A grassy green mound.

Poverty Point National Monument

National Monument · Louisiana

Bart Everson

📍 StateLouisiana
🏛️ TypeNational Monument
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities4
Official NPS Website →
Poverty Point

Prehistoric site in Louisiana, US

Poverty Point State Historic Site/Poverty Point National Monument is a prehistoric earthwork constructed by the Poverty Point culture, located in present-day northeastern Louisiana. Evidence of the Poverty Point culture extends throughout much of the Southeastern Woodlands of the Southern United States. The culture extended 100 miles (160 km) across the Mississippi Delta and south to the Gulf Coast.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Poverty Point National Monument

Now a nearly forgotten culture, Poverty Point at its peak 3,000 years ago was part of an enormous trading network that stretched for hundreds of miles across the continent. It was - and is - also an engineering marvel, the product of five million hours of labor. Explore the culture of a highly sophisticated people who left behind one of North America’s most important archeological sites.

Park Photos

A grassy green mound.
Bird Mound - a grassy green mound.
Bird Mound - a grassy green mound.

Activities

Operating Hours

Poverty Point World Heritage Site

Poverty Point National Monument is managed by the state of Louisiana. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM

Standard Hours

We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

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9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Poverty Point National Monument?

Poverty Point National Monument is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Poverty Point National Monument?

Popular activities at Poverty Point National Monument include: Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Museum Exhibits.

What is the weather like at Poverty Point National Monument?

Summers are sunny, hot, and humid. Winters tend to be mild; however, humid rainy periods occur throughout the year. Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common, so stay alert to weather forecasts. Check with rangers at the Visitor Center and/or USS Cairo Museum for updates on weather patterns. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate for the season, with walking or hiking shoes recommended.

How do I get to Poverty Point National Monument?

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

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Summers are sunny, hot, and humid. Winters tend to be mild; however, humid rainy periods occur throughout the year. Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common, so stay alert to weather forecasts. Check with rangers at the Visitor Center and/or USS Cairo Museum for updates on weather patterns. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate for the season, with walking or hiking shoes recommended.

Directions

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

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Location

Coordinates32.6424, -91.4083

Official Resources

NPS Official Website