Traveling Interstate 20 from Vicksburg to Jackson, Mississippi, offers a scenic and historically rich drive across 46 miles of gently rolling hills and vital transportation corridors. We begin this eastbound journey by crossing the iconic Mississippi River from Louisiana into Vicksburg. The crossing itself is impressive, with views of the riverbanks and nearby bridges, and marks a major gateway between the Deep South and the broader Southeast.
Shortly after entering Vicksburg, I-20 intersects with U.S. Highway 61 South, a legendary north-south route sometimes referred to as the “Blues Highway.” From here, the interstate curves northeast, skirting the southern and eastern edges of town. Before fully leaving Vicksburg, we also cross the junction with U.S. 61 North and Mississippi Highway 27, making this a major crossroad for travelers heading deeper into the Mississippi Delta or toward southern destinations like Port Gibson and Natchez. While the video stays on I-20, Vicksburg itself is worth a stop—home to the Vicksburg National Military Park and historic downtown lined with Civil War-era architecture and views of the riverfront.
As we drive east out of Vicksburg, the highway rolls over low ridgelines and valleys, typical of this part of central Mississippi. Near the town of Edwards, we pass the interchange with MS-22. Though small in population, Edwards played a role in Civil War logistics and still offers glimpses of 19th-century Southern life. The surrounding landscape is mostly wooded with occasional farmland, providing a peaceful and green backdrop to the drive.
Continuing eastward, we approach Bolton before entering the western edge of the Jackson metro area near Clinton. Here, we encounter an interchange with the Natchez Trace Parkway—a 444-mile scenic road tracing an ancient Native American trail. The parkway is a designated National Scenic Byway and offers a beautiful and historically significant detour for travelers looking to explore byways instead of interstates. Clinton itself is a pleasant suburb with tree-lined streets and the campus of Mississippi College, the oldest college in the state.
After passing Clinton, I-20 makes a southeastern bend and reaches Interstate 220, which serves as a partial loop around the western side of Jackson. From here, I-20 resumes a due east heading into the capital city itself. This final stretch of the route carries us past industrial parks, distribution centers, and eventually into the freeway network of downtown Jackson. The interchange with I-55 is a busy node just south of downtown, offering connections north toward Ridgeland and Madison or south toward Byram and McComb. Our journey concludes just a mile later as we exit I-20 and turn north onto I-55, having completed a brisk but significant run through central Mississippi.
🗺️ Route Map
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