In 2001, there were about 35 million overnight travelers in Mississippi, with about 83% of all visitors traveling from out of state. Estimated results from FY 2002 indicate total travel expenditures of $6.4 billion, which supported over 92,700 travel-related jobs. Gaming jobs represented about one-third of the total tourism and recreation jobs.
Among Mississippi's major tourist attractions are its floating riverboat casinos and its mansions and plantations, many of them in the Natchez area. In 2001, there were 30 licensed state casinos. About 75% of casino patrons are out-of-state visitors. McRaven plantation, in Vicksburg, was built in 1797. The Delta and Pine Land Co. plantation near Scott is one of the largest cotton plantations in the US. At Greenwood is the Florewood River Plantation, a museum re-creating 19th-century plantation life. The Mississippi State Fair is held annually in Jackson during the second week in October.
National parks include the Natchez Trace Parkway, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Vicksburg National Military Park. There are also 6 national forests and 27 state parks.