Wickliffe Mounds is the archaeological site of a prehistoric Native American village of the Mississippian mound builders. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river, the village was occupied from about AD 1100 to 1350.
The Mississippians built a complex settlement with permanent houses and earthen mounds situated around a central plaza. They farmed the river bottoms and participated in a vast trade network. They also buried their dead here with dignity and respect. After the 1300’s the Mississippians at Wickliffe Mounds abandoned the village.
In 1932, amateur archaeologist Colonel Fain W. King purchased the site and began excavating the mounds. Later joined by his wife, Blanche Busey King, they continued their excavations and operated the site as a tourist attraction known as the Ancient Buried City. Today, the Wickliffe Mounds museum exhibits the excavated features of the mounds, outstanding displays of Mississippian pottery, stone tools, bone and shell implements, the architecture of Mississippian mounds and houses, burial practices of the Mississippians and a bird's eye view of the bluff atop the ceremonial mound.
The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a designated Kentucky Archaeological Landmark and is a common ground for Native American Indian cultures, past and present.
The museum consists of 3 excavated mounds with archaeological features, Mississippian burial practices, displays of artifacts from the site and a mural of a Mississippian village. The Ceremonial Mound is intact and can be accessed for a beautiful bird’s eye view of the park. A Hands-On Activity Touch Table rounds out a museum tour where visitors can use prehistoric tools, and learn about Mississippian artifacts, technology and their environment.
Woods Walk Trail - enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods where wildflowers bloom and Mississippians once roamed.
Picnic tables are available at the Picnic Area.
Books, souvenirs, pottery, baskets, t-shirts, jewelry and replica artifacts highlight the many items in this gift shop which focus on Native American culture, archaeology, history and regional interests.
Each Saturday in June and July from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring your kids to the historic site overlooking the Mississippi River for special activities like cornhole toss, hoop and darts, and crafting corn shuck dolls, egg gourds and bead necklaces.
The museum at Wickliffe Mounds will have special hands-on displays of pump drills, prehistoric stone grinders and Mississippian culture art.
All activities are part of the general admission to the site, $5 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6 to 12, and $1 for kids ages 3 to 5. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead and schedule the group discount rate. Call Wickliffe Mounds at 270-335-3681 for more information.