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Moundville Archaeological Park


User Reviews

Roxanne Krohn

May 02, 2025

Was very nice but the museum only had 2 small displays of actual artifacts. I had visited years ago.. there was so much more to see then… it was the first time for my husband. He thought it was nice and artsy. I was expecting more of an archeological experience.. not like that anymore. Nice gift shop.. it felt more like an Art Gallery than a Museum

David

March 21, 2025

I felt it would only be fair to prospective visitors to edit the glowing review I left below, some time ago. Going back last month I was very disappointed. The museum has basically been gutted of significant artifacts due to the act by Congress to repatriate funerary artifacts. In their place is either nothing, or exhibits of low quality, with lighting that doesn't work. When I tried to engage with the administration about this I received no reply. The mounds are still there, thankfully, and there is one impressive display as the centerpiece of the museum, but otherwise enjoy looking at empty shelves. Additionally, there are wax figures in some outbuildings depicting Native American houses with various activities going on. The figures are pathetic. Heads dripping down on chests, anything but lifelike. More like a museum of horrors.This has been the case for the past 15 or more years, with no attempt to repair or replace them. Neglectful. The gift shop is well stocked, and the small cafe had welcome refreshments. The museum/cafe attendant was friendly and helpful. There's only one restroom away from the museum, and it was locked. All outdoor signage and totems at the museum entrance are in poor condition. A few mounds are being overgrown by saplings and vines. I picked up trash out of respect for those who built these mounds, but not those who should maintain them. "This is one of the premier archaeological sites in the United States, and worthy of being a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The small museum, built by the CCC, is first rate, but deserves better maintenance. Visitorship is low, making this a peaceful place to stroll and contemplate. Unfortunately for the good of our present culture, most Americans have their heads inside a football, but you can get away from Tuscaloosa for something in Moundville of lasting significance. Enjoy."

David Henshaw

May 19, 2024

I really enjoyed the park. I went in without knowing what to expect. The grounds are in good condition and I was able to learn a lot while there. You can climb to the top of two of the mounds and you get a great view of the area. The Douglas Nature Trail near Mound B was very nice as well; a shaded hike through the woods with a platform section at the end. With the exception of the museum, it’s obviously an outdoor experience, so be mindful of the weather; it was a hot and humid day in May for me. I would be hesitant to visit in mid-summer. $8 general admission per person.

Chanda Mitchell

April 15, 2024

The grounds were beautiful but the museum gave the artifacts related to burial rites back to the descendants of the Native Americans in the Moundville area. Unfortunately, this was 99% of the museum so the display cases are empty. I’m not sure why they are keeping the museum open. Even the famed Rattlesnake Disc was a replica since the real one is on loan to the Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma.

Jennifer Nisengard

July 17, 2022

A wonderful place to spend the day! We went with family and spent the day wandering around the site, spending time in the museum, at the exhibits, and gift shop and checking out the areas near the water! It was warm, so bring water! It was great to see the University really looking at the artifacts they had on display. A great place to spend a day, lots to learn!

DestineeHope Compton

January 27, 2022

Very upset by the way the staff behaved. we wore our "masks" while in the meuseum and pulled them off as we were walking out the door. next thing we know police are pulling up and approaching us as we are walking around outside. its sad that we cant have a peaceful day trip with our kids without being harrassed. the cops were nice but should not have been called to begin with. this will be the last time we go to this park.

Kurt Rector

January 06, 2022

Not a golf course. It's Moundville!!! In 1300 AD this was the Manhattan of North America. But now it's probably the most serene place in AL Their museum is very immersive You can roller blade or bike around And the rangers are Roll Tide

Steve Getscher

November 26, 2021

My family loves visiting Mounds throughout the South and this was a particular favorite. Many mounds, amazing artifacts, and beautiful views of the river. My only dislike was the ticket prices (free for under 5, $6 for kids, $8 for adults). It made it kind of an expensive stop for my family, but we spent almost 2 hours there and could have spent more. Maybe someday we can even stay at the campgrounds!

Bill Rocks

October 27, 2021

The museum is awesome, it has various artifacts found in and around Moundville. It's a great place to visit and spend the day, the trail was closed which is one of my favorite parts. But you can still enjoy the mounds and they have some displays of the way life was back then that are interesting.

Victoria Evans

October 07, 2021

Outstanding Archaeological treasure of a park and museum! Museum has been greatly updated to reflect modern viewpoints in 2010. Great gift shop in museum, too. Downside is entry to park: terribly inefficient, annoying system. Even if you are a member to all UA museums, you have to park your car, go inside, wait in a tiny room with multiple other people (even during pandemic times!), and finally the cashier person takes like 20 minutes saying "Oh I don't know what I am doing, but the boss likes me hahaha, are you a senior citizen or an adult entering today?" and finally gives you papers so you can go in. Badly in need of a drive-through window or a phone app to check in! The museum and park are beautiful and amazing. Love the mounds at sunset. One nice upside is the director, who apparently is very patient with lingering visitors, as he wants to share this wonder of the ancient world. They do need some walking paths through the plaza. Don't miss the Native American Indian village and the riverfront! Also a couple of nice boardwalk paths through the woods. Enjoy!