Things to Do in Hattiesburg

According to a favorite local saying coined by Hattie Hardy, the gal Hattiesburg is named for: "Calories don't count on the weekend." Sample some real Southern barbecue and pecan pie, and you'll soon agree with that philosophy—and maybe even apply it to the weekdays! You can always burn off those calories in places like Paul B. Johnson State Park, but make your first stop the Hattiesburg Visitors Center, where smiling Tourism Ambassadors await to answer all your questions and to point you in the right direction.

Kids Rule!

Don't let its small size fool you—there's a lot of wild fun packed into the 12-acre Hattiesburg Zoo. Recently upgraded and renovated, this tiny but mighty zoo features over 100 species of animals including tigers, tapirs, capybaras, zebras, alpacas, assorted reptiles, primates and so much more. In fact, visitors are often surprised at the expansiveness of this well-maintained animal habitat, especially considering its size. There's also a train and a carousel to ride, a 4-story high rope adventure course, a splash pad so the little ones can cool off in the summer, and the Safari Grill Cafe for a quick bite on site. The zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and admission is just $5 for everyone over the age of 2!

Paul B. Johnson State Park

If you're looking for some outdoor fun, check out Paul B. Johnson State Park, where you can hike, bike, picnic and play disc golf among the majestic oak and pine trees. You can cool down after that by taking a swim in Geiger Lake, which also gives you the opportunity to launch your boat, cast your fishing line, and strap on your water skis.

Discover African-American War Heroes

The African-American Military History Museum showcases the important roles that these brave soldiers played in our nation’s fights for freedom, beginning with the Revolutionary War. One of the highlights is how the Buffalo Soldiers, a cavalry unit formed just after the Civil War, kept the American West safe. Many of the exhibits are interactive—you can climb on a life-size horse statue to see what it feels like to sit in the saddle get behind the wheel of a real Army truck, and try on an authentic U.S. military uniform. Feel free to explore the museum on your own, or take a docent-guided tour for more information.

Southern Barbecue and Vintage Music

Leatha's Bar-B-Que Inn is an unassuming local gathering place for spicy ribs, chicken and pulled pork barbecue. Add fried potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw and pecan pie, and you have a genuine Southern meal. Just look for the building with the colorful ceramic pigs on the porch! Cotton Blues tempts you with such original creations as Honey Glazed Mississippi Quail and Deep South Eggrolls made with gulf shrimp, rabbit and cabbage. They also serve such traditional Southern treats as Po-boys, made with fried shrimp or oysters. T-Bones is a unique cafe serving sandwiches with such quirky names as The J-Bird—turkey and bacon, and the Evil Twin—turkey and bacon with jalapenos. While you're there, check out the vintage record shop!