Dating back between 1700 and 1100 B.C, this 402-acre State Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site is unique among archaeological areas on this continent. Why? Because all those years ago–before the great Mayan pyramids were constructed in Central America–the inhabitants of Poverty Point built a complex array of earthen mounds overlooking the Mississippi River floodplain in what today is northeastern Louisiana.
This intriguing historical site is also a wildlife sanctuary. Set along the edge of the upland/bottomland hardwood riparian forest of Bayou Macon, birds flock here. Typical inhabitants in this floodplain forest include bird species such as Mississippi Kite, Cooper's Hawk, several woodpecker species, Acadian and Great-crested Flycatchers, Summer Tanager, and Northern Cardinal, among others.
In the pockets of cypress-tupelo swamp habitat along the bayou, look for water dwellers, including herons, Wood Duck, Great Egret, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Winter Wren, and Prothonotary Warbler.
Most of the site is mowed open fields, and the mounds are covered in taller native grasses. These areas are inhabited by field birds like American Pipit, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink (in migration), Dickcissel, and other open country species such as Northern Bobwhite, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Eastern Bluebird.
A 2.6-mile primitive hiking trail loops around the site, as does a paved driving trail. Stay on these pathways, as Poverty Point is archaeologically designated a Fragile Historic Site.
An interpretive museum, special events, programs, and guided tours highlight activities at the park. Additional amenities include a welcome center, restrooms, a park, excellent identification/directional/interpretive signage, comfort stations, and a picnic area. Weather permitting, tram tours are available year-round; call the office for the daily schedule. This site is partially handicapped-accessible.
