The Union artillery played a major role in the outcome of the Vicksburg Campaign.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Activities
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingFront-Country HikingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.
News
Feb 23, 2026
National Park Service to Close Road in Vicksburg National Military Park for Visitor Safety
On March 2, the National Park Service will close a short section of the Tour Road near the Illinois Memorial that provides access to Tour Stops 2 (Shirley House) and 3 (Third Louisiana Redan). This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Feb 21, 2026
Using Prescribed Fires for Battlefield Landscape Management
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires to manage vegetation in select areas of Vicksburg National Military Park on Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23, depending on weather. Areas for prescribed fires will include large grassy areas in the South Loop, near the Illinois Memorial and Shirley House, the western slope of Fort Hill, along Graveyard Road and at Thayer’s Approach. The area of prescribed burns will include approximately 231 acres.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle