Poverty Point World Heritage Site

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Poverty Point World Heritage Site Poverty Point World Heritage Site preserves, protects, and presents the largest mounds and earthworks ever constructed by indigenous hunter-fisher-gatherers.
(1)

The monumental earthworks were built between 1700 and 1100 BCE. Poverty Point is the rare remnant of an exceptional culture which built massive earthworks consisting of five mounds, six rows of semi-elliptical concentric ridges, a 43 acre constructed plaza. Dated between 1700 and 1100 B.C., this site of more than 400 acres is unique among archaeological sites on this continent. The site is managed by Louisiana State Parks as a State Historic Site, but also holds the distinctions of being a National Historic Landmark, a National Monument, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and a World Heritage Site. Park Entry Fees :
$6 per person
$4 per senior (62 and older)
Children 6 and under admitted free

A Louisiana Annual Park Pass allows free entrance for all occupants accompanying a pass holder in a private vehicle. Passes can be purchased at any state park for $100

DIRECTIONS: From I-20, take the Delhi Exit ( #153) and travel north on LA 17 to Epps (10 mi.), east on LA 134 (5 mi.) and north on LA 577 (1 mi.) GPS Coordinates: N 32.2500; W 91 24.4164

Activities at the park include an interpretive museum, film theater, a 2 mile vehicle tour, and a 2.6 mile hiking trail. Scheduled ranger-guided demonstrations and programs include use of an atlatl, ancient tools, flint knapping, earth ovens, pottery, themed guided hikes, and more! Jr. Ranger programs are offered and a great way to connect to this ancient site. Ranger-guided tram tours are offered Wednesday - Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting).

Everyone enjoyed International Archaeology Day this year! Thanks for joining for atlatl demos, artifact ID, flint knappi...
10/20/2026

Everyone enjoyed International Archaeology Day this year! Thanks for joining for atlatl demos, artifact ID, flint knapping, and ranger-guided tours. And,
a special thanks to the Poverty Point Station Archaeology Program for providing hands-on water screening to the public! We hope to see everyone again next year!

International Archaeology Day is coming up this Saturday, Oct. 17th, and you are invited to learn more about the archaeo...
10/12/2026

International Archaeology Day is coming up this Saturday, Oct. 17th, and you are invited to learn more about the archaeological process at Poverty Point World Heritage Site from 10 AM to 2 PM! Excavated soil will be screened, darts will be launched from an atlatl, flint will be knapped, artifacts will be identified, and folks will experience ranger-guided tours. Full details are in the event page.

Join us for our pottery program for Archaeology Month on Saturday, Oct. 10th from 10 AM to 1 PM! We have the clay and th...
10/09/2026

Join us for our pottery program for Archaeology Month on Saturday, Oct. 10th from 10 AM to 1 PM! We have the clay and the knowledge to connect you to the prehistoric pottery practices of the indigenous peoples of Poverty Point! Full details on our event page.

10/02/2026

Due to the ongoing burn ban, we will not be able to offer Earth Oven Cooking tomorrow. Visitors are encouraged to join for scheduled tours and enjoy atlatl demonstrations instead!

Thanks to all who joined our annual Public Lands Day Hike! All enjoyed hiking along the 2.6 mile trail that covers a lan...
09/29/2026

Thanks to all who joined our annual Public Lands Day Hike! All enjoyed hiking along the 2.6 mile trail that covers a landscape created by indigenous folks over 3,000 years ago. A special shout out the LSU archaeology/anthropology students and their professor who drove up to take part!

Join us this Saturday at 10 AM for our ranger-guided hike on Public Lands Day! This is a great chance to explore your lo...
09/25/2026

Join us this Saturday at 10 AM for our ranger-guided hike on Public Lands Day! This is a great chance to explore your local public lands. In this case, Poverty Point World Heritage Site protects, preserves, and presents an artificial landscape as created by indigenous peoples here over 3,000 years ago. We will also be picking up litter (if present) on the trail.

A reminder to girl scouts and their families that site entry fees are waived this weekend, so please take advantage of t...
09/11/2026

A reminder to girl scouts and their families that site entry fees are waived this weekend, so please take advantage of this program!

🌲 Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend is THIS WEEKEND!🌲

September 11–13, 2026.

Ready to explore? Entry is completely FREE for all Girl Scouts at all Louisiana State Parks and Historic Sites!

⚜️Come out for a weekend of self-guided tours, family hikes, and outdoor fun.

Plus, girls can earn a unique event patch for participating! 🎒

✨Don't wait—secure your spot today!👉 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc64838h

Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana

09/02/2026

Families with children 5 and under receive free admission to the site this weekend! (along with all other Louisiana State Parks and Historic Sites)
Please take advantage of this program!

There were sweet fruits for those who braved the heat of the summer Forager Hike this past Saturday! We sampled possum g...
08/24/2026

There were sweet fruits for those who braved the heat of the summer Forager Hike this past Saturday! We sampled possum grapes, muscadines, and American beautyberry along with learning about various medicinal plants along the trail. One visitor found the only pawpaws that survived the late frost this spring along with the ongoing summer drought. It was a good time to connect with the indigenous gathering traditions of those who build the mounds and earthworks of Poverty Point over 3,000 years ago.

Address

6859 Highway 577
Pioneer, LA
71266

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13189265492

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Poverty Point World Heritage Site posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Poverty Point World Heritage Site:

Shortcuts

Share

Nearby government services