I-20 Mississippi River Bridge Vicksburg Mississippi
Witness two eras of engineering at the I-20 Mississippi River Bridge in Vicksburg, offering stunning views and a glimpse into river commerce.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best views and visitor center access
I-20 Mississippi River Bridge Vicksburg Mississippi
Best Time
Best views and visitor center access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness two eras of engineering at the I-20 Mississippi River Bridge in Vicksburg, offering stunning views and a glimpse into river commerce.
"The view is absolutely stunning! A perfect vantage point for both bridges and the Mississippi River."
📸 Snap Bridge Photos
Pull off I-20 at the Mississippi Welcome Center for incredible dual bridge views.
🚢 Watch for Towboats
Keep an eye out for barges and towboats navigating the river; it's a fascinating sight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dual Bridge Spectacle
Mississippi River
Witness two distinct eras of engineering: the historic 1930 rail bridge and the modern 1973 vehicle bridge.
Mississippi River Views
Warren Welcome Center
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi and the iconic bridges from the welcome center.
Civil War History Marker
Near Welcome Center
Learn about the pivotal Vicksburg Siege of 1863, a key turning point in the Civil War.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on the River
Bridge Incidents & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap Bridge Photos
Pull off I-20 at the Mississippi Welcome Center for incredible dual bridge views.
🚢 Watch for Towboats
Keep an eye out for barges and towboats navigating the river; it's a fascinating sight! +1
🏛️ Visit the Welcome Center
Clean facilities, knowledgeable staff, and free coffee make this a great rest stop.
🚂 See a Train Cross
If you're lucky, you might see a train on the older bridge – a cool bonus!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap Bridge Photos
Pull off I-20 at the Mississippi Welcome Center for incredible dual bridge views.
🚢 Watch for Towboats
Keep an eye out for barges and towboats navigating the river; it's a fascinating sight! +1
🏛️ Visit the Welcome Center
Clean facilities, knowledgeable staff, and free coffee make this a great rest stop.
🚂 See a Train Cross
If you're lucky, you might see a train on the older bridge – a cool bonus!
💧 Check River Levels
High water can affect river traffic and create unique viewing opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Vicksburg Mississippi River Bridge area for its stunning views of the dual bridges and the mighty Mississippi River, making it a perfect stop for a quick stretch and photo opportunity. The historical significance and the chance to see river traffic add to the appeal, though some may find the immediate area limited beyond the viewing point.
"You have to stop here for a nice stretch especially if you are traveling long distance! The view is absolutely stunning! The Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to two impressive cantilever bridges that span over the mighty Mississippi River. Nearly mirror images of each other, these engineering marvels represent two eras of design and transit. The Old Vicksburg Bridge, completed in 1930, originally carried both trains and vehicles but now exclusively serves rail traffic. Just downstream, the newer bridge—finished in 1973—handles today’s vehicular flow. For those looking to take in breathtaking views of both structures, the Warren Welcome Center on the Mississippi side offers a perfect vantage point. Even if we arrived after the center was closed, the area is still accessible to visitors to walk around and still get to see and learn the historical significance of this place!"
Blessing M
"Smooth drive over the Mississippi River with a great view.
We were lucky enough to see a train crossing the bridge next to us, which was pretty cool."
Chris Quattrini
"This is a very cool stop. Make it a point to pull off the interstate as you cross the Mississippi River between Louisiana and Mississippi. There is a historical marker for the Vicksburg Siege on May 16, 1863 when Ulysses Grant's army surrounded John Pemberton's. The Confederacy surrendered on July 4 of the same year.
The whole stop takes about 15 minutes. It's a single building with restrooms and an incredible view of the dual bridges over the Mississippi river. Cannons are set up below the building overlooking the river. It's just cool. You probably need a restroom break from the highway, so why not stop and take in the view.
The visitors center was very clean, had knowledgeable workers, and free coffee. You could see the bridges perfectly. The workers gave us maps of Historic Vicksburg"
anirudh girey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The I-20 Mississippi River Bridge is easily accessible from Interstate 20. Take exit 44 for the Mississippi Welcome Center, which offers excellent viewpoints of both bridges.
Yes, the Mississippi Welcome Center provides ample parking for visitors to stop, stretch their legs, and take in the views.
The newer I-20 bridge is for vehicular traffic only. The older bridge is primarily for rail traffic, and pedestrian access is generally not permitted.
The most convenient way to see both the historic rail bridge and the modern I-20 bridge is from the Mississippi Welcome Center on the Mississippi side of the river.
