By: VI Staff

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Located in the architecturally significant Mississippi City Elementary School, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a 15,000-square-foot exhibition space that features interactive displays and presentations that encourage exploration and discovery through play. Built in 1915, the Elementary School is one of the architectural gems of the state and an architectural exhibition itself. The center features a spacious theatre, six acres of outdoor play space, a Viking kitchen, and exhibits include To Market, To Market Grocery Store, Bear Camp Bayou for Little Discoverers, The History Hotel Old-Time Adventure, Dolan Avenue Depot, WLMDC TV Studio, and On the Green.

246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507, Phone: 228-897-6039

 

Eco-Tours of South Mississippi

Eco-Tours of South Mississippi introduce visitors to the coastal barrier islands and the cypress swamps of the lower Pascagoula River on guided, interpretive eco-tours. The company also offers guided kayaking tours in the wetlands and marsh and birding trips to Deer Island, which is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, ranging from herons, pelicans, ospreys, egrets, and bald eagles. Other fauna and flora in the cypress swamps and salt marshes include alligators, and over 300 species of native plants and orchids, and wild lilies. Two-hour sunset cruises offer a romantic way to experience the beautiful landscapes while sipping sundowners and soaking up the spectacular scenery.

Phone: 228-297-8687

 

Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum explores the maritime history and heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Established in 1986, the museum aims to interpret, protect, and preserve the rich maritime history of the region through informative and interesting exhibits, objects, artifacts, and a fascinating collection of historical photographs. The museum’s exhibits span from the time of the first Indian settlement and following immigrant settlement to the development of the melting-pot culture of the Gulf Coast today, showcasing industries like shrimping and oystering, net-making, wooden boat building, and marine blacksmithing. The 1,400 square foot Wade Guice Hurricane Museum within the museum features a state-of-the-art theatre and replicas of two 65-ft twin-masted Biloxi Schooners. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum is open Monday through Sunday.

115 1st Street, Biloxi, MS 39530, Phone: 228-435-6320

 

INFINITY Science Center

The INFINITY Science Center is a science museum and educational attraction that provides a fun and fascinating learning experience that focuses on science and space. The state-of-the-art science and space educational center blend Earth science, space, engineering, and technology to create fascinating exhibits that encourage interactive and immersive learning experiences that inspire minds and spark imaginations. The center serves as the official NASA visitor center for Stennis Space Center and offers several attractions, fun-filled rides, and exhibits, guided bus tours of a NASA rocket testing facility. The INFINITY Science Center is open from Monday through Saturday.

1 Discovery Cir, Pearlington, MS 39572, Phone: 228-533-9025

 

Ocean Adventures Marine Park

Located in the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Ocean Adventures Marine Park offers incredible experiences and interactions with a variety of marine creatures such as sharks, stingrays, sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds. Experiences include swimming with dolphins and stingrays, kissing sea lions, dolphin and sea lion shows, snorkeling with rays, touching and petting various sea creatures, guided tours of the facility, and meeting parakeets. The park offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for children of all ages and caters for special occasions such as birthday parties. Ocean Adventures Marine Park is open daily, year-round.

10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503, Phone: 228-896-9182

 

The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch

The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point offers the opportunity to see wild alligators in their natural habitat on guided ranch tours and exhilarating airboat swamp tours of the beautiful swamplands of South Mississippi. Bordering the Grand Bay Estuary in Moss Point/Pascagoula, the 105-acre ranch is home to wild alligators, marine creatures, and native birds, and visitors can stroll around the farm, meet the resident wildlife and hand-feed gators. The ranch also offers Airboat Swamp Tours on high-speed airboats driven by highly experienced and knowledgeable guides who will find and point out alligators and other native wildlife in their natural habitats.

10300 US-90, Moss Point, MS 39562, Phone: 228-475-6026

 

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