeland Visitors Center in the Renaissance at Colony Park. Helmets are required and included with the rentals.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Ridgeland has one of the most convenient and scenic access points to the Natchez Trace Parkway, making it a natural hub for travelers exploring the historic 444-mile route that launches in Nashville and terminates in Natchez, Mississippi. The Parkway literally runs through the city, so you can easily hop on and off whether you’re driving the whole byway or just enjoying a shorter day trip.
From Ridgeland, you can head north toward Tupelo and Nashville or south toward Natchez, and the stretch around town is especially appealing thanks to multi-use trails that parallel the Parkway. Cyclists, runners, and walkers love this section because of its paved paths, water views, and easy access to Barnett Reservoir (“The Rez”), which borders the Trace here.
In short: Ridgeland is both a practical and scenic gateway to the Parkway: It’s the only city in Mississippi where you’ll find direct access combined with a strong visitor infrastructure—lodging, dining, shopping, trailheads—directly off the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Ross Barnett Reservoir
Arriving from the north, your first glimpse of Ridgeland will be an expanse of mirror-blue water that stretches out over 33,000 acres. Not only is Barnett Reservoir a peaceful respite, but it’s popular for cardio enthusiasts who jog, walk or hike the trails, many with dog companion in tow.
You could easily rent a waterfront home and spend the entirety of your weekend in Ridgeland making use of Barnett Reservoir’s many facilities. The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, known to locals as “The Rez,” boasts five campgrounds, 16 parks, 22 boat launches, handicapped accessible trails and 18 miles of paved walkways. In other words? It’s a water enthusiast’s playground.
One of our favorite places in Ridgeland is Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area, an area adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway that’s alive with native flora and fauna. Just past the Trace before you cross the bridge, there’s also a bird-viewing station where you can admire the various waterfowl that inhabit the marsh from close up.
On our weekends in Ridgeland, we have returned to this refuge on multiple occasions to enjoy the fresh air and get our bird-watching. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, too: We spotted quite a few lurking just beneath the water’s surface!
Ridgeland Wildflower Fields
Closer to the heart of the city are the Ridgeland Wildflower Fields started many years ago by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and Keep Ridgeland Beautiful as a local beautification effort and way to provide residents and visitors alike with a joyful experience. To find them, map to the Seabrook Paint Company right off Interstate 55 and park in the back parking spaces by the fields.
This time of year, you’ll catch the tail end of wildflower season before the zinnias and other multi-colored blooms start to materialize.
But even in the between seasons when the fields aren’t awash in color, they’re still fun and interesting to visit—and, did I mention, free?—as they feature walking paths adorned with whimsical sculptures created from recycled and upcycled metal. Every time we’ve visited, more 3D art has been added, and you know we love a good public art installation!
TopGolf
If you want to be outdoors in Ridgeland without expending too much energy, the city is home to Mississippi’s first Topgolf venue. If you’ve never played a round, you’re in for a treat. Topgolf Ridgeland isn’t your typical driving range—it’s an all-out experience where you can tee off from climate-controlled bays outfitted with TVs while aiming at colorful, high-tech targets that track your shots. Or mix it up with a round of 9-hole mini golf course that’s great for families and groups.
Add in a menu of food, beer and craft cocktails, and you’ve got the recipe for an easy night out in Ridgeland whether you’re working on your swing or just there for the social side of things.
Where to stay in Ridgeland, Mississippi
The area engulfing the Township at Colony Park is where the majority of hotels in Ridgeland are located. We have stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites, as well as the SpringHill Suites, which has an outdoor pool that is very refreshing in the summer months. The nice thing about the Colony Park area of town is its walkability, as well as proximity to the bulk of Ridgeland’s restaurants and retail.
There are plenty of shops and eateries—like Taste Italian Kitchen, Local 463, Caet, Anjou—at Renaissance at Colony Park so you can easily navigate the neighborhood by foot or bicycles. If you aren’t traveling with your own set of two wheels, the free bikes available at the Ridgeland Visitors Center make it convenient for exploring if you want to ditch your car for the day.
One thing is for sure, no matter where you wind up for dinner, the after-party is at the Renaissance every night without fail: The fountain in front of the Malco Renaissance theatre lights up in a Vegas-style show marrying light and audio on the hour from 6 to 9pm nightly.
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