Natchez National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Mississippi.
In the park service’s words
Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Explore Melrose (150 Minutes): Explore one of the best-preserved suburban estates in the Deep South from the pre-civil war era.
- Natchez Civil War Sites Driving Tour (75 Minutes): Take a driving tour of Civil War sites in Natchez. Your voyage will wind you through historic Natchez, highlighting only some of the more important sites relevant to the Civil War and the Federal occupation of Natchez. Unlike some other Southern cities, Natchez emerged from the conflict relatively unscathed and today,
- Natchez Visitor Center (30 to 60 Minutes): The Natchez Visitor Center provides information on tours, exhibits, gardens, trails, activities, and events. The experienced staff can help you plan an itinerary for your visit to Natchez National Historical Park and other nearby attractions.
- Visit the William Johnson House (30 to 60 Minutes): The William Johnson House offers visitors the opportunity to connect with a free man of color and his family during the antebellum era.
- Visit Forks of the Road: From 1833 to 1863, Forks of the Road was the second largest slave market in the Deep South. Tens of thousands of enslaved men, women and children were transported from Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and the Carolinas to the market at Natchez. The slave market operated from 1833 until the arrival of Federal troops on Jul
- See Fort Rosalie (30 Minutes): Discover how the town of Natchez came to be as you explore Fort Rosalie.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Natchez Visitor Center is currently closed due to the installation of a new HVAC system. Melrose is open 7 days a week with guided tours of the mansion at 10:00, 11:00 am, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. Reservations for the tour should be made on Recreation.gov. The first floor of the William Johnson House is open although the second floor containing the family living quarters remains closed at this time. The Fort Rosalie site is open daily from sunup to sundown, as is the Forks of the Road site.
Getting there
Natchez National Historical Park Headquarters and the Natchez Visitor Center is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and Canal Street in Natchez, MS. Melrose Estate is located at 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway, Natchez, MS 39120. The William Johnson House is located at 212 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria International Airport (AEX) | Alexandria, LA | No road route | 70 | Regional |
| Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) | Baton Rouge, LA | No road route | 71 | Regional |
| Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) | Monroe, LA | No road route | 77 | Regional |
| Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | New Orleans, LA | No road route | 126 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- Natchez Visitor Center: Closed. The Natchez Visitor Center is currently closed for repairs.
- Melrose Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 5:00PM. Melrose is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Guided tours of the mansion are offered at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. Reservations for the house tour must be made on Recreation.gov.
- William Johnson House Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 5:00PM. The William Johnson House visitor contact station and adjoining exhibit hall are open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Weather
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 50 F to 83 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 F to 95 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water - heat exhaustion is common if you are not prepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 55 F to 79 F. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 63 F. Rain is common.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Hot Springs, about 226 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Natchez National Historical Park?
No entrance fee.
Where is Natchez National Historical Park?
In Mississippi. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Alexandria International Airport, about 70 miles away.
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