Top Five Things To Do

1. See the archaeological features of the Mississipian culture.
2. View pottery, stone tools, artifacts and park history displays.
3. Walk the interpretive archaeological trails.
4. Learn about Native American art and culture.
5. View the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Ohio River.

Wickliffe Mounds has a museum, welcome center, gift shop, trails and picnic areas. Come see us!

A Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds, about A.D. 1100 to 1350. Here, people of the Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and permanent houses around a central plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. Today, this Native American archaeological site features mounds surrounded by abundant wildlife, museum exhibits, a walking trail, welcome center, a gift shop and picnic areas.

Open to the public since 1932, the museum exhibits excavated features with displays of Mississippian pottery, stone tools, artifacts and artwork showcasing their way of life and the archaeological history of Native American tribes in Kentucky. Visitors have a spectacular view of the bluff area on top of the Ceremonial Mound, the largest mound on the site. Special exhibits, hands-on displays, events, demonstrations and educational programs occur at various times throughout the year. For example, an annual family fun event is the popular Archaeology Day, an event held each September for Kentucky Archaeology Month.

Scientific archaeological research through Murray State University has revealed important information about the Mississippian people here at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. This registered archaeological site (15BA4) is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Kentucky Archaeological Landmark. Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is an Interpretive Center on the Mississippi River’s Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Auto Tour Route.

State Parks Tagged With: Wickliffe