Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, historic landmark
One of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States, Poverty Point showcases monumental earthworks constructed by Indigenous peoples over 3,000 years ago. Six C-shaped ridges and mounds mark what was once the largest and most sophisticated settlement of its era.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Explore the Museum and Visitor Center – Exhibits showcase artifacts like stone tools, jewelry, and projectile points. Watch a short film to uncover this engineering marvel.
- Take a Guided Tram Tour – Join a ranger-led tram ride through the site to grasp the massive scale and sophisticated design of these ancient earthworks.
- Hike Trails Through the Earthworks – Follow the 2.6-mile loop trail through the C-shaped ridges and mounds for an intimate look at the landscape’s unique design.
- Climb to the Top of Mound A – Climb the 72-foot mound—Louisiana’s tallest prehistoric structure—for panoramic views of the ancient city and surrounding wetlands.
- Go Birdwatching – Bring binoculars to spot herons, woodpeckers, and migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway in the site’s lush forest and wetland habitats.
Cool Find: Bring along high-quality binoculars designed for crisp, true-to-life views. These birding binoculars make it easy to spot and identify birds with confidence. Bonus find: Stan Tekiela’s famous Birds of Louisiana & MIssissippi Field Guide.
Photo Credit: Louisiana Office of Tourism