Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Mississippi is named for the Mississippi River that marks the state's western boundary. Mississippi is known for a rich history that includes Native Americans and the Civil War. For a family with children, Mississippi offers numerous locations for a day or a week of fun, whether it's walking along a beach or exploring a Civil War fort. One of the most popular destinations in Mississippi is the towns along the Gulf Coast.
The Gulf Coast of Mississippi is approximately 26 miles long. U.S. highway 90 runs parallel to the beach, offering scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and pleasant stops at many of the small towns that line the shore. Biloxi and Gulfport are two of the largest cities on the Gulf Coast. These cities offer many opportunities for families to enjoy not only the beach areas but also the history and culture of the local area.
Biloxi, Mississippi has been a favorite recreational area since 1840. Although currently known for it's many waterfront casinos, Biloxi also offers family friendly attractions. The J.L. Scott Education Center and Aquarium, while mainly an educational facility for the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, has a large aquarium open to the public that features many of the sea creatures found in the Gulf of Mexico. Biloxi also has a few small amusement parks, such as Magic Golf and the Time In Family Fun Center.
Biloxi also includes many historical home sites. Beauvoir, the home of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America, is located in Biloxi and is open to the public. A presidential library and Confederate Cemetery are also on the grounds. There is walking tour information available at the Biloxi Visitor's Center. The walking tour showcases homes that date back to the 1800s.
Gulfport, founded in 1845, is home to one of the largest ports in the south. The Marine Life Oceanarium offers guided train tours around the port. The facility is open year round and also offers dolphin shows and an interaction tank. The city has many small amusement parks, two of which are Wet Willy's Water Slide and Fun Time USA. For a family day on the beach with a history lesson thrown in, Ship Island Excursions is the only charter tour that travels to Ship Island, home of Fort Massachusetts, a Civil War fort that helped protect the cities of the Gulf Coast during the War Between the States.
Gulfport also offers many museums for families and children. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center allows children of all ages to explore the ocean, climb into a tree house, learn about another country, or be creative in the arts and crafts area. The 13th Street Gallery offers exhibits of Gulf Coast artists and painting demonstrations.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers many opportunities for families to have fun, whether it's just a lazy day on the beach or exploring a fort. The cities are known for their southern hospitality, charm and history. With activities that are ever changing, there is always something for families to enjoy in Mississippi.
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