Vicksburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Experience tales of bravery and sacrifice as you explore the hallowed grounds of the Vicksburg Battlefield with this self-guided driving tour, featuring an in-depth look at this Civil War struggle.
Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Your expedition through Vicksburg National Military Park commences outside the Visitor Center near the northern entrance. As you delve deeper into the park, the weight of the American Civil War surrounds you. You’ll pass monuments like the Minnesota and Iowa Monuments, each telling tales of the soldiers hailing from these states. Along the way, you’ll hear about the leadup to this titanic struggle, as General Ulysses S. Grant marched inevitably toward Vicksburg.

You’ll hear accounts of the Battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, then stop at the historic Shirley House, the only wartime structure remaining in the park. Next, relive the fiery bombardment of the Grand Gulf and learn about the crucial role of Black soldiers in the Civil War. Then continue on to the awe-inspiring Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

From there, you’ll head to the Vicksburg National Cemetery, which serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. Rows upon rows of tombstones represent Union soldiers who gave their all. The cemetery's tranquility contrasts sharply with the ongoing narrative of Grant’s campaign, as you revisit the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and the Big Black River Bridge.

As the route steers you towards Confederate Ave, you'll encounter Stockade Redan and absorb the story of the daring first and second assaults on the Vicksburg defenses. With each turn, there's another monument or marker, like the Missouri State Memorial and the Louisiana Memorial, each adding a unique look at the participants in this sprawling siege.

The final segments of your journey dive into the climax of the siege, the surrender, and the eventual aftermath and significance of this battle. Your expedition concludes just down the street from the Visitor Center where it began.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.