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Plum Bayou Mounds: Echoes of Arkansas's Past

Explore ancient earthworks and discover the fascinating Plum Bayou culture at this National Historic Landmark in Scott, Arkansas.

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Explore Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, a National Historic Landmark preserving the fascinating earthworks of the Plum Bayou culture, who inhabited the site from 700 to 1050 AD. Discover Arkansas's tallest surviving prehistoric mounds and delve into the lives of the people who built them.

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

  • Check the Arkansas State Parks website for seasonal hours, events, and trail updates before your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the mound site.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
  • Visit the visitor center to learn about the Plum Bayou culture and view artifacts discovered at the site.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the park's history and archeology.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park is located near Scott, Arkansas, approximately 10 miles southeast of Little Rock. From Little Rock, take US-165 South. The park is located at 490 Toltec Mounds Road, Scott, AR 72142. Parking is available at the visitor center. There is no fee to enter Arkansas State Parks.

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Discover more about Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, formerly known as Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, protects one of Arkansas's most significant pre-European archeological sites. This National Historic Landmark showcases the impressive earthworks of the Plum Bayou culture, who occupied the area from approximately 700 to 1050 AD. The site features 18 mounds, with three of the largest remaining today, offering a glimpse into the lives and ceremonial practices of these early inhabitants. Visitors can explore the park's history through self-guided tours on the Knapp Trail (0.75 miles) and Plum Bayou Trail (1.6 miles). The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, artifacts, and an audio/visual room. The park also houses a research station of the Arkansas Archeological Survey, where ongoing research continues to shed light on the Plum Bayou culture. The tallest mound, Mound A, rises 49 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Archeological evidence suggests that Mound S was a site for feasting, with large quantities of animal bones and charred seeds discovered during excavation. Some mounds align with celestial events, indicating the Plum Bayou people's knowledge of astronomy and the seasons. The park's Plum Bayou Garden demonstrates how the indigenous people used the land to grow food.

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