Exploring Ridgeland’s Artistic Soul
Words by Ashley Locke
Some towns are built on industry. Others, on innovation. In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the heartbeat of the city is craft—slow, intentional, handmade craft. The kind that connects generations. The kind that carries stories. And in the heart of this town, just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find a place that brings it all together: the Bill Waller Craft Center.
At first glance, the center’s modern lines and soaring wooden beams feel more like a museum than a workshop—but step inside and you’ll feel the hum of creativity almost instantly. Home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, this 20,000-square-foot space is anything but static. It’s alive with the rhythm of hands at work—molding, stitching, carving, weaving—guided by the deep knowledge of more than 400 artisans who make up the Guild.
Some of these artists are fifth- or sixth-generation craftsmen. Others are just starting out, finding their way with tools passed down or skills learned in one of the Center’s workshops. The classrooms and studios on-site aren’t just places to learn a new hobby—they’re incubators for preserving culture, igniting curiosity, and inspiring the next wave of makers.
Back in 1973, Governor William Waller had a vision. Long before anyone was talking about “creative economies” or “cultural tourism,” he believed that Mississippi’s craft artisans were more than hobbyists—they were keepers of heritage and engines of opportunity. So he helped create the Guild, laying the foundation for what would become one of the South’s most respected craft communities.
Walk through the Gallery at the Craft Center, and you’ll understand exactly what he meant. One-of-a-kind ceramics. Hand-turned wooden bowls. Quilts that feel like they belong in a museum, and blown glass that catches the light just right. You can shop, admire, or just take it all in. You can even meet the makers themselves. That’s part of the magic here—everything is deeply personal.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall? Well, it’s hard to beat. The Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs alongside the Craft Center, becomes a kaleidoscope of color. Crimson leaves, golden light, and quiet trails set the scene for a weekend escape that feels like a true reset. You can hike, bike, or cruise with the windows down and your favorite playlist on repeat. And when you’re ready to come back to town, Ridgeland welcomes you with small-town charm and big-time hospitality.
Some towns are built on industry. Others, on innovation. In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the heartbeat of the city is craft—slow, intentional, handmade craft.
Maybe that’s what makes this place so special. Ridgeland doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s not putting on a show. It’s simply rooted—in community, in heritage, in the kinds of experiences that make you slow down and take notice.
So whether you’re a solo traveler chasing your next story, a couple looking for something a little more meaningful than your average getaway, or a family trying to find the sweet spot between fun and learning, Ridgeland might just be your new favorite stop. It’s the kind of place where kids can take their first pottery class while grandparents browse heirloom-quality gifts. Where history lives in the fibers of every handmade piece. And where “fine craft” doesn’t mean intimidating—it means approachable, beautiful, and incredibly human.
The Craft Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But the stories it tells—and the memories you’ll make here—stay with you long after the doors close.
So go ahead. Take the turn off the Parkway. Get out there. And experience Mississippi, made by hand.
