Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public.  One of the most important American Indian sites in the nation, the Spiro Mounds are world renowned because of the incredible amount of art and artifacts dug from the Craig Mound, the site's only burial mound.  Home to rich cultural resources, the Spiro Mounds were created and used by Caddoan speaking Indians between 850 and 1450 AD.  This area of eastern Oklahoma became the seat of ancient Mississippian culture and the Spiro Mounds grew from a small farming village to one of the most important cultural centers in what later became the United States.

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public.  One of the most important American Indian sites in the nation, the Spiro Mounds are world renowned because of the incredible amount of art and artifacts dug from the Craig Mound, the site's only burial mound.  Home to rich cultural resources, the Spiro Mounds were created and used by Caddoan speaking Indians between 850 and 1450 AD.  This area of eastern Oklahoma became the seat of ancient Mississippian culture and the Spiro Mounds grew from a small farming village to one of the most important cultural centers in what later became the United States.

The twelve mounds became a supreme regional power with ceremonial areas and a support city.  The Spiro people created an extremely sophisticated culture and went on to influence the entire southeast region.  The Spiro Mounds were home to an extensive trade network, a working political system and a highly developed religious center.  The mounds themselves were constructed in layers from basket loads of dirt.  The Spiro Mounds site features one burial mound, two temple mounds and nine house mounds.

Today, the Spiro Mounds site is situated on 150 acres of protected land that encompasses the twelve original mounds, the village area and sections of the ancient support city.  The mounds have been excavated over the years and have produced a wide range of art and artifacts including religious and ornamental objects.  Dubbed the "King Tut of the Arkansas Valley" by the Kansas City Star in 1935, the Spiro Mounds have yielded elaborate ceremonial grave goods including basketry, feather capes and cloth.  Based on these historic finds, the Spiro Mounds have been hailed as home to the most elaborate, artistic and sophisticated decoration of any other Mississippian site. 

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center features a wide variety of interpretive exhibits, an introductory slide program and a gift shop.  Visitors to the Spiro Mounds will enjoy nearly two miles of interpretive trails, including a one-half mile nature trail.  An archaeologist is on staff to answer questions and lead tours.  Don't miss the special tours of the site held during the annual solstices and equinoxes.