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Parkin Archeological State Park: Unearthing the Past

Discover a preserved Mississippian village and explore Arkansas' rich Native American history at Parkin Archeological State Park.

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Explore Parkin Archeological State Park, a National Historic Landmark preserving a 17-acre Mississippian Period Native American village that thrived from 1000 to 1550 AD. Discover the fascinating history of the Casqui people and their interactions with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541.

A brief summary to Parkin 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

  • Admission to the visitor center and self-guided tours of the Village Trail are free.
  • Contact the park in advance to schedule guided tours or inquire about special programs.
  • The park is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
  • Visit during one of the park's annual events for a unique and educational experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Parkin Archeological State Park is located on the northern edge of the city of Parkin, Arkansas. It is at the junction of Highways 64 and 184. From I-40, take exit 239B to merge onto US-63 N toward Marked Tree/Harrisburg. Continue onto AR-149 N, then turn left onto AR-64 W/AR-149. Continue to follow AR-64 W. Turn right onto AR-184 N. The park will be on your right. Parking is available at the visitor center.

  • Walking

    From the center of Parkin, Arkansas, head north on AR-184. The park is located a short distance north of town on Highway 184. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

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Discover more about Parkin Archeological State Park

Parkin Archeological State Park offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Mississippian people who inhabited this area centuries ago. The park protects a 17-acre village site, believed by many archaeologists to be the Casqui village visited by Hernando de Soto's expedition in 1541. The site features a large platform mound, where the chief's house once stood, and remnants of a palisaded village. The St. Francis River borders the village on one side, with a moat protecting the remaining sides. Visitors can walk the paved Village Trail, which features interpretive signs detailing the history of the site. The park's visitor center houses a museum with artifacts from the Parkin site and surrounding areas. See pottery, tools, and other items that offer insights into the daily lives of the Casqui people. The visitor center also features exhibits about Hernando de Soto's expedition and its impact on the region. Also on site is the restored Northern Ohio Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse that served the children of African-American mill workers in the early 1900s. The schoolhouse provides a glimpse into the more recent history of the area. Park interpreters offer tours and educational programs throughout the year. Popular annual events include Black History Month School Days, Casqui School Days, and Sawmill School Days.

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