Tupelo Mississippi
Exterior of the Elvis Presley Birthplace, the historic two-room home where the musical star was born
Wandering a verdant trail along the Natchez Trace Parkway
A colorful sunset over the Tupelo Hardware Company and downtown Tupelo
Enjoying locally crafted libations at Queen’s Reward Meadery
A camel at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo in Tupelo, Mississippi
Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center, a must-see for military history buffs
A fun and educational outing along the Civil Rights and African American Heritage Trail
Elvis' 1956 Homecoming Statue welcomes visitors to the Fairpark District
The colorful Greetings from Tupelo mural decorates historic Main Street
Interactive exhibits at the Tupelo Visitors Center tell the city’s story
- States:
- Mississippi
A spirited Mississippi city brimming with music and natural history
Musical Treasures
Mississippi is often referred to as “The Birthplace of America’s Music” thanks to its important role in the formation of the Blues and the wealth of musical artists that have called the state home. Among the most world-famous of these Mississippi legends is Elvis Presley, who was born in Tupelo in 1935. Today, tour the childhood home of “The King of Rock n’ Roll” and snap a photo with a life-sized statue of him at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum. Take a leisurely drive along the 14-stop Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour to see Elvis’ childhood school and favorite restaurants as well as the hardware store where his mother bought his very first guitar. To dig deeper into the region’s sounds, head to the historic Shake Rag district, where Black musicians crafted the distinct rhythm and blues and gospel music that inspired Elvis’ sound. The Tupelo Visitors Center offers interactive exhibits paying homage to the area’s rich musical heritage.
Scenic Drives through History
Often named among the Top 10 Most Visited National Parks, the Natchez Trace Parkway provides a picturesque path right through the heart of Tupelo. Stretching from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, this wandering road offers a journey just as educational as it is beautiful. Notable stops along the way include the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, where interpretive displays detail 10,000 years of history along the Trace, and plenty of campgrounds for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more.
Find more historical journeys along the area’s many heritage trails. For a look at the traditions of the Indigenous Chickasaw Nation, travel the Chickasaw Heritage Trail, which explores the history and lasting influence of North Mississippi's Chickasaw people. Drive along the Civil Rights and African American Heritage Trail to stop at historic and interpretive sites, like the Oren Dunn City Museum, and learn the stories of those who fought for desegregation and racial equality in Tupelo.
Relax and Unwind
For a day of play, visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. Wander the spacious grounds and spot over 260 animals, from buffalo to Watusi cattle, on a drive-through safari. Kids can enjoy pony rides and a playground while all ages will love feeding goats, sheep and deer in the petting zoo. Savor a meal at one of Tupelo’s over 200 restaurants, offering everything from upscale dining to blue-plate specials. After a long day of exploring, relax at the Queen’s Reward Meadery. Mississippi's first meadery produces a wide variety of artisan sips, ranging from traditional varieties to fun fruit flavors. Plan to visit during their monthly trivia nights or other special events for some extra fun.
Fun Fact
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo on January 8, 1935.
Tupelo is the homeland of the Chickasaw people, known as the “unconquerable” tribal nation because of their historic military prowess.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a haven for biodiversity: Crossing four ecosystems and eight major watersheds, this scenic area is home to nearly 1,500 species of plants, 33 mammal species, 134 bird species and 70 species of reptiles and amphibians.