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Plum Bayou Mounds: Echoes of Arkansas's Past

Discover ancient Native American history at Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, home to Arkansas's tallest prehistoric mounds and ongoing archeological research.

Explore Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott, Arkansas, a National Historic Landmark preserving the impressive earthworks of the Plum Bayou culture. Discover the history and significance of these ancient mounds, once a ceremonial and governmental center, through self-guided tours and interpretive exhibits.

A brief summary to Mound A

  • 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

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails, and bring water, especially during warmer months.
  • Check the park's website or call ahead for information on guided tours, events, and temporary trail closures.
  • Visit the visitor center to learn about the Plum Bayou culture and view artifacts discovered at the site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park is located near Scott, Arkansas, approximately 20 miles southeast of Little Rock. From Little Rock, take I-440 to Highway 165 South towards England. Continue on Highway 165 for about 9 miles, then turn right onto Highway 386 (Toltec Mounds Road). Follow the signs for about half a mile to the park entrance. Parking is available at the visitor center.

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Discover more about Mound A

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, formerly known as Toltec Mounds, protects one of Arkansas's most significant pre-European archeological sites. This National Historic Landmark showcases the impressive remains of a ceremonial and governmental complex built by the Plum Bayou people between A.D. 650 and 1050. The site features three surviving mounds of the original eighteen, once surrounded by a 10-foot earthen embankment. Mound A, the tallest Native American mound in Arkansas, stands at approximately 48 feet. Visitors can explore the mounds and learn about the Plum Bayou culture through self-guided tours on the Knapp Trail (a three-quarter-mile, barrier-free trail) and the Plum Bayou Trail (1.6 miles). The visitor center offers interpretive exhibits, an audio/visual room, and an archeological lab. Once thought to be built by the Toltec Indians of Mexico, research has revealed that the mounds were constructed by the Plum Bayou people for ceremonial and religious purposes. The mounds were strategically placed, potentially serving as a calendar to mark planting and harvesting seasons. The park provides a unique opportunity to witness ongoing archeological research and connect with Arkansas's rich Native American history.

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