There are a ton of great attractions in Mississippi. And 2018 is the year to see them all! Okay; well, maybe not all of them – there are just too many. But, if you are going to set out to see more of the state’s incredible sites, this list is a great place to start. And since there’s a total of 12 places, you can plan on visiting a new one each month. So grab a calendar and get ready for a fun-filled 2018!

1. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Brooksville)

Spanning nearly 50,000 acres in three counties, this refuge is the ultimate outdoor destination. Two major lakes make it a prime fishing spot and with several trails, it’s a great place to go for a hike. Be sure to bring along your camera – the refuge is also known for its great photo-taking opportunities.

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2. Shack Up Inn (Clarksdale)

Taking the Mississippi spot on Thrillist’s list of "The Coolest Hotels In Every State," the Shack Up Inn offers visitors the chance to stay on a former plantation. A completely unique experience, guests stay in authentic sharecropper shacks and are able to tour the grounds, which include an original cotton gin, seed houses, and other outbuildings.

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3. Natchez Trace Parkway (Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN)

One of the state’s most notable attractions, a drive along this famous parkway should definitely be on your 2018 bucket list. Spanning 444 miles through three states, there’s no shortage of interesting sites. In Mississippi alone, you’ll find everything from a ghost town to the stunning Windsor Ruins.

Be sure you don’t miss any must visit sites; read our full article here.

4. Ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church (Glen Allan)

St. John’s Episcopal Church was built in Glen Allan around 1830, making it one of the first churches in the Delta. During the Civil War, its stained glass windows were removed and used to make ammunition, marking the beginning of the church’s demise. St. John’s was further damaged when a tornado hit in 1907. Today, the ruins of the church are one of the most photographed historic sites in the state.

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5. Dunn’s Falls Water Park (Enterprise)

Located on the Chunky River and home to the state’s tallest waterfall, this park is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. There’s also a historic grist mill, which is open for touring, and a hiking trail that follows the banks of the Chunky River and leads to a suspended overlook, offering exceptional views of the park’s breathtaking scenery.

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6. H. D. Gibbes & Sons (Learned)

Experience true nostalgia at this small town gem, which dates back to 1892! The still functioning general store sells everything from fresh produce to vintage items. For a real treat, visit Thursday through Saturday when the store transforms into a restaurant that’s known for its mouthwatering steaks.

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7. US 11 Antique Alley and Yard Sale

(Meridian, Russell, Toomsuba, and Kewanee)

A must for bargain hunters, this yard sale spans 502 miles and five states! In Mississippi, it runs through the towns of Meridian, Russell, Toomsuba, and Kewanee. The epic sale is always held the weekend after Mother’s Day, so be sure to mark your calendar.

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8. Chalk Mine Hollow (Iuka)

If you have yet to visit this Iuka treasure, 2018 is the year to change that. The abandoned chalk mine is about the size of a Wal-Mart and includes three long tunnels, which are connected by numerous passageways. Although the site is not attended, locals have hiked to the mine and explored its interior for years now.

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9. Canton Flea Market (Canton)

Known throughout the south as "The Flea Market," this Canton event attracts up to 1,000 craftsmen and vendors from all across the country and has even been ranked among the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast." And since it’s held twice a year (the second Thursday in May and October), you’ll have two chances to check out the nationally renowned flea market for yourself in 2018.

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10. Mississippi Petrified Forest (Flora)

The only one of its kind in this part of the country, Flora’s Petrified Forest is full of ancient trees that have been transformed into stone giants through the process of petrification – a process that’s taken millions of years! Exploring this natural wonder is a breeze thanks to a self guided trail that includes many points of interest and informative markers.

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12. Elevate (Perkinston)

At this "aerial adventure park," you’ll find a series of treetop courses, which include plenty of challenges, obstacles, and zip lines. Taking fun to a whole new level (literally), a visit to Elevate is practically guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.

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11. Ship Island (Biloxi)

Of all the amazing destinations in the Magnolia State, Ship Island should definitely be on your bucket list. Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the island offers pristine beaches, beautiful water, and the chance to spot a few dolphins. There’s even an old fort, which is perfect for exploring.

Read our full article here.

So, have you already visited the places listed above? What other sites would you add? Tell us in the comments section!

Looking for more places to visit in the upcoming year? Check out "The 12 Mississippi Restaurants You Must Try In 2018."