AR State Parks: PARKIN ARCHEOLOGICAL STATE PARK

This hike IS NOT PET-FRIENDLY.

Our goal in this series is to visit all 52 state parks. This month’s park is:

PARKIN ARCHEOLOGICAL STATE PARK
60 State Hwy 184
Parkin, AR 72373

We will meet at the Bass Pro Pyramid north parking lot off Front Street (the smaller parking lot close to auto bridge over to Mud Island) at 8:45 am for those who would like to carpool. We will leave at 9:00 am. Text if you can’t find us: 901-485-8270.

About this park:
This National Historic Landmark preserves a 17-acre Mississippian Period American Indian village located here from A.D. 1000 to 1550. Archeologists at this research station have uncovered evidence that Hernando de Soto may have visited this site in 1541. The site was also the location of the 1920s-era Northern Ohio Cooperage and Lumber Company, and the historic African American one-room Northern Ohio School still remains. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Park interpreters offer tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Admission is free for self-guided tours and viewing exhibits in the museum. Nearby are the day-use picnic area, playground, and pavilion, available by reservation only. A boat ramp provides access to the St. Francis River.

Arkansas State Parks list:
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks

Planned Hike: THE VILLAGE TRAIL
0.9mi Length
16ft Elevation gain
0.5–1hr Estimated time
Loop

WHAT TO KNOW
Walk along the Village Trail and imagine what life was like 500 years ago when this village was inhabited by American Indians. See the still-standing platform mound on which the chief lived, and the extensive moat that was built for defense. Travel to another time period as well, as during the 1900s there was a sawmill, associated town, cemetery, African American school, and modern community on the grounds. You can visit the cemetery and restored one-room schoolhouse on the Village Trail. Interpretive signage will guide you as you explore the archeological site.

Food: Levee Commissary
For those who would like to join us for a meal, we are planning on eating at Levee Commissary AFTER the hike