Right in the northeast of Mississippi state, Tupelo is a moderately sized city that would otherwise no doubt have fallen into obscurity were it not the birthplace of the most famous rock star on the planet, Elvis Presley. Although Graceland claims all the plaudits today, Tupelo has made the most of its Elvis association as the self-proclaimed ‘all-American city.’ The historical Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs between Natchez and Nashville in Tennessee, also passes through the city.
If you thought you had seen everything there was to see on Elvis in Memphis, Tennessee well think again – Tupelo has taken its favorite son as its own, even erecting a bronze statue to the wobbly-kneed king of rock and roll in the center of town close to the little house where Elvis was born in 1935. Visitors can go to see both. Numerous other historical and cultural attractions exist in and around the city, including the Tupelo Automobile Museum and a host of American Civil War battlegrounds.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic and historical route all the way to Nashville that makes a good place to walk just outside Tupelo and there are numerous attractions for families on offer too, the most popular being the local buffalo park and zoo.
Highlights
Elvis’ Home: in distinct contrast to Graceland in Memphis, the king’s birthplace in Tupelo is a tiny little wooden house open for visitors to explore.
Natchez Trace Parkway: the trail that runs between Natchez and Nashville passes here. Historical landmarks and scenery make this a good place to spend a day walking.
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo: the biggest zoo in Mississippi, this animal park is home to herds of buffalo along with kangaroos, bears, cougars and many more species from across the globe.
Tupelo Auto Museum: opened in 2002, this museum features more than 150 rare automobiles on display.