Emerald Mound, The Natchez District Travel Guide

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Explore Emerald Mound: An ancient Native American ceremonial site and the second-largest pre-Columbian earthwork in the U.S., near Natchez, Mississippi.

Emerald Mound, located near Natchez, Mississippi, is the second-largest Mississippian Period ceremonial mound in the United States. Built between 1200 and 1730 CE, this 35-foot-high earthwork covers eight acres and offers a fascinating look into the lives of the Natchez people and their ancestors.

A brief summary to Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound Rd, Natchez, Mississippi, 39120, US
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Emerald Mound.

Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the top of the mound.
Bring water, especially during hot weather, as there are limited facilities on-site.
Visit during the spring or fall for the most pleasant temperatures.
Respect the site's ceremonial origins by refraining from recreational activities like ball games or kite flying.

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Explore Emerald Mound on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Emerald Mound, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Natchez, head northeast on US-61 N/John R Junkin Dr. Take the exit toward Natchez Trace Parkway. Merge onto Emerald Mound Road, and follow the signs to Emerald Mound. The drive is approximately 10 miles and takes about 15 minutes. Parking is available at the site.
Ride-sharing

From downtown Natchez, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Emerald Mound will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on the time of day. Confirm the fare and availability before you start your trip. The journey takes around 15 minutes.

Discover more about Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippian people who inhabited the Mississippi Valley centuries before European contact. Constructed between 1200 and 1730 CE, the mound served as a ceremonial center for the local population, ancestors of the Natchez Indians.The massive earthwork began as a natural hill, which was then reshaped by workers who deposited earth along the sides, creating an elongated, pentagonal-shaped plateau. Covering eight acres, the base of the mound measures 770 feet by 435 feet, with a height of 35 feet. Two smaller mounds sit atop the primary mound, bringing the total height to approximately 60 feet. The larger of these secondary mounds, located at the west end, measures 190 feet by 160 feet and is 30 feet high.Archaeological excavations, beginning in 1838, have revealed insights into the mound's construction and use. The mounds were likely used for burials, temples, and ceremonial structures, serving as the setting for elaborate civic processions, ceremonial dances, and intricate religious rituals. While six other secondary mounds and an encircling ditch once existed, they were lost due to plowing and erosion.Today, visitors can explore Emerald Mound via an established trail that leads to the top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site is open from sunrise to sunset daily, inviting visitors to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy of American Indian cultural achievements.