It’s hard not to picture battlefields and western lawmen when thinking about Arkansas history but we certainly have other facets to explore. The Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott offers a unique peek into some of the earliest history in the state. Let’s see what we can learn today.

The Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park is quite possibly the most unique park to visit in Arkansas.

Google/Phillip Branch It’s located in the historically rich town of Scott. Here’s the address: 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott, AR 72142.

“Toltec” is actually a little misleading.

TripAdvisor/management The name stuck after the landowner from 1857 to 1900, Mrs.Gilbert Knapp, assumed the mounds were created by the Toltec Indians of Mexico.

It certainly isn’t incorrect to think of these hills as Native American, but the mounds go further back in history.

TripAdvisor/Richard F The mounds were created by the ancestors of the Native Americans, the Plum Bayou people. Archaeologists were able to prove this in 1883.

The site originally had 18 mounds but today only three remain.

Google/Matt Ziegler Mound A is the tallest at 5-stories. The mounds were foundations for ceremonies and buildings as well as a working calendar system.

The two trails in the park are great for any skill level.

Google/Bonnie Kubacka All that’s required is an inquisitive mind. They’re both pleasant strolls but a guided tram is also available for a small fee.

The park has plenty of opportunities to experience the original peoples’ way of life.

Google/James Palmer Besides the indoor museum portion of the park, the trail leads visitors to the Griggs Canoe. The canoe was discovered along the Saline River in 1982 by the Griggs family and later donated to the state.

Mound Lake is another interesting way to take in the Plum Bayou experience.

Google/Dacre Denny The Plum Bayou Trail takes visitors out onto a boardwalk around the lake. The park also offers guided kayak tours to see the mounds in a new perspective.

The Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park really has everything you could want in an Arkansas state park, short of camping.

TripAdvisor/management Of course, sleeping near an ancient Indian burial ground probably isn’t the best idea. Regardless, the park is scenic, interesting, and a truly unique place to visit.

Have you visited this state park? Share you experience with us in the comments below!

Google/Phillip Branch

It’s located in the historically rich town of Scott. Here’s the address: 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott, AR 72142.

TripAdvisor/management

The name stuck after the landowner from 1857 to 1900, Mrs.Gilbert Knapp, assumed the mounds were created by the Toltec Indians of Mexico.

TripAdvisor/Richard F

The mounds were created by the ancestors of the Native Americans, the Plum Bayou people. Archaeologists were able to prove this in 1883.

Google/Matt Ziegler

Mound A is the tallest at 5-stories. The mounds were foundations for ceremonies and buildings as well as a working calendar system.

Google/Bonnie Kubacka

All that’s required is an inquisitive mind. They’re both pleasant strolls but a guided tram is also available for a small fee.

Google/James Palmer

Besides the indoor museum portion of the park, the trail leads visitors to the Griggs Canoe. The canoe was discovered along the Saline River in 1982 by the Griggs family and later donated to the state.

Google/Dacre Denny

The Plum Bayou Trail takes visitors out onto a boardwalk around the lake. The park also offers guided kayak tours to see the mounds in a new perspective.

Of course, sleeping near an ancient Indian burial ground probably isn’t the best idea. Regardless, the park is scenic, interesting, and a truly unique place to visit.

You may want to take one of these trails that leads to extraordinary historical ruins, too.

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