We often talk about Kentucky’s deep and rich history, but those discussions are generally limited to the last 200-300 years. But the truth of the matter is, Kentucky’s history predates its founding as the Bluegrass State. Like the rest of the country, Kentucky was home to Native American tribes many, many centuries ago. In Southwest Kentucky, a Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds from roughly 1100 to 1350 A.D. This Native American site is a fascinating place in Kentucky that reveals much about our state’s earliest residents.

Kentucky is home to 45 state parks and historic sites and while some are well-known, others, like Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, remain stubbornly under the radar.
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The irony is, of course, that this state park is perhaps the truest "Kentucky State Park" of them all, as it holds clues to some of the state's original inhabitants.
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A Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds, centuries and centuries ago. Here, in the wilds of Southwest Kentucky, people of the Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and permanent houses around a central plaza overlooking the Mississippi River.
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Today, this Native American archaeological site features mounds surrounded by abundant wildlife, museum exhibits, a walking trail, and lots of opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Open to the public since 1932, this Kentucky State Historic Site features numerous excavated features with displays of Mississippian pottery, stone tools, artifacts, and artwork that provide insight into the residents of this Native American village in Kentucky.
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In addition to its archaeological wonders, visitors have a spectacular view of the bluff area on top of the Ceremonial Mound, the largest mound on the site.
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Wickliffe Mounds is a place of celebrated archaeological significance, in fact; scientific archaeological research through Murray State University has revealed important information about the Mississippian people that was previously unknown.
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Come and follow a trail of breadcrumbs that lead to fascinating insights into our state's history!

Have you visited this Native American site in Kentucky before? Did you about this part of Kentucky history? Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is a treasure trove of history just waiting to be explored!

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Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, 94 Green St, Wickliffe, KY 42087, USA