Background

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park: Echoes of the Plum Bayou Culture

Explore ancient Native American mounds in Arkansas, discover the Plum Bayou culture, and walk through history at this National Historic Landmark.

4.7

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, formerly Toltec Mounds, protects an 18-mound complex built between AD 650 and 1050 by the Plum Bayou people. Explore Arkansas's tallest surviving prehistoric mounds, a National Historic Landmark, and discover the rich history and culture of this significant archeological site.

A brief summary to Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months for a more comfortable experience hiking the trails.
  • Check the park's calendar for guided tours and interpretive programs to enhance your understanding of the site.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the park is home to diverse wildlife.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking the trails.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Little Rock. From Little Rock, take I-440 to US-165 South towards England. Continue on US-165 for about 9 miles, then turn right onto Highway 386 (Toltec Mounds Road). Follow the signs to the park, which will be about half a mile on the right. Parking is available at the visitor center.

Unlock the Best of Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, located near Scott, Arkansas, is a window into the world of the Plum Bayou culture, who inhabited the area from approximately AD 650 to 1050. This 185-acre park protects one of Arkansas's most important pre-European archeological sites and features the state's tallest surviving prehistoric mounds. Originally named Toltec Mounds, the park was renamed in 2022 to more accurately reflect the culture responsible for building the mounds. The name 'Toltec' was mistakenly assigned by early settlers who believed the mounds were built by the Toltec Indians of Mexico. The Plum Bayou people were a unique group in the Mississippi Valley, living in permanent villages and practicing agriculture, hunting, and gathering. They constructed earthen mounds for ceremonial and religious purposes, aligning some with celestial events like the solstices and equinoxes. The complex once included an 8-10 foot high earthen embankment on three sides, with Mound Pond (an oxbow lake of the Arkansas River) forming the fourth side. Visitors can explore the park via self-guided tours on the Knapp Trail (0.75 miles, barrier-free) and the Plum Bayou Trail (1.6 miles). The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, an audio/visual room, a gift shop, and the Arkansas Archeological Survey research station. See artifacts, learn about ongoing research, and imagine life in this ancient ceremonial center.

Popular Experiences near Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Popular Hotels near Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Select Currency