As an essential worker I had to travel to Northern Mississippi (just south of Memphis) during the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited flight options, this meant a 1,200 mile road trip to the site from Houston. This trip took me through East Texas, across the entire state of Arkansas, briefly into Tennessee and finally to Mississippi. About 4 hours into my drive on the way home I was very ready for a break from driving. That is when I saw the sign for Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park. A 10 minute detour off the interstate south of Little Rock Arkansas, this stop was much more than I had anticipated. The state park is also a National Historic Landmark.
Toltec Mounds or Something Else?
Owned by private landowners throughout the early 1900s, this site was initially identified as one built by the Toltec Indians of Mexico. During the 1970s, archaeological investigations took place. The investigations revealed the mounds were actually built by Native American Indians from the Plum Bayou Culture. The mounds, built to align with with important solar positions, were once the center of religious and social gatherings. Today the Toltec name remains but the history tells a different story about the Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park. The mounds found here, built by the Plum Bayou Culture, are the largest still in existence in North America. The tallest standing at 42 feet.
More information about the park and the the Plum Bayou Culture is available on the Arkansas State Park website. OR you can go visit the site yourself.
The largest Native American mounds still in existence today.
Hiking Paths
The Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park has two hiking paths through the park. I opted for the shorter of the two paths, the Knapp Trail, which is just under one mile. After I picked up my guide book and started out along the Knapp Trail. I stopped at each marker to read the information about what I was looking at and what is known about the culture of the Plum Bayou Native Americans. Three large mounds are still in existence today. One has been identified as a burial mound, while the other two large mounds were gathering areas. Throughout the site are large red signs indicating where mounds and other features were located.
The shorter Knapp Trail, which I walked, takes you along a paved path through the site. The longer of the two trails, the Plum Bayou Trail, weaves through more of the site on a gravel trail. The booklets for each trail provide the same information. Both trails also take you along the boardwalk. If you have more time and are not in a rush, I would highly recommend opting to walk the Plum Bayou Trail.
Before you go – Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park
The Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park was a stop I won’t soon forget. I am a huge believer that there is always more to learn in the world. Their was no entrance fee for the small state park in Arkansas. Due to COVID-19 the visitors center which offers exhibits, an audio-visual room, an archaeological lab, and gift shop, was closed.
If you ever find yourself driving on IH-30 or IH-40 past Little Rock Arkansas, this is must see. Make what you want of the stop! Just an hour gives you time to walk the Knapp Trail. Stay longer to walk the Plum Bayou Trail. Either way: stretch your legs, eat lunch, and learn a little more about Native American history.
Every so often I get to blog about somewhere cool I got to go outside of the state I call home. Check out more things to do around the United States on my blog.
what a great surprise to read about one of your adventures that either, I didn’t know about before you left or I had actually gone with you…
Definitely keep it mind if I go up that way…
It was a great little surprise on my work trip!