With shaded forest byways, wide-open waterways, dedicated cycling trails, and a welcome that’s warm whatever the season, Ridgeland is an outdoor-lover’s getaway gem in the heart of Mississippi. Straddling the historic Natchez Trace Parkway midway between Memphis and New Orleans, Ridgeland is a charming, small city destination in Madison County that offers an appealing blend of big-city amenities and outdoor adventure options. Whether you’d rather spend your days exploring tranquil lake coves by kayak, or cycling through wildflower-dappled woods, Ridgeland offers ways to satisfy your outdoorsy, nature-loving spirit. To help get you started, here are three reasons to make Ridgeland your next Mississippi weekend getaway destination.
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Ridgeland's Natchez Trace Century Ride, which takes place late spring each year, has become one of Mississippi’s favorite cycling gatherings.
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Mountain biking the Ridgeland Trails
Ride Ridgeland: A Cyclist’s Dream Destination
With a wide variety of bike-friendly options ranging from signposted cycling routes to rugged mountain bike trails, Ridgeland can lay claim to being Mississippi’s premier cycling destination. The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a recreational greenway that invites joggers, nature enthusiasts, and cyclists of all levels to take in a ten-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway as it passes through Ridgeland and the Jackson metropolitan area, skirting the banks of the Barnett Reservoir. Making it easy to explore the region on two wheels, the Explore Ridgeland Bikeshare Program provides maps and itineraries linking bike-friendly destinations, and a free, on-demand bike sharing fleet accessible from either The Bike Crossing, a full-service bicycle shop in the heart of Ridgeland, or the Ridgeland Visitors Center on Highland Colony Parkway, near the popular outdoor shopping district Renaissance at Colony Park. To use a bike, download the ‘Koloni’ app on your smartphone and enter your contact and payment information. While rentals are free, there is a $1 pre-authorization charge for each rental, which you’ll get back when the bike is returned. For more information, check out this itinerary.
Mountain bikers can tackle the rugged terrain of Ridgeland Mountain Bike Trails, a top-tier system with ten miles of challenging woodland trails filled with twists, turns, and jumps. For adrenaline seekers, Magnolia Ridge BMX delivers high-energy excitement with competitive and recreational racing.
Want to go further? The Natchez Trace Century Ride is fast becoming the largest spring cycling event in Mississippi, with almost 1000 cyclists each year joining forces to ride sections of national scenic byway. This year’s event happens May 3, and invites riders of all ages to choose between distances of 8, 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles with mild to moderate elevation. The ride begins and ends at the Ridgeland Recreation Center and registration includes a ride, t-shirt, swag bag, and post-ride meal. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend cruiser, Ridgeland’s diverse biking scene is ready to roll. Grab your bike and saddle up!
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This summer, make waves at "The Rez."
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Kayaking on the Reservoir
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Cast a line at one of Barnett Reservoir's fishing tournaments.
Make a Splash at the Barnett Reservoir
The Barnett Reservoir, or "The Rez" as locals call it, is a 33,000-acre paradise with 105 miles of shoreline for water lovers to explore. Whether you're into boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, the shimmering waters of The Rez offer endless opportunities for adventure. Cyclists and walkers will enjoy scenic trails like the Barnett Reservoir Botanical Trail, Chisha Folka Multi-Use Trail, and some lesser known trails such as the Brandon Quarry Trail, which hugs sections of shoreline. Waterfront parks like Old Trace Park, Friendship Park, and Wolcott Park provide ideal vantage points for picnics and sunset views. For folks looking to get out on the water, The Rez offers multiple put-in spots for boats including Madison Landing Boat Ramp, Fannin Landing Circle Boat Ramp, Rankin Boat Ramp, and the Goshen Springs Boat Ramp. Want to get your feet wet but don’t have a boat of your own, consider renting a kayak, canoe, or pontoon boat—all easy, fun ways to experience The Rez. Kayaks can be rented from Pearl River Kayaks, and pontoons and boating supplies can be rented from the Main Harbor Store. Pro tip: Make your reservations ahead of time! Hosting lively events, fishing tournaments, and the scene for serene nature escapes, The Rez is a must-visit destination for relaxation and recreation. Ready to make waves? Come experience it for yourself.
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Ridgeland Wildflower Field
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Visitors are welcome to pick zinnias and other wildflowers.
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The blooms attract beautiful pollinators from late spring to fall.
Ridgeland Wildflower Field & Art Park
The Ridgeland Wildflower Field and Art Park is a hidden gem that enchants visitors by blending natural beauty with whimsical artistic endeavors by local and regional artists. Located on Jackson Street near the Natchez Trace Parkway, this vibrant public park serves as a showcase for seasonal wildflowers—especially bright zinnias, whose blooms peak from late spring through mid-summer and into the fall. Visitors can stroll the winding paths, pick flowers, admire human-sized butterfly wing installations, or simply enjoy a peaceful setting teeming with butterflies and birds. Whether you're exploring by foot or bike, this serene destination offers a rejuvenating escape surrounded by natural and artistic beauty.
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The Bill Waller Craft Center offers stained glass classes to aspiring creatives.
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Learn from experienced craftsmen at the Bill Waller Craft Center
Bill Waller Craft Center – Craft Classes & Demo Days
The Bill Waller Craft Center, which displays original artwork by more than 400 members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, is a central Mississippi creative hub where tradition meets innovation. Located in Ridgeland near the Natchez Trace Parkway, the center hosts hands-on crafting classes led by master artisans teaching stained glass, woodworking, ceramics, weaving, and more. Turn your creativity into something beautiful by joining the upcoming Mosaic Stepping Stone Class, happening on May 10. Later in the month, artisan Brian Hill will host a Woodturning Class on May 24. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, the Bill Waller Craft Center has a class for you. Regular Demo Days bring the space to life with live demonstrations, enabling visitors to watch skilled craftsmen at work and experience the finest handmade Mississippi-made artistry. Plan your visit and unleash your creativity.
More Reasons to Explore Ridgeland
When you’re ready to slow your roll, Ridgeland has much more than just outdoor adventuring to offer; this small city of 24,000 is also a well-appointed southern travel destination rich in shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Fashion-conscious shoppers will find high-end boutiques and top-tier retailers like Anthropologie and Lululemon at the Renaissance at Colony Park, while more shopping, dining, and entertainment options await at the sleek Northpark center—home to splurge-worthy stores offering everything from designer fashions to unique, locally made furnishings and decorative pieces. With a well-deserved reputation as the "Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi," Ridgeland’s award-winning culinary scene serves up perfectly grilled steaks, fresh Gulf seafood, and farm-to-table favorites. For entertainment, Mississippi’s only Topgolf location delivers high-tech golf games and a lively atmosphere, while live music venues like Shuckers and Fusion Coffeehouse add to the fun. Whether you're a shopper, foodie, or chasing musical or outdoor adventures, Ridgeland has something for everyone.
Plan your visit at exploreRidgeland.com.
