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Parkin Archeological State Park: Unearthing Mississippian Life

Explore a 17-acre Mississippian village and discover Arkansas's rich Native American history at Parkin Archeological State Park.

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Explore a preserved 17-acre Mississippian village dating back to 1000 AD at Parkin Archeological State Park. Discover the history of the Casqui people and their interactions with Hernando de Soto's expedition in 1541. The park features a museum, a research center, and the preserved Northern Ohio Schoolhouse.

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

  • Visit during the week for a quieter experience and better access to exhibits.
  • Check the park's schedule for guided tours and educational programs.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the trails and archaeological sites.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic areas of the park.
  • Don't miss the visitor center for unique artifacts and informative displays.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Parkin Archeological State Park is located on the northern edge of the city of Parkin, Arkansas, at the junction of Highways 64 and 184. From Interstate 40, take Highway 75 north for 12 miles, or from Marion/Interstate 55, take Highway 64 west for 23 miles. Follow the signs to the park. There is no fee for parking.

  • Public Transport

    For those using public transportation, travel to the nearest bus terminal in West Memphis. From West Memphis, you can catch a Greyhound or a local shuttle service that heads towards Parkin. Confirm the schedule, as it may not have frequent service. Once you reach Parkin, you may need to use a taxi or rideshare service to reach Parkin Archeological State Park at 60 State Hwy 184. Taxi/rideshare from Parkin to the park is approximately $10-$15.

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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 from approximately 1000 to 1550 AD. The 17-acre site, a National Historic Landmark, preserves the village of Casqui, believed to have been visited by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. The park features a visitor center with a museum showcasing artifacts excavated from the site and other nearby locations. See the results of ongoing research at the Arkansas Archeological Survey research station located within the visitor center. Walk the ¾-mile fully paved Village Trail, which winds through the site, passing the Mississippian Indian mound and the restored Northern Ohio Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1910 for the children of African-American mill workers. Interpretive panels along the trail tell the stories of both the prehistoric village and the more recent history of the sawmill and town that once stood here. The trail also crosses sections of the moat that once protected the village. Parkin Archeological State Park provides a fascinating look into the past, blending Native American history with the more recent stories of the people who lived and worked on this land.

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