Why Tupelo, MS Should Be Your Next Easy Road Trip Destination

Ready for an easy road trip full of history and music legends with a side of buffalo? Then head on over to Tupelo, Mississippi!

We LOVE an educational and fun day trip! Only a little over two hours from Huntsville, Tupelo is a city full of rich history and heritage.

 

From Two Rooms to Rock Royalty- Elvis Presley’s Birthplace

We started our trip with Elvis Presley’s Birthplace, where it all began for this famous legend. Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo on January 8, 1935. Born in a two-room house built by his dad, granddad and uncle. The home was built in 1934 with $180 borrowed from his dad’s employer. When Elvis was two, the family fell on hard times and were forced to give up their home. Elvis grew up attending the Tupelo Assembly of God Church, which influenced his musical style throughout his career. Your visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace will include the home, church, museum, and other interesting facets of Elvis’ life.

Location: 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38804 (map)
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm
Admission: Adults- $25 (all 3 buildings), $20 (2 buildings), $12 (1 building) | ages 7-12- $10 (all 3 buildings), $7- (2 buildings), $5 (1 building) | ages under 7- FREE
Tickets can only be purchased at the front desk.

Where the Buffalo (and the Fun) Roam- Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo

Our next stop was the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, which spans 210 acres with more than 260 animals. Originally a cattle ranch, in 1997, the owner began adding buffalo and removing cattle. There are two different ways to experience this park and zoo: (1) Safari Drive-Through and Feed, which provides close contact with free-roaming buffalo, zebras, water buffalo and more; and (2) Zoo Walk-Through and feed, which doesn’t let you get quite as close to these animals, you will encounter a larger variety and can go at your own pace.

Location: 2272 Coley Rd Tupelo, MS 38801 (map)
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM | Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM *Note: This is weather dependent. Some animals cannot be viewed when temperatures are below 60.*
Admission: Adults- $11, Children 12 and under FREE (Tours and feed are additional charges.)

History at Your Feet- Natchez Trace Visitor Center

Our last stop was a FREE visit to the Natchez Trace Visitor Center. This provided a nice highlight to our trip. Here, you will watch a 15-minute movie about the history and creation of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. Children can enjoy interactive and educational activities while the Park Ranger engages visitors and provides recommendations on where to visit along the Natchez Trace. We chose to walk along the Old Trace and visit a cemetery for unknown soldiers, which holds the remains of 13 unknown Confederate Soldiers.

Location: 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804 (map)
Operating Hours: Sunday – Saturday,  9 AM to 4:30 PM
Admission: FREE

Bonus Stops Worth Your Time

Need Something to Eat?

Mug Shots Grill & Bar– Mugshots Grill & Bar serves up hearty, American food with a creative twist. Think stacked specialty burgers, loaded nachos, and classic pub favorites, but throw a cheeseburger quesadilla in there as well. All in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you come hungry and leave happy. Kid menu had good variety of things you would expect like chicken fingers, Mac & Cheese but also had an egg sandwich on sourdough bread!

Location: 374 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804 (map)

Vanelli’s Bistro- If you’re in the mood for pizza, Vanelli’s needs to be your stop! Vanelli’s has been a Tupelo favorite since 1975, blending Greek and Italian flavors and dishes to perfection. Pizzas come in multiple sizes; the 16-inch has 10 pieces and can feed the whole family. (depending on how many are in your family and how hungry they are after exploring!) The garlic butter cheese stix are AMAZING! Kiddo need their own pizza? The kid’s menu has perfect kid-sized little pita pizzas.

Location: 206 W Main St. Tupelo MS 38804 (map)

A Little More to Explore

Tupelo Murals– Learn more about Tupelo’s story and history through these stunning murals.  (Here’s the list of all the murals, along with their locations!)

 

Elvis Guitar Trail– There are more than 20 Elvis themed decorative guitars around Downtown Tupelo. Each one is unique and such a cute photo op to remember your fun day in Tupelo! (Here’s the list of all of them with their locations!)