Vicksburg National Military Park
National Military Park · MS, LA
Park Closure · 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.
More informationPark Closure · 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.
Park Closure · 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.
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.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/vick
- Location
- Vicksburg National Military Park (32.362, -90.850)
Track your visit to Vicksburg National Military Park
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- USS Cairo Museum
- Visitor Center
Hours
Visitor Centertoday: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Sat Oct 38:30AM - 4:30PM
- Sun Oct 48:30AM - 4:30PM
- Mon Oct 5Closed
- Tue Oct 6Closed
- Wed Oct 78:30AM - 4:30PM
- Thu Oct 88:30AM - 4:30PM
- Fri Oct 98:30AM - 4:30PM
Upcoming closures: Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day - Park Closed)
The Visitor Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday. Tour road is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily with last vehicle entry at 4:40 pm. Public restrooms are open at the Visitor Center and USS Cairo 7 days a week. Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Vehicle Access to Tour Roadtoday: 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Visitor centers
2
- USS Cairo Museumtoday: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
- Visitor Centertoday: 8:30AM - 4:30PMDirections
Self-guided tours
2
Art In The Park Self-Guided Tour1–3 hours · 11 stops
Soon after Vicksburg National Military Park was established in 1899, the nation's leading architects and sculptors were commissioned to honor the soldiers and sailors that fought throughout the Vicksburg campaign. Beginning in 1903, the work of commemoration has continued and today more than 1,400 monuments, tablets, and markers dot the landscape offering mute testimony to the courage and sacrifice of blue and gray alike.
Self-Guided Park Tour1–3 hours · 15 stops
We suggest you begin the 16-mile tour at the visitor center, where the new interactive campaign map, exhibits, and a 20-minute film explain the campaign and siege of Vicksburg. The numbered stops on this tour are keyed to the map on the back of the park brochure. During the tour, visitors will notice either red or blue metal markers placed by the War Department as the first interpretation of the park. Blue markers pertain to Union lines or emplacements. Red markers pertain to Confederate forces.
Entrance fees
5
- Private Vehicle — $20.00
This pass admits the driver and all passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle to the park.
- Motorcycle — $15.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age.
- Per Person — $10.00
Good for 7 days You are purchasing a digital site pass that is valid only for weekly entrance fees at Vicksburg National Military Park. The park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee except children under 16 years of age. The pass covers entry for one pedestrian or cyclist.
- Non-commercial Groups — Free
$10 per person, not to exceed commercial group rate.
- Annual Entrance - Park — $35.00
Good for 12 months from the date of purchase The pass covers unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers.