JACKSON, MS — State and Jackson officials recently gathered for a ribbon cutting for the Museum Trail, Jackson’s first paved scenic pathway that connects downtown with LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.

“We are thrilled to open up this roughly two-mile scenic pathway that includes a pedestrian bridge through the heart of Jackson,” said Mississippi Department of Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District. “Investing in multi-use paths like this Museum Trail has many benefits that impact the community, such as increasing safety conditions, tourism, tax revenue, and urban redevelopment while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all citizens.”

The 2.5-mile Museum Trail follows the abandoned GM&O Railroad from Downtown Jackson through Greater Belhaven and along the eastern border of LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. The rail-trail portion of the trail is now complete and runs from Laurel Street to the entrance of the Mississippi’s Farmers Market on Jefferson Street.

The Museum Trail provides access to four museums and three parks: the Mississippi History Museum, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Children’s Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Belhaven Heights Park, Laurel Street Park, and LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.

“Trail systems and greenways help to revitalize cities and improve the health and wellbeing of citizens. We are thrilled to be cutting the ribbon on the Museum Trail,” said Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

Neel-Schaffer served as the city’s engineering consultant and Hemphill Construction was the general contractor.