Downtown is a lively place from dawn to dusk. It is the site of many museums and the magnificent State Capitol building.  It is the center of business and commerce in Jackson. 

Ridgeland, located just a few miles from the city center, contains many shopping, eating and lodging opportunities, along with some nightlife. Tougaloo College is in the Ridgeland area. Tougaloo's historic Woodworth Chapel was the site of many important meetings and events during the Civil Rights Movement.

Natchez Trace Parkway, bypasses Jackson through Ridgeland and neighboring Madison. The Trace was originally a trading route for Native Americans and is now part of the National Park Service. Ridgeland is also home to one of Jackson's most popular recreational facilities, the 33,000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir, created by the damming of the Pearl River.   It serves as a summer playground for boaters, swimmers, fishermen and picnic-goers.