Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site — Attraction in Wickliffe

5 stars except for the review of the staff and posted hours. I have lived close-ish, but never paid a visit. While on a return trip home, I had over an hour according to Google so I figured I'd make the stop. I arrived and thought the visitor's center quite quaint. I noticed the sign on the door said they closed at 5pm(although Google said 4:30), and it was only 3:20ish. I exchanged some pleasantries with the nice lady behind the desk and paid my $6 for a tour of the museum. I was informed it wasn't quite as large as other mounds I'd visited, but I was still interested. I walked to the museum and was quite happy with the display. The display was quite organized, and I made my way through. I took my time knowing they closed at 4:30 (but the sign said 5). I knew I'd make it a bit of a rush so they could leave and I wouldn't keep them. I made my way hastily through the museum and onto the grounds. As I was looking around the mounds, I noticed a gentleman go and close up the museum which I thought strange. I had worked up some questions and was interested in talking to the volunteer again. I continued my tour among the mounds outside and once finished I went back to return to the inside to find the door locked. Strange being only 4:20. Walking around the building I noticed they had locked all the doors prior to 4:30. It must have been a 4pm close unbeknownst to me. After accumulating questions and wanting to share stories of my own, I was a bit saddened with the abrupt closure of the facility by poor closure times both displayed and on Google. I left feeling my trip wasn't fulfilled without closure of my questions. For the display of the smaller mounds, I was satisfied with what one would have expected. The staff,...

The park is located along the Mississippi river on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, and along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Route. So much history to explore.

A Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds, about A.D. 1100 to 1350. Here, people of the Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and permanent houses around a central plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. Today, this Native American archaeological site features mounds surrounded by abundant wildlife, museum exhibits, a walking trail, welcome center, a gift shop and picnic areas.

Open to the public since 1932, the museum exhibits excavated features with displays of Mississippian pottery, stone tools, artifacts and artwork showcasing their way of life and the archaeological history of Native American tribes in Kentucky. Visitors have a spectacular view of the bluff area on top of the Ceremonial Mound, the largest mound on the site. Special exhibits, hands-on displays, events, demonstrations and educational programs occur at various times throughout the year. For example, an annual family fun event is the popular Archaeology Day, an event held each September for Kentucky Archaeology Month.

Scientific archaeological research through Murray State University has revealed important information about the Mississippian people here at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. This registered archaeological site (15BA4) is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Kentucky Archaeological Landmark. Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is an Interpretive Center on the Mississippi River’s Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail...

Not a big site, but truly fascinating. The history is well explained and presented in an easy manner to absorb. A lot was lost during/after the 1930s excavation, but what's left is being well preserved and protected.

Two entrance choices - outside mounds only, or mounds and the museum building, which houses an excavated mound. I'd highly suggest paying slightly more for the combo ticket. They're part of the NPS Lewis & Clark Trail, with a Junior Ranger program for those that are interested. I reluctantly skipped the Trail, it was too hot for it to be enjoyable. Pets aren't allowed in the buildings, but can visit the grounds (on leash). Don't miss the gift shop - they offer a very impressive array of native-made souvenirs and reproductions of archeological items found during the digs, at ridiculously reasonable prices. And if you have any questions, the staff are super friendly and...