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Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a vibrant city in Forrest County that serves as the commercial, cultural, and educational hub of South Mississippi. With a metropolitan population of approximately 170,000, Hattiesburg is the second-largest city in the state and a region known for its Southern hospitality, military heritage, and thriving arts scene. The city is home to Camp Shelby, one of the largest state-owned military training facilities in the nation, and the University of Southern Mississippi, known affectionately as “Southern Miss.”
Founded in 1882 along the tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad, Hattiesburg was named after its first foreman, T. H. Broughton’s Hubby, later adjusted to the easier-to-pronounce Hattiesburg. The railroad connection transformed this piney woods settlement into a thriving town that would become known as the “Hub City” of Mississippi. Today, visitors find a modern urban center that honors its railroad heritage while offering excellent museums, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and a surprising amount of cultural depth for a city of its size.
Hattiesburg’s story begins with the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the early 1880s. The city was founded when the railroad chose this spot in the piney woods of South Mississippi as a maintenance and section town. The combination of the railroad, the nearby Leaf River, and later the discovery of timber resources drove rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The city was officially incorporated in 1884 and quickly became a center for the logging industry, with sawmills and planing mills lining the railroad tracks. The timber boom drew workers from across the South, and Hattiesburg’s population swelled from a handful of railroad workers to several thousand by the turn of the century.
The University of Southern Mississippi was established in 1910 as Missippi Normal College, initially serving as a teacher’s college for the state. Today, Southern Miss is a major research university with over 10,000 students and a renowned aerospace engineering program that includes the nation’s first space research doctorate program.
Perhaps the most significant chapter in Hattiesburg’s history began in 1917 when Camp Shelby was established as a training ground for the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The camp, located just south of the city, has been continuously active since then and today trains over 100,000 soldiers annually. The African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg documents the proud legacy of Black soldiers who have served from the Civil War through modern conflicts.
During World War II, Hattiesburg was one of several Mississippi cities that hosted the Women’s Army Corps training program, and the city grew even more diverse as military families moved to the area. After the war, Camp Shelby remained active, and the city continued to expand as a regional retail and healthcare center.
Hattiesburg offers visitors a compelling mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities:
The Hattiesburg Zoo at Kamper Park is a beloved local attraction that has been entertaining families since the 1960s. The zoo houses over 100 animals including lions, bears, giraffes, and primates, and has invested heavily in recent years to improve habitats and visitor experience. The zoo participates in Species Survival Plans for several endangered animals and offers educational programs throughout the year.
The de Grummond Children’s Literature Museum at the University of Southern Mississippi houses the personal library of Milton de Grummond, a pioneering researcher in children’s literature whose collection includes over 100,000 items spanning 300 years of publishing. The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring original artwork and first editions from beloved children’s books.
For live entertainment, the historic Saenger Theater opened in 1929 as a movie palace and today hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, and comedy acts. The theater’s ornate Spanish Baroque interior and historic organ make it a destination in itself. The nearby Melanger Center offers a slate of performing arts events throughout the year.
Downtown Hattiesburg is a thriving arts and entertainment district with locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in historic buildings. The Hattiesburg Arts Festival draws thousands of visitors each spring, while the Deep South Film Festival showcases independent filmmakers from across the region.
The African American Military History Museum is housed in the historic ** USO Building** that served Black soldiers during World War II. The museum traces the story of African American military service from the Civil War through present day, with exhibits featuring uniforms, medals, photographs, and personal narratives from soldiers who served in every major American conflict.
The Longleaf Trace is a 41-mile recreational trail that runs from Hattiesburg to the Gulf Coast. The paved trail follows the route of the old Gulf and Ship Island Railroad and is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers. The trail passes through pine forests, small communities, and wetlands, offering a scenic journey through South Mississippi.
The University of Southern Mississippi campus is worth exploring for its blend of historic and modern architecture. The M. M. Roberts Stadium, home to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team, creates an electric atmosphere on fall Saturdays. The campus also features the Millerite Structures and the Centennial Statue, landmarks that tell the story of the university’s founding and growth.
Hattiesburg Lake offers over 200 acres of water for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboating. The surrounding Ben Henry Nature Park provides trails for hiking and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to spot herons, turtles, and occasionally alligators in their natural habitat.
Hattiesburg’s mild climate and natural surroundings make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts:
The Longleaf Trace is the city’s premier recreational asset, drawing cyclists and hikers from across the region. The trail is managed by the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center and features rest stops, water fountains, and parking areas at regular intervals. The spring and fall months offer the most comfortable conditions for long rides or runs.
Camp Shelby offers limited public access to its recreation facilities, including golf courses, hunting areas, and lakes. The installation’s Shooting Range hosts competitive shooting events, and the surrounding DeSoto National Forest provides additional hunting, fishing, and camping opportunities just a short drive from the city.
The Leaf River offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, with local outfitters providing rentals and shuttle services. The river is relatively calm and suitable for beginners, though spring rains can create faster currents. Bogue Chitto and Black Creek are nearby options for more challenging whitewater.
Golfers will find several quality courses in the area, including the Cottonbranch Golf Course at Camp Shelby and the Hattiesburg Country Club, both offering challenging play in a beautiful piney woods setting.
The Saenger Theater stands as one of Hattiesburg’s most iconic buildings, constructed in 1929 during the golden age of movie palaces. The theater features opulent Spanish Baroque architecture, including gilded balconies, ornate light fixtures, and a beautiful original Wurlitzer organ that is still played before performances. Today the Saenger hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, and special events.
The Hattiesburg Arts Festival is the city’s signature annual event, transforming downtown into an outdoor gallery featuring over 100 artists from across the Southeast. The festival, held each April, includes live music, food vendors, and children’s activities, drawing crowds of over 20,000 visitors each year.
Kamper Park, established in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration, is a 100-acre urban park that serves as the home of the Hattiesburg Zoo. The park also features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and a historic carousel, making it a perfect destination for families.
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team plays at M. M. Roberts Stadium, the largest stadium in the state with seating for over 36,000 fans. Game days in the fall create an electric atmosphere with tailgating, the famous “Eagle Spike” tradition, and the rousing sounds of the Marching Pride of the South.
The best time to visit Hattiesburg is during the spring months from March through May and fall from September through November, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are most comfortable. The city comes alive during these seasons with festivals, university events, and college football games.
| Season | Temperature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 65-80° F | Mild weather, Arts Festival, flowers | Can be rainy |
| Summer | 80-95° F | Zoo visits, swimming, longer days | Hot and humid |
| Fall | 60-80° F | Football games, comfortable temps | Limited |
| Winter | 45-65° F | Lowest rates, mild weather | Can be cold |
Summer visitors should plan for indoor activities during the hottest part of the day and take advantage of the city’s excellent restaurants, museums, and shopping. The Hattiesburg Zoo is particularly popular with families during school vacations.
Winter brings the fewest tourists and the most affordable hotel rates. While outdoor activities may be limited by occasional cold snaps, the city’s restaurants and cultural venues operate year-round.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Hattiesburg. Choose your favorite!
The Longleaf Trace is a premier rails-to-trails destination in South Mississippi, stretching 44 miles from the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg through small towns and pine forests to the community of Prentiss . This p…