Wickliffe Mounds is the archaeological site of a prehistoric Native American village of the Mississippian mound builders. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river, the village was occupied from about AD 1100 to 1350.
The Mississippians built a complex settlement with permanent houses and earthen mounds situated around a central plaza. They farmed the river bottoms and participated in a vast trade network. They also buried their dead here with dignity and respect. After the 1300’s the Mississippians at Wickliffe Mounds abandoned the village.
In 1932, amateur archaeologist Colonel Fain W. King purchased the site and began excavating the mounds. Later joined by his wife, Blanche Busey King, they continued their excavations and operated the site as a tourist attraction known as the Ancient Buried City. Today, the Wickliffe Mounds museum exhibits the excavated features of the mounds, outstanding displays of Mississippian pottery, stone tools, bone and shell implements, the architecture of Mississippian mounds and houses, burial practices of the Mississippians and a bird's eye view of the bluff atop the ceremonial mound.
The museum consists of 3 excavated mounds with archaeological features, Mississippian burial practices, displays of artifacts from the site and a mural of a Mississippian village. The Ceremonial Mound is intact and can be accessed for a beautiful bird’s eye view of the park. A Hands-On Activity Touch Table rounds out a museum tour where visitors can use prehistoric tools, and learn about Mississippian artifacts, technology and their environment.
Admission
- Adults: $5
- Kids age 6-12: $4 (under age 6 free)
- Group rates and guided tours by advance appointment.
Hours of Operation
- January and February - 9:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday
- March and April - 9:00 to 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday
- May to September - 9:00 to 4:30 Daily
- October and November - 9:00 to 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday
- December - 9:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday
- Closed State Holidays and inclement weather - November through February
The Welcome Center offers visitors an introduction to the Wickliffe Mounds, provides information on park activities and tourism opportunities, and is the admission desk for the museum.
Woods Walk Trail - enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods where wildflowers bloom and Mississippians once roamed.
Picnic tables are available at the Picnic Area.
Books, souvenirs, pottery, baskets, t-shirts, jewelry and replica artifacts highlight the many items in this gift shop which focus on Native Americans culture, archaeology, history and regional interests.