Moundville Archaeological Park5.0

Expansive heritage site preserving ancient Mississippian mounds, cultural artifacts, and natural landscapes through immersive exhibits and outdoor exploration.

General Information

Hours:
Park Grounds: Daily, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admissions Office: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Museum: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed major holidays
Fees:
Adults: $8
Seniors: $7
Students: $6
Military: $6
Children under 5: Free
Native American visitors: Free with tribal membership card
UA Museums members: Free with membership
Pet Policy:
Pets are allowedes in outdoor areas; not permitted inside buildings
Closest cities with hotels:
Tuscaloosa, AL (13 mi)
Seasons:
All year; spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6vZzZzZzZzZzZzZz6
Website:
moundville.museums.ua.edu

From Tuscaloosa, AL (13 mi): Take AL-69 S toward Moundville, then turn left onto Mound State Parkway and follow signs to the park entrance.

Overview

The Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Native American heritage sites in the United States. Once a thriving Mississippian city, the site was home to a powerful prehistoric community that flourished over 800 years ago. At its peak, it was the largest city north of Mexico, with 29 massive flat-topped earthen mounds arranged around a central plaza. These mounds served as platforms for temples, homes of nobles, and civic buildings. Today, the park preserves this ancient landscape and offers visitors a chance to explore the cultural and spiritual life of the Mississippian people through its museum, trails, and interpretive programs.

Visitors can walk among the mounds, enjoy scenic views of the Black Warrior River, and explore the museum’s collection of artifacts, including the iconic Rattlesnake Disk. The park also features a nature trail, picnic areas, and a campground, making it a destination for both education and recreation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or family traveler, Moundville Archaeological Park offers a unique and enriching experience that connects the past with the present.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Moundville Archaeological Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Ryan Cragun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted