10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Jackson, Tennessee (Madison County)
Looking for a laid-back Southern getaway with a little music, a little history, and a whole lot of charm?
Jackson, Tennessee, in
Madison County, is a friendly small city right off I-40 between Memphis and Nashville. It makes a great weekend road trip stop or even a low-key vacation base.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, a partner, or on your own, there are plenty of things to do near Jackson that show off its music roots, railroad history, and classic Tennessee flavor.
Below are
10 fun things to do in and around Jackson, TN that locals love and visitors remember.
1. Tap Your Toes at the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
If you know anything about Jackson, you’ve probably heard the name
Casey Jones. He was the legendary railroad engineer who became a folk hero after giving his life to save his passengers.
At the
Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, you can:
- Walk through a full-size replica of Casey’s locomotive cab
- Tour his restored 1800s home
- Check out historic railroad equipment and artifacts
- Let kids burn off energy in the small outdoor areas
The museum sits inside the
Casey Jones Village, right off I-40, so it’s an easy stop on a road trip. Even if you’re not a train buff, the stories and old photos make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.
If you’re traveling with kids, asking them to imagine what it was like to ride a steam train at full speed is a fun way to bring it to life.
2. Wander the Casey Jones Village & Grab Southern Comfort Food
After the museum, don’t rush off. The surrounding
Casey Jones Village is a little attraction all by itself and one of the best-known things to do in Jackson, TN.
Here you can:
- Shop for local crafts, gifts, and Tennessee souvenirs
- Walk through the old country store for nostalgic treats
- Hear live bluegrass or gospel music on certain days
- Enjoy Southern cooking at a classic family-style restaurant
It has that “old-time village” feel that makes you slow down a bit. If you grew up in a small town, it may remind you of visits to a grandparent’s place, where nobody’s rushing and dessert is basically required.
3. Step Back in Time at the Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum
Love movies and classic TV shows? Then
Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum is going to make you smile.
This quirky museum features:
- More than 50 famous cars and replicas from movies and TV
- Vehicles you may recognize from action films and comedies
- Props, photos, and fun memorabilia
It’s not a stuffy, “please don’t touch” style museum. It feels more like visiting a cool neighbor’s giant garage. You’ll find yourself pointing and saying, “Wait, isn’t that the car from…?”
If you’re looking for a unique thing to do in Jackson, TN that’s not your typical museum, this one is worth an hour or two.
4. Explore Local History at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
Just a short drive west of Jackson, in Brownsville, you’ll find the
West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center – but many Jackson visitors make this a side trip, and it’s easy to see why.
This center highlights the culture of
West Tennessee, including:
- The music heritage of the Delta region
- Local history exhibits
- Outdoor buildings with pioneer and African American history
Most visitors come for two very special places on the grounds:
If you’re a music lover driving between Memphis and Nashville, this is a meaningful stop that connects the dots between small-town Tennessee and the stars who came from here.
5. Catch Live Music at a Local Jackson Venue
Jackson proudly calls itself the
“Hub City” of West Tennessee, and music runs through the town’s veins. You’ll find:
- Live bands in local bars and restaurants
- Seasonal music festivals and outdoor concerts
- Church choirs and gospel groups that will give you chills
Check what’s happening at:
- The AMP – an outdoor amphitheater that often hosts free concerts
- Local breweries and grills that feature live country, rock, and blues
On warm evenings, grabbing a seat outside, ordering a sweet tea or a cold beer, and listening to live music is one of the most relaxing things to do in Jackson, TN.
6. Stroll the Downtown Jackson Court Square
Want to get a feel for local life? Head to
Downtown Jackson, centered around the historic courthouse square. This is where you’ll find:
- Local restaurants and coffee shops
- Boutiques and gift shops
- Historic buildings and murals
Take a slow walk, grab an ice cream or latte, and do a little people-watching. Depending on when you visit, you may spot:
- Pop-up markets
- Food trucks
- Outdoor events and live music
If you like snapping photos, the old brick storefronts and courthouse backdrop make for classic small-town Southern shots.
7. Get Outside at Cypress Grove Nature Park
Need a break from the highway and city noise?
Cypress Grove Nature Park is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Jackson, Tennessee.
The park offers:
- Wooden boardwalks through cypress trees and wetlands
- A tall observation tower with wide views
- Quiet walking paths, usually less crowded than big city parks
You might spot turtles, birds, and other wildlife as you wander. On a misty morning, the cypress trees rising out of the water look almost magical.
If you’re road tripping with kids, this is a great spot to let them stretch their legs. Just grab comfortable shoes and maybe some bug spray in warmer months.
8. Visit the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame & Museum (Check for Updates)
Jackson has long ties to
rockabilly music, the energetic blend of country and rhythm & blues that helped shape early rock ’n’ roll.
The
International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame has, at times, moved and changed, so it’s best to check the latest location and hours before you go. When available, it features:
- Memorabilia from rockabilly artists
- Photos, records, and instruments
- Stories connecting West Tennessee to world-famous music
If you’re putting together a “music road trip” between Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville, this is a great piece of the puzzle to explore the roots of American music.
9. Go Antique Hunting and Thrifting Around Madison County
If you love the hunt for old treasures, you’ll find plenty of
antique shops and
thrift stores in and around Jackson and greater Madison County.
You can spend half a day:
- Browsing antique malls full of furniture, signs, and collectibles
- Checking out smaller shops for vinyl records, vintage clothing, or farmhouse décor
- Chatting with store owners who are usually happy to share local stories
It’s the kind of low-pressure activity that’s perfect for a lazy Saturday. You may walk away with a unique souvenir that actually feels like a piece of Tennessee history.
10. Take a Day Trip to Nearby State Parks and Lakes
If you’re staying in Jackson for more than a quick stop, use it as a base to explore nearby nature spots in West Tennessee.
Within easy driving distance, you’ll find:
- Natchez Trace State Park – about 30–40 minutes east, with hiking trails, a lake, and picnic areas
- Other smaller lakes and wildlife areas scattered around Madison County and nearby counties
Pack a cooler, bring some snacks, and spend your day:
- Fishing from the shore or a rental boat
- Hiking easy-to-moderate trails
- Relaxing by the water and enjoying the tall trees and quiet
After a day outside, coming back to Jackson for a hearty Southern dinner feels just right.
Planning Your Trip to Jackson, Tennessee
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit to Jackson and Madison County:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall usually bring mild temperatures and pretty scenery.
- Getting around: A car is almost essential; attractions are spread out.
- Where to stay: Jackson has a mix of chain hotels near I-40 and smaller local spots.
- Food to try: Don’t miss Southern staples like fried chicken, barbecue, biscuits, and banana pudding.
If you’re driving between
Memphis and Nashville, consider spending at least one full day in Jackson instead of just stopping for gas. There’s more to do here than you might expect from the highway signs.
Share Your Jackson, TN Experience
Have you visited
Jackson, Tennessee or Madison County before?
- Which of these things to do near Jackson would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite local restaurant, music spot, or hidden gem?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can make the most of their trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends who might be planning a Tennessee road trip.
Safe travels, and enjoy exploring Jackson, TN!
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