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Location
Visitor tip
Plan to visit the adjacent Vicksburg National Cemetery located directly below the gunboat. While vehicles aren't allowed, the cemetery is accessible by foot and enhances the historical context of your visit.
Best time
Arrive at least 2 hours before the 4:30 pm closing time to avoid feeling rushed, especially if you want to enjoy the museum exhibits, slide shows, and outdoor exploration of the ironclad.
Visitor tip
Kids will enjoy running around the ironclad and exploring the cannons on the grounds. The site has picnic areas available, making it one of the few spots within Vicksburg National Military Park suitable for families with young children.
About USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum
Site of a restored circa-1861 warship. Restored Civil War–era gunship with associated period artifacts & historical information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Gunboat Museum & Artifact Display
- Featured Attraction
- USS Cairo - Civil War era ironclad gunboat sunk in 1862
- Hours
- Daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Location
- Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, MS
- Highlights
- Partially reconstructed ship, thousands of recovered artifacts, virtual museum
What visitors say
Beautiful exhibition. Wonderful restoration let's you go aboard and see the ship from the inside out. Very friendly and helpful staff. Books and memorabilia were a bit pricey. Plenty of parking. Great location overlooking the National…
This was a nice stop as we were exploring the park. It is the only place that has a picnic area inside Vicksburg NMP. We enjoyed walking around the boat. The national cemetery is right below the boat but no vehicles were allowed. You…
It was fantastic! Bought several souvenirs and a national park stamp book. It was a very well put together museum. Felt reverent and fascinating with awesome slide shows and well documented exhibits. The two curators were refreshingly…
From 1,842 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- The USS Cairo is a partially reconstructed ironclad gunship from circa 1861, one of the first armored warships used in the American Civil War
- The museum houses thousands of recovered artifacts including weapons, munitions, naval stores, and personal property salvaged from the ship itself
- Visitors can board and walk through the restored gunboat to see the ship's interior layout and construction, offering a rare hands-on experience with a Civil War–era ironclad vessel
Other Children's Museums in Vicksburg
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