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.
Photo: Bart Everson / NPS
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.
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Driving times from Poverty Point National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Poverty Point World Heritage Site
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Standard Hours
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Poverty Point National Monument?
- Popular activities include Guided Tours, Hiking, Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Poverty Point National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Vicksburg National Military Park (1 h 10 min), Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (1 h 39 min), Natchez National Historical Park (1 h 53 min), Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument (2 h 31 min), Arkansas Post National Memorial (2 h 59 min), Cane River Creole National Historical Park (3 h 7 min).