Background

Winterville Mounds: Echoes of the Mississippian Culture

Explore ancient Native American mounds in Greenville, MS, and step back in time to discover the fascinating Mississippian culture.

4.2

Explore the Winterville Mounds near Greenville, Mississippi, a significant Native American ceremonial center dating back to 1000-1450 AD. Wander among the impressive earthwork mounds, including the 55-foot-tall Temple Mound, and learn about the fascinating history of the Plaquemine Mississippian culture.

A brief summary to Winterville Mounds Museum

Local tips

  • While the museum is closed for renovations, the grounds are still open to the public for self-guided exploration.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds and climbing the mounds.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade on the grounds.
  • Check the Mississippi Department of Archives and History website for updates on the museum's reopening and any special events.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Winterville Mounds is located at 2415 MS-1, Greenville, MS 38703, approximately 6 miles north of the intersection of Highway 82 and Highway 1 in Greenville. From downtown Greenville, take US-82 E and take the exit for US-1 S toward Vicksburg. Merge onto US-1 S and follow it for about 5 miles. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available in the regular parking lot. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Winterville Mounds via public transport, take a bus to Greenville. From there, use a local taxi service or rideshare app to reach the museum at 2415 MS-1, Greenville, MS 38703. Bus fares vary. A short taxi or rideshare trip within Greenville will typically cost $10-$15.

Unlock the Best of Winterville Mounds Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Winterville Mounds Museum

Winterville Mounds, a National Historic Landmark, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of a prehistoric Native American civilization that thrived in the Mississippi Delta. From approximately 1000 to 1450 AD, this site served as a ceremonial center for the Plaquemine Mississippian culture, a regional variation of the broader Mississippian culture. The complex features twelve earthen mounds, constructed between 1200 and 1250, rising dramatically from the flat landscape, serving as platforms for sacred structures and ceremonial activities. The largest and most prominent is the Temple Mound, standing 55 feet tall, the tallest mound between Natchez and Cahokia, Illinois. While the museum is currently closed for renovation, the grounds remain open for exploration. Visitors can walk the grounds, read interpretive signs, and imagine the bustling center of activity that once existed here. The mounds are considered a sacred Native American burial ground, and visitors are asked to show proper respect. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Winterville people lived in scattered settlements throughout the Yazoo-Mississippi River Delta basin, with only the highest-ranking officials residing at the mound center. A fire consumed the original building on the Temple Mound in the late 1300s, and by 1450 AD, the site was largely abandoned. Today, the Winterville Mounds offer a tranquil setting to reflect on the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient civilization.

Popular Experiences near Winterville Mounds Museum

Popular Hotels near Winterville Mounds Museum

Select Currency