Vicksburg National Military Park
Designation: National Military Park
Location: Mississippi, Louisiana
📘 Park Overview
To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked "Vicksburg is the key" to victory, and could be the north's lifeline into the south. As the federals closed in on the Fortress City, they were met by a ring of forts with over 170 cannon. The resulting battle would determine the war's outcome.
🌤 Weather Information
Spring and fall in Vicksburg are always very pleasant with cool nights and warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from lows of 40 degrees to highs of 70 degrees. Winter weather in Mississippi is usually mild except for occasional cold air invasions which normally last only a couple of days. Temperatures range from lows of 30 degrees to highs of 50 degrees. In the summer, weather is consistently hot, beginning in the low 70's and climbing to highs ranging from 80-100 degrees in the afternoon.
🚗 Directions
Plane — Closest commercial airport: Jackson, MS, 50 miles to the east. Car — Directions to Vicksburg: From the east — Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, MS. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance. From the north — Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, MS. To save time, use Interstate 220 bypass on west side of Jackson. Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg approximately 40 miles. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 0.25 miles to park entrance.
Images
The Union artillery played a major role in the outcome of the Vicksburg Campaign.
Credit: NPS Photo
Stars gleam behind the Illinois State Memorial.
Credit: NPS Photo
Roses in bloom in front of the Shirley House, the only remaining Civil War structure in the park.
Credit: NPS Photo
A park ranger in a Union Civil War uniform talks to a crowd of visitors.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Union artillery played a major role in the outcome of the Vicksburg Campaign.
Credit: NPS Photo
Stars gleam behind the Illinois State Memorial.
Credit: NPS Photo
Roses in bloom in front of the Shirley House, the only remaining Civil War structure in the park.
Credit: NPS Photo
A park ranger in a Union Civil War uniform talks to a crowd of visitors.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Feb 11
Patchy rain nearby
High: 70.9°F | Low: 56.5°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 81%
UV Index: 0.8
Sunrise: 06:50 AM
Sunset: 05:46 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (36%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 59.9°F
Cloud Cover: 81%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 12
Overcast
High: 60.3°F | Low: 49.8°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.1
Sunrise: 06:49 AM
Sunset: 05:47 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (28%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 50.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Feb 13
Overcast
High: 59.4°F | Low: 51.1°F
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 5.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.2
Sunrise: 06:48 AM
Sunset: 05:48 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (19%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
National Cemetery Walking Tour: Black History Month
Ranger Program Announcement:
National Cemetery Walking Tour - Black History Month
Date and Time: Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30
Location: Meet at Stop #8 - Vicksburg National Cemetery Gate
Discover the stories of African American Veterans in Vicksburg National Cemetery
Location: Location: Meet at Stop #8 - Vicksburg National Cemetery Gate
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
🏤 Mailing Address:
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
📞 Voice Phone: 6016360583
📞 Fax Phone: 6016369497
✉️ Email: VICK_Information@nps.gov