Sporty & Active in JXN

Whether you are looking to tailgate before watching the game, get moving on the Museum Trail or even kayak the city’s water ways, the City With Soul offers active adventures on land and off.

Coach Prime on game day. Image: Go JSU Tigers/Facebook

Touchdowns and Tailgates

‘Tis the season for college football! Get your fix with the three of the city's colleges: Jackson State University, Belhaven University and Millsaps College.

Jackson State University

With the JSU Tigers now declared SWAC Champions, newly hired Deion Sanders is making a name for himself as head coach. The season, predicted to be a great one, was capped off with a Coach of the Year title for Sanders and a Celebration bowl bid.

Belhaven University

The Belhaven Blazers’ football season began on September 2 with a home victory against Millsaps University. Following a victorious record for the 2020 season, this win bodes well for the rest of the 2021 season.

Millsaps College

Millsaps College added three new coaches to their roster for the 2021 season: Cole Berry, Kyle Harris and De’Andre Washington. Although the season opener against Belhaven was a loss, the Millsaps Majors have a hopeful season ahead of them with new coaches and great players.

A sports atmosphere
Image: MS Sports Hall of Fame

Honor the Legends

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has seen over 500,000 visitors since opening in 1996. The Hall of Fame was created after the conception of the Mississippi Sports Foundation, a non-profit that still oversees the daily operations of the museum.

At the Hall of Fame Museum, visitors learn about past sports stars who hailed from or still reside in Mississippi. According to the museum website, the purpose of each exhibit is to involve visitors with sights, sounds and motions. Interactive kiosks create a hands-on and engaging experience for visitors of all ages as they learn more about sports legends, history and the sports themselves.

Adult admission to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is $5 for adults and $3.50 for children over five years old, students, active military and seniors. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Read more about the Hall of Fame at msfame.com | 1152 Lakeland Drive

A young girl roller-skates on a paved trail as families walk behind her pushing strollers.
The Museum Trail. Image: Drew Dempsey

Take a Step – or a Spin

If you are looking to get in a good walk, run or bike ride, phase one of the Museum Trail is complete and open to the public.

This multi-use trail will eventually connect the Mississippi Farmer’s Market to the Mississippi Agriculture Museum, offering an easy way to access some of the city’s best cultural and entertainment offerings along the path. Other points of interest along the trail include the LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum.

The Museum Trail is a four-phase project. Phase two will likely begin in early 2022, inching the trail closer to completion and creating easy access to Jackson’s museums, marketplaces and parks.

Learn more about the Museum Trail at themuseumtrail.com.

A yellow flag says "Pete Brown" with larger letters that say "PB"
Image: Pete Brown/City of Jackson

Play A Round

Previously known as Sonny Guy Golf Course, the City of Jackson-operated Pete Brown Golf Facility is the hub for all things golf in Jackson, from a casual round to hosting a group event.

First established in 1947, this facility is where local golf legend Pete Brown began his golf career as a caddie. Brown later became a professional golfer and the first black player to win a PGA sanctioned event. The facility was renamed forr Brown in June of 2019.

According to the facility’s website, Pete Brown Golf Facility occupies 6,700 yards and has “generous fairways, mild rough and a driving range.” This facility is a favorite for local golfers of all skill levels – new, casual and professional.

Learn more or book your tee time at petebrowngolf.com | 3200 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue

Two people in an orange kayak floating on water.
Image: Capital City Kayaks

Navigate the Waters

Rated as Jackson’s number one outdoor adventure, Capital City Kayak Adventures is your ticket to enjoying wildlife in the city. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or just looking to get started, this service offers some of the best kayak activities in Jackson. Rent a kayak, book a tour and start your adventure!

Rates at Captial City Kayaks include $30 for adults and $15 for smaller kids. This fee includes rentals for the kayak, paddle, life vest and a water-tight bag for your devices. Guided instruction is available for newbies or kayakers who could use a hand in familiarizing themselves with the ropes.

Launch sites for kayaking change daily due to weather, water conditions and the number of reservations. There are two sites that Capital City rotates between for launching, the first at Crystal Lake Park on Flowood Drive and the second at Mayes Lake Campground at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson.

Make your reservation and learn more about Capital City Kayaks at capitalcitykayaks.com.

Rebecca Fending

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Rebecca Fending

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