Jackson: Culture, Nature, and Events

Getting to know Jackson for your trip

Jackson lies in West Tennessee between Memphis and Nashville, along Interstate 40. The city is also served by Jackson Regional Airport (MLK). If you’re planning a flight, check the schedule for your travel dates, as flight schedules may change. Local interests range from nature in the cypress grove to cultural history, theater, the market, and outdoor events.

Nature at Cypress Grove Nature Park

Cypress Grove Nature Park is home to native wildlife, birds, and waterfowl. The cypress grove also offers opportunities for walking and fishing. Wildlife watching, walking, and fishing are distinct interests: you can focus on the wildlife or center your visit on one of the activities mentioned.

Theater and cultural history

Located in the historic downtown, the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center is a 420-seat theater. Its performance schedule may change. The Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum offers a different cultural focus: its exhibits cover Casey Jones’s life and his heroic final ride. A changing stage program and a biographical exhibition thus cater to different interests.

Collections and local history

Rusty's TV & Movie Car Museum also offers a different kind of collection. Across more than 13,000 square feet, the museum displays over 50 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as rare props used in film and television productions. Many of the vehicles were actually used in shows. Unlike the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, this museum focuses on vehicles and production props rather than a single life story. The library officially opened on March 3, 1903; it later became the Carnegie Center for Arts and History.

Market and outdoor events

The West Tennessee Farmers Market is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; opening hours may change. Offerings include vegetables, baked goods, plants, fish, beef, lamb, and milk, as well as food from local food trucks and products made by local artisans. The selection of vendors may vary. Depending on your interests, you can focus your visit on shopping, a meal, or local crafts.

The Amp is an outdoor event venue behind the Farmers' Market in downtown Jackson. Unlike the market, it focuses on outdoor events.

Two different details are important for planning: the Farmers' Market has set opening days and hours, while the theater's performance schedule may change. If you’re planning a market visit or a show, check the latest hours or dates, as applicable.

For the broader travel overview: Madison County.