Interstate 55: Jackson to Memphis – Mississippi

Traveling north on Interstate 55 from Jackson to Memphis is one of those classic Deep South drives that blends small-town Mississippi charm with steady, big-city momentum. Spanning just over 200 miles, this stretch of I-55 serves as a backbone for north-south travel through the Magnolia State, taking us through rolling hills, pine forests, agricultural fields, and growing suburban hubs. Whether you’re just passing through or making the full trek to Tennessee, there’s plenty to see along the way—if you know where to look.

Our journey begins southeast of downtown Jackson, Mississippi’s capital and cultural center, where we merge onto I-55 from Interstate 20. The highway immediately threads its way north through the city, offering quick access to places like downtown Jackson, the Mississippi Coliseum, and the historic Farish Street District. While our route skips the downtown loop itself, it’s worth noting that a short detour into the city offers a rich look at Mississippi’s civil rights history, as well as eclectic dining options and museums like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Just a few miles north, near MS-25, we make a detour toward Flowood—an area known for its shopping and dining—before merging back onto I-55 for the remainder of the trip.

As we leave the Jackson metro behind, I-55 becomes more relaxed, with fewer lanes and wider views. We pass through Ridgeland at the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road steeped in history that’s well worth the side trip for nature lovers or history buffs. Further north, we roll through Canton, where fans of classic films might recognize the town square from A Time to Kill. Continuing through central Mississippi, the drive takes us near smaller towns like Pickens and Vaiden before approaching Winona, a key crossroad with U.S. Highway 82. Winona’s a good place to stop for a quick break or bite to eat—local diners here still serve that small-town Southern hospitality.

North of Winona, the terrain gently shifts as we pass through Grenada, home to the picturesque Grenada Lake and Hugh White State Park—great for camping, boating, or just stretching your legs. The drive remains smooth and consistent as we continue toward Batesville, where U.S. 278 joins I-55. Batesville itself has grown in recent years and makes a solid pit stop with gas stations, restaurants, and shopping options near the interchange. From here, we continue north through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, hitting towns like Senatobia and Coldwater—each with its own character and roadside charm—before reaching Hernando.

Hernando marks the beginning of the Memphis metro area. Here, I-55 intersects with both Interstate 69 and I-269, offering alternate routes around the city. But we stay the course, heading straight into Southaven, a rapidly growing suburb of Memphis. Southaven features several major retail centers and entertainment venues, including the Landers Center. We briefly stop near MS-302 before crossing into Tennessee, where the landscape quickly becomes more urban. Our drive wraps up at the I-240 interchange, just south of downtown Memphis, but from here it’s only a few more minutes to iconic Beale Street, the Mississippi Riverfront, and the world-famous Graceland.

Whether you’re making the full drive or using I-55 as a connector, the stretch from Jackson to Memphis showcases the varied landscapes and communities of Mississippi with ease. From the state capital to the Delta and on into the edge of Tennessee, it’s a straightforward route—but never a boring one.

TN State Line:  47:37

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