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The state park facilities are open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; the site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A museum includes an audio-visual presentation and numerous artifacts found on the site. An archaeological laboratory, picnic areas, an observation tower, restrooms and self-guided hiking trails complete the facility.

In 1962, Poverty Point was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Special events, programs and guided tours including tram tours between Easter and Labor Day holidays highlight activities at the park. A museum includes an audio-visual presentation and numerous artifacts found on the site. An archaeological laboratory, picnic areas, an observation tower, restrooms and self-guided hiking trails complete the facility.

The time was eight centuries after Egyptian slaves dragged huge stones across the desert to build the Great Pyramids, and before the great Mayan pyramids were constructed. The place was a site in what is now northeastern Louisiana. The people were a highly civilized group who left behind one of the most important archaeological sites in North America.

The Poverty Point inhabitants, like the ancient Mayans, set for themselves an enormous task as they built a complex array of earthen mounds and ridges overlooking the Mississippi River flood plain. This accomplishment is particularly impressive for a pre-agricultural society. The central construction consists of six rows of concentric ridges, which at one time were five feet high. The five aisles and six sections of ridges form a partial octagon. The diameter of the outermost ridges measures three-quarters of a mile. It is thought that these ridges served as foundations for dwellings although little evidence of structures has been found. However, features and midden deposits uncovered during excavations support this theory. Earthen mounds were also built on the site. Immediately to the west of the concentric ridges lies Poverty Point Mound, a spectacular bird-shaped mound measuring about 700 by 640 feet at its base and rising 70 feet into the sky. To the north is Mound “B,” a 20-foot-high conical mound, which was constructed over a bed of ash and burnt bone fragments.

Poverty Point’s inhabitants imported certain essential supplies from great distances. Projectile points and other stone tools found at Poverty Point were made from raw materials which originated in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains and in the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys. Soapstone for vessels came from the Appalachian foothills of northern Alabama and Georgia. Other materials came from distant places in the eastern United States. The extensive trade network attests to the complex and sophisticated society that built the Poverty Point earthworks.

To prosper, an ancient culture had to be able to adapt to its environment. One adaptation of the Poverty Point people was made in the field of food preparation. Other peoples at this time used heated stones for stone boiling liquids or in earth ovens or hearths as a method of cooking. Because there were no stones at Poverty Point, the people ingeniously molded earthen balls for this purpose. Made by hand and hardened by firing, these balls were a perfect substitute for stones in the earth ovens. Thousands of the balls, in many shapes and designs, have been found at the site.

Many more fascinating details of the Poverty Point lifestyle are on exhibit for visitors to enjoy. A large number of beads of various shapes and sizes, including bird effigies, have been found at the site. There are also many small stone tools, called “microliths,” which are unique to this culture. Poverty Point is indeed a rare remnant of an exceptional culture. It has been estimated that it took at least five million hours of labor to build the massive earthworks. Considering that the laborers carried this dirt to the site in baskets of about a 50-pound capacity, it is obvious that this was a great communal engineering feat. The age, size and character of the Poverty Point earthworks clearly place them among the most significant finds in America today. Dated between 1700 and 700 B.C., this site of more than 400 acres is unique among archaeological sites on this continent. In 1962, Poverty Point was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. An interpretive museum, special events, programs and guided tours including tram tours between Easter and Labor Day holidays highlight activities at the park.

Many more fascinating details of the Poverty Point lifestyle are on exhibit for visitors to enjoy. A large number of beads of various shapes and sizes, including bird effigies, have been found at the site. There are also many small stone tools, called “microliths,” which are unique to this culture. Poverty Point is indeed a rare remnant of an exceptional culture. It has been estimated that it took at least five million hours of labor to build the massive earthworks. Considering that the laborers carried this dirt to the site in baskets of about a 50-pound capacity, it is obvious that this was a great communal engineering feat. The age, size and character of the Poverty Point earthworks clearly place them among the most significant finds in America today.

Self-guided hiking trails take you around to view the archeological remains. Picnic areas allow you to enjoy your luch or dinner.

During the summer, the temperatures can be hot and humid.

Current Park Weather

During the summer, the temperatures can be hot and humid. Wear light weight clothing, high SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and sensible shoes.

There is an entrance fee of $2 per person (age 13 to 64), and free for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over.

There is nearby camping available in some state parks.

Poverty Point State Historic Site, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Jimmie Davis State Park at Caney Lake, The Cotton Museum, Tensas National Wildlife Refuge, Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge, and Bayou Macon, Russell Sage and Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Areas are all close enough to enjoy camping, hiking, boating and other great outdoor adventures. Other national park areas are Vicksburg National Military Park at 40 miles away, Natchez National Historical Park at 80 miles away, and Cane River Creole National Historical Park at 120 miles away.

By car, from I-20, take the Delhi exit and travel north of LA 17, east on LA 134 and north on LA 577.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Poverty Point National Monument:

By Car:

Monroe, LA – 54.63 miles

Shreveport, LA – 153.24 miles

Columbia, LA – 82.30 miles

Jackson, MS – 94.69 miles

Vicksburg, MS – 52.93 miles

Poverty Point State Historic Site, P.O. Box 276, Epps, LA 71237

Visitor Information (888) 926-5492

Visitor Information (318) 926-5492

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