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Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park: Echoes of the Past

Discover ancient Native American history and serene natural beauty at Dauphin Island's Indian Shell Mound Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

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Explore the ancient history and natural beauty of Dauphin Island's Indian Shell Mound Park, featuring prehistoric shell mounds, diverse birdlife, and majestic live oaks. A serene retreat offering a glimpse into the lives of Native American tribes.

A brief summary to Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park

  • 830 Iberville Dr, Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528, US

Local tips

  • Respect the historical significance of the park by staying on designated trails and avoiding removal of any artifacts.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months, to explore the park's trails.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Indian Shell Mound Park from the Dauphin Island bridge, proceed along Bienville Blvd (Highway 193). Turn left onto Cadillac Ave, heading north. Continue on Cadillac Ave until it ends, leading directly into the park. The road turns into a natural path that takes you into the heart of the park, where you'll find parking and the beginning of the walking trails. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation directly to the park is limited, you can take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. From the ferry landing at 111 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL, it is approximately 2 miles to the park. From there, follow Bienville Blvd and turn left onto Cadillac Ave to reach the park. The Mobile Bay Ferry costs $16 for a car and driver, with an additional $4.50 per passenger. Adults without a car are $5 each. A taxi or rideshare from the ferry to the park would be approximately $15-$20.

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Discover more about Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park

Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park, also known as Shell Mound Park or Indian Mound Park, is an 11-acre historical and natural site on the northern shore of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The park's main attraction is its prehistoric shell middens, mounds of discarded oyster shells and marine debris accumulated over centuries by Native Americans of the Pensacola culture. These mounds date back to the Mississippian period (1100 to 1550 AD), offering insights into the lives and customs of the island's early inhabitants. Archaeologists believe the Native Americans who visited the island came from Bottle Creek, the largest Mississippian settlement in the area. Visitors can observe the stratified layers of oyster shells, fish bones, and pottery shards that make up the mounds, revealing the seasonal use of the site over long periods. The oyster shells were discarded around fires used for steaming, creating the distinctive mounds. The park is also a botanical treasure trove, with giant, moss-draped live oaks creating a picturesque setting. The park is home to diverse plant species, some from as far inland as the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula, believed to have been brought by Native American groups for medicinal and culinary purposes. Dauphin Island is a crucial stopover point for migratory birds, making the park a popular destination for birdwatchers. Over 350 bird species can be spotted on Dauphin Island throughout the year. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A self-guided tour through Shell Mound Park should be included in any visit to the area.

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