Moundville Archaeological Park — Attraction in Moundville

I felt it would only be fair to prospective visitors to edit the glowing review I left below, some time ago. Going back last month I was very disappointed. The museum has basically been gutted of significant artifacts due to the act by Congress to repatriate funerary artifacts. In their place is either nothing, or exhibits of low quality, with lighting that doesn't work. When I tried to engage with the administration about this I received no reply. The mounds are still there, thankfully, and there is one impressive display as the centerpiece of the museum, but otherwise enjoy looking at empty shelves. Additionally, there are wax figures in some outbuildings depicting Native American houses with various activities going on. The figures are pathetic. Heads dripping down on chests, anything but lifelike. More like a museum of horrors.This has been the case for the past 15 or more years, with no attempt to repair or replace them. Neglectful. The gift shop is well stocked, and the small cafe had welcome refreshments. The museum/cafe attendant was friendly and helpful. There's only one restroom away from the museum, and it was locked. All outdoor signage and totems at the museum entrance are in poor condition. A few mounds are being overgrown by saplings and vines. I picked up trash out of respect for those who built these mounds, but not those who should maintain them.

"This is one of the premier archaeological sites in the United States, and worthy of being a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The small museum, built by the CCC, is first rate, but deserves better maintenance. Visitorship is low, making this a peaceful place to stroll and contemplate. Unfortunately for the good of our present culture, most Americans have their heads inside a football, but you can get away from Tuscaloosa for something in Moundville of lasting...

Outstanding Archaeological treasure of a park and museum! Museum has been greatly updated to reflect modern viewpoints in 2010. Great gift shop in museum, too. Downside is entry to park: terribly inefficient, annoying system. Even if you are a member to all UA museums, you have to park your car, go inside, wait in a tiny room with multiple other people (even during pandemic times!), and finally the cashier person takes like 20 minutes saying "Oh I don't know what I am doing, but the boss likes me hahaha, are you a senior citizen or an adult entering today?" and finally gives you papers so you can go in. Badly in need of a drive-through window or a phone app to check in! The museum and park are beautiful and amazing. Love the mounds at sunset. One nice upside is the director, who apparently is very patient with lingering visitors, as he wants to share this wonder of the ancient world. They do need some walking paths through the plaza. Don't miss the Native American Indian village and the riverfront! Also a couple of nice boardwalk paths through the...

We went for the Native American Festival. I have to confess I was disappointed! The crowd was HUGE even on a Thursday. The handicap parking was not very close to anything! I felt we did not get our money's worth. It was $10 to get into the park. It always irritates me to spend money to gain the "priviledge" of spending my money!! I thought there would actually be true Native Americans displaying their handmade items and demonstrating how they were made! There were a few Natives but they were selling mass produced items or cheap made jewelry for high prices! I had thought to see a true native dance or something similar. There were only 4 food trucks. One was burgers and dogs, one snowcone, one Italian food, and one other one (tacos maybe?). Not much choice at all. I was so tired, hot and aggravated I forgot to even take pics! A very long drive, 99 miles each way and expensive gasoline just to purchase the "opportunity" to purchase items that you can find at any good flea market or "Trade Days"! Overall, a huge...