Sacred Way Sanctuary In Florence — Sacred Way Sanctuary’s entrance. Photo via Natchez Trace Parkway

Indigenous People’s Day is coming up next Monday on October 11th. The special day is set aside to honor Native American history and culture. If you didn’t know, Alabama has a rich Indigenous background and tons of mounds that have been created throughout history for commemorative and ceremonial purposes. So, if