Driving across the I-20 bridge itself offers a scenic experience, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Mississippi Welcome Center also provides a great vantage point for appreciating the river and bridges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to view the I-20 Mississippi River Bridge. Access to the viewing areas at the Mississippi Welcome Center is free.
While the Mississippi Welcome Center has specific operating hours, the exterior viewing areas and parking are generally accessible to visitors at any time, even after the center is closed.
The Mississippi Welcome Center offers free admission to its facilities, including restrooms and informational displays.
Yes, you can drive over the I-20 bridge at night, and the illuminated bridges can offer a different, striking view. The Welcome Center's exterior viewing areas are also accessible.
General public access is permitted at the Welcome Center viewing areas. However, direct access to the bridge structures themselves is restricted for safety and operational reasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the stunning views of the two bridges and the Mississippi River, a historical marker about the Vicksburg Siege, and the amenities at the Mississippi Welcome Center.
Absolutely! The dual bridges, the river, and the surrounding landscape offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Yes, the Mississippi Welcome Center provides clean and accessible restrooms for travelers.
The area is significant for the Vicksburg Siege of 1863, a crucial Civil War battle. The bridges themselves represent different eras of engineering.
The older bridge, completed in 1930, is still used for rail traffic, so you might be lucky enough to see a train crossing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly at the bridge viewing area, Vicksburg offers several restaurants. For river views, consider '10 South' for sunset dinner. 'Walnut Hills' is recommended for lunch.
The Mississippi Welcome Center typically offers free coffee, but it is not a dining establishment. You'll need to venture into Vicksburg for full meals.
Vicksburg offers a range of dining options, from Southern comfort food to more contemporary cuisine.
While there aren't designated picnic areas right at the Welcome Center, you could potentially find a spot nearby to enjoy a packed meal with a view.
Locals suggest 'Walnut Hills' for lunch and '10 South' for dinner with river views, offering a taste of local Vicksburg dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the bridges and the Mississippi River. The golden hour provides beautiful colors.
The Mississippi Welcome Center on the Mississippi side provides an excellent vantage point for capturing both bridges and the river.
You can capture some decent shots from your car, but for the best angles and compositions, it's recommended to pull over at the Welcome Center.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridges and the river. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant barges.
Many photographers enjoy capturing the symmetry of the two bridges, the reflections in the water (especially at dawn/dusk), and the activity of towboats on the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the historical marker about the Vicksburg Siege; it's a good opportunity to introduce children to an important piece of American history in an accessible way. The dual bridges themselves are also impressive engineering feats that can spark curiosity. The entire stop can be completed in about 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for a short, engaging break.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1It's also a quick stop to learn about local history, with a marker detailing the Vicksburg Siege. You might even catch a glimpse of a train on the older bridge or a massive towboat on the river, adding an element of surprise to your journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the scene and a telephoto lens to focus on the details of the bridges or the activity of the towboats. The historical context of the Vicksburg Siege also adds a layer of narrative potential to your photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mississippi: Towboats and Bridges
When river levels are high, the current can be deceptively slack, yet the sheer volume of water presents its own set of navigational puzzles. Conversely, low water can expose sandbars and reduce channel depth, forcing vessels to take different routes. Towboat operators constantly monitor river gauges and communicate to ensure safe passage.
For visitors, observing these massive vessels maneuver under or near the bridges is a fascinating glimpse into the world of river transportation. It's a reminder of the constant interplay between human engineering and the powerful forces of nature.
A Tale of Two Bridges: Engineering Marvels
Just downstream, the newer bridge, finished in 1973, was built to accommodate the increasing demands of modern highway traffic. It's a cantilever bridge, a design chosen for its ability to span long distances with fewer piers in the water, which is crucial for river navigation. The near-identical appearance of the two bridges from a distance can be striking.
Together, these bridges symbolize Vicksburg's historical and ongoing importance as a transportation hub on the Mississippi River. They are not just functional structures but also landmarks that tell a story of progress and adaptation in American infrastructure.
Vicksburg's Civil War Legacy
Visitors can find historical markers near the Mississippi Welcome Center detailing the significance of this campaign. The Vicksburg National Military Park, a short drive away, offers a more immersive experience with preserved battlefields, monuments, and interpretive exhibits.
Understanding this historical context adds another layer of appreciation when viewing the bridges, as they stand in a region that played such a crucial role in shaping the United States.
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