Parks / Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park
National Military Park · MS,LA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Illinois Memorial Closed for Restoration
The memorial itself closed for restoration starting on September 16, 2025. Starting on March 2, 2026, access to Tour Stops 2 and 3 will be temporarily closed. The closure point will be at the Shirley House. Visitors will still be able to continue north along Union Avenue and access the remainder of the Tour Road. This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
National Cemetery Closed to Vehicles; Open to Pedestrians
Due to weather related incidents, Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to vehicular traffic, however it is open to pedestrians. Visitor can park in the adjacent USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery.
Louisiana Circle Closed
Louisiana Circle is closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to slope instability. Navy Circle is open and also provides views of the Mississippi River.
Entrance Fees
The National Park Service’s Recreation Fee Program supports the NPS mission in a variety of ways. Fee Program employees not only collect fees, but they also perform activities related to resource stewardship, visitor facility improvements, education and visitor use management. Fees are used to fund projects that address deferred maintenance needs, provide new visitor programs and services, protect resources, and improve and rehabilitate facilities for visitors. Entrance fees at Vicksburg National Military Park cover entry to the park and are valid for seven days. Entrance passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, will not be replaced if lost or stolen and will be void if altered or reproduced. Do you already own a pass? Vicksburg Military National Park honors the Interagency annual and lifetime passes that are valid at multiple national park and federal sites.
Entrance passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, will not be replaced if lost or stolen and will be void if altered or reproduced. Do you already own a pass? Vicksburg Military National Park honors the Interagency annual and lifetime passes that are valid at multiple national park and federal sites.
Things to Do
Become a Junior Ranger at Vicksburg National Military Park
This program is designed for children making a visit to Vicksburg National Military Park. Children can explore the park and learn about Vicksburg through activities of varying difficulty. The Junior Ranger Program is available upon request at the Visitor Center.
Become a Vicksburg BARK Ranger
Learn how your pet can become a BARK Ranger!
Watch Vicksburg National Military Park's Orientation Film
This orientation film plays every half hour at the park's visitor center.
Visitor Centers
- USS Cairo Museum
- Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.