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Parkin Archeological State Park: Unearthing Arkansas's Past

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Explore a preserved Mississippian village and witness history at Parkin Archeological State Park, where the past comes to life.

Explore Parkin Archeological State Park, a 17-acre site preserving a Mississippian Native American village believed to be 'Casqui' visited by Hernando de Soto in 1541. Discover a museum, interact with exhibits, and walk the Village Trail to witness ongoing archeological research.

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 the research station inside the visitor center to observe archaeologists at work and learn about their latest discoveries.
  • Walk the Village Trail to see the ancient mound and learn about the site's history through interpretive signs.
  • Check the park's event calendar for special programs, tours, and workshops.
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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 I-40, take exit 239A to merge onto US-64 W toward Wynne. Continue on US-64 W for approximately 40 miles. Turn right onto AR-184 N. The park will be on your left. Parking is available at the visitor center.

Discover more about Parkin Archeological State Park

Parkin Archeological State Park protects the Parkin Site, a 17-acre palisaded village that was occupied from approximately 1350 to 1650 CE. Many archeologists believe that this village was part of the Province of Casqui, which was documented as being 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 archeological locations. Visitors can also observe ongoing research in the on-site research station. The ¾-mile paved Village Trail leads visitors through the site, passing the Mississippian Indian mound and the restored Northern Ohio Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse used by the children of African-American mill workers in the early 1900s. Annual events include Black History Month School Days in February, a traveling day camp in July, Casqui School Days in September, and Sawmill School Days in October. The park also offers a picnic area, playground, and boat ramp for access to the St. Francis River.

Explore the best of what Parkin Archeological State Park has to offer

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