Exploring Arkansas: The Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park

History of the Plum Bayou People. The ancient earthworks known as the Toltec Mounds can be found at the Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, about fifteen miles outside of North Little Rock, Arkansas. The original owner of the site believed the mounds were from the Toltec people of Mexico, but later archeologists discovered in the late 1800s that the Toltec Mounds had been created by ancestor of Northern American Indians. The people who built the Toltec Mounds are referred to as the Plum Bayou people, who had a culture quite distinct from other native people in the Mississippi and Arkansas river valleys. The Plum Bayou people lived in villages, farmed the soil, hunted, fished, and gathered. It is believed that they inhabited this area from 600 to 1150 A.D. The Toltec Mounds were both religious and social centers for the Plum Bayou people, and the locations of the Mounds are aligned with solar positions. Also interesting to note is that each of the Mounds was constructed using a standardized unit of measurement. If you are looking for an amazing place to explore an ancient piece of Arkansas's history, the Toltec Mounds are definitely one place to visit.

Inside Fun. The exhibits include and audio and visual room, where you can watch videos explaining the ancient history of the "Plum Bayou People". There is a gift shop, filled with fun and wonderful keepsakes from your visit here. The Toltec Research Station of Arkansas also resides here, a wonderful place to explore the rich history of this ancient culture.

Outside Fun. Here you'll find eighteen of the original ancient mounds, including the tallest mound in Arkansas (over 50 feet high). You can choose to take one of the self-guided tours, which consist of the three-quarter mile Knapp Trail or the 1.6 mile Plum Bayou Trail. Walk the bridge over Mound Pond to see the oxbow lake formed by the Arkansas River. During the winter you'll see herons and pelicans here, and don't forget to bring some change to purchase turtle food. They'll be expecting you!

More Information. The Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park has picnic tables, an enclosed pavilion that can be rented for group functions, and a covered porch. They also offer school guided tours, presentations on culture and lifestyle of the Plum Bayou people, and an in depth look at archeology. Group rates are available.

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, on Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. They are closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, closing early at noon on Christmas Eve. For more information on the Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, as well as the Plum Bayou people, click here.

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www.arkansasstateparks.com