Moundville Archaeological Park
Rate this placeNearby: Lock 8 Park Palmore Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Moundville Archaeological Park is a historic site located in the state of Alabama, USA.
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Summary
The site contains more than 20 prehistoric Native American mounds that were built between the 11th and 16th centuries.
There are several reasons to visit Moundville Archaeological Park. It is an excellent destination for history buffs and those interested in Native American culture. The park is also a great place to learn about the Mississippian culture, which dominated the Southeastern United States from around 800 to 1600 AD.
Some of the specific points of interest at Moundville Archaeological Park include the Moundville Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the site and Native American culture. Visitors can also explore the mounds themselves, including the massive Mound B, which is the largest in the park.
Interesting facts about Moundville Archaeological Park include that it was once a major political and religious center for the Mississippian culture, with a population estimated at around 1,000 people. The site declined in the 16th century, and the reasons for its decline remain a mystery.
The best time to visit Moundville Archaeological Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. There are also several events held at the park throughout the year, such as the Moundville Native American Festival, which takes place in October.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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