Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point

Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point: A Tourist’s Guide

Overview

Welcome to the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point, a National Historic Landmark located in East-Central Louisiana, USA. This prehistoric site dates back approximately 3,500 years and showcases one of the most complex and largest earthwork constructions of its time.

History

The Poverty Point Culture flourished around 1700 BCE, with its center at Poverty Point. The people who built these monumental earthworks were hunter-gatherers and farmers who harnessed the resources of the Mississippi River and its floodplain.

Architecture

The Monumental Earthworks consist of six aligned concentric oval earthen mounds, four larger platform mounds, a central plaza, and numerous smaller mounds and basins. These earthworks cover an area of about 76 hectares (188 acres). The largest mound is 20 feet high and approximately 1,500 feet long and wide.

Visitor Information

Location

The site is located on Louisiana Highway 577, approximately 13 miles northwest of Epps in East-Central Louisiana.

Hours of Operation

The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Central Time) except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission

Admission to the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point is free.

Facilities

The site has a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, picnic areas, and a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the earthworks up close.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an immersive experience into the life of the Poverty Point Culture. The site offers a unique opportunity to walk among the earthworks and imagine the lives of the people who built them thousands of years ago.

Things to Do

  1. Explore the Earthworks: Walk along the trail that takes you around the six aligned concentric oval earthen mounds, four larger platform mounds, a central plaza, and numerous smaller mounds and basins.

  2. Visit the Visitor Center: Learn about the Poverty Point Culture through exhibits, films, and interactive displays.

  3. Picnic: Enjoy a picnic at one of the site’s picnic areas.

Tips for Visiting

  1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The walking trail is approximately 1.5 miles long.

  2. Bring Water: It can get hot in Louisiana, so don’t forget to bring water.

  3. Sunscreen and Hats: Protect yourself from the sun during your visit.

  4. Photography: Feel free to take photos, but please respect the site and other visitors.

Accessibility

The walking trail is not fully accessible for wheelchairs due to its terrain. However, the visitor center and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.

Contact Information

For more information, contact the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point at (318) 765-2000 or visit their website at www.crt.la.gov/poverty-point.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point!