Tips for NPAC Visitors to CEWES MSRC

Waterways Experiment Station Vicksburg, MS

Formalities

All visits to CEWES must be arranged in advance through David Bernholdt (bernhold@npac.syr.edu). US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) can get in easily on short notice. Foreign nationals without green cards require clearance to be allowed on site. The CEWES Public Affairs Office (PAO) wants a one month lead time to obtain clearance.

On the first day of every visit, you must sign in at the Public Affairs Office near the Main Gate at WES regardless of your citizenship.

Getting There, Part 1 ... Air

The most convenient airport is in Jackson, MS (airport code JAN), about 40 miles away from Vicksburg (you will need a rental car). Delta Airlines has the best flight schedule (jet service on most or all runs); US Air also flies there via New Orleans. I don't know what other airlines serve Jackson.

On Delta, is possible to take the first morning flight out of Syracuse and get to CEWES by about noon, or the last connecting flight out of Syracuse (around 5pm) and make it to Vicksburg comfortably around 10pm. Returning, the last connecting flight out of Jackson leaves about 6pm. To catch it, you need to leave CEWES by about 4pm. (Don't rely on me -- check current flight schedules to confirm times!)

Getting There, Part 2 ... Car

Airport to Vicksburg

Follow the signs out of the airport to Interstate 20 and take I-20 West. The city and the hotels start around Exit 3 (exit numbers go down as you head west).

There is a gas station along Airport Road, which connects the airport to I-20. This is a convenient place to refuel before returning your rental car.

It is advisable to plan about 1 hour travel time from Vicksburg to the airport if you are planning to catch a flight.

To WES

Take exit 1-C off Interstate 20, turning south on Halls Ferry Road. Continue for approximately 2 miles on Halls Ferry Road, turning left at the flashing yellow caution light. Park in the visitor's parking area and follow signs to the Public Affairs Office.

The MSRC is located in the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), which is at the back of the site. There are several ways to get there, either from the Main Gate, or directly off of Halls Ferry Road, but you are best off following someone back there a couple of times until you get the hang of it.

Staying There

There are quite a number of hotels near the Interstate which NPACers have used on various visits -- check with the Business Office for some ideas. See also the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau hotel list. I usually stay at the Hampton Inn, off I-20 Exit 3.

If you have an early morning flight out of Jackson, you may want to stay near the airport instead of in Vicksburg. The Ramada Inn Limited Airport South (341 Airport Road, Pearl, MS, 601 933 1122) is very close to the airport (and right across from the closest gas station to the airport).

Things To Do

Vicksburg is not a huge tourist destination, so don't expect a lot.

The National Military Park, just off I-20 Exit 3, and very close to the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn hotels is the site of the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. It is a nice place to drive, walk, jog, or ride around (someone ought to setup a bicycle rental business there).
There are a number of casinos along the Mississippi River. Gambling losses cannot be claimed as travel expenses :-)
Walnut Hills Resturaunt is a small family-style resturaunt in an old house in Vicksburg. They specialize in Southern cooking. Not "heart-healthy", but you will not come away hungry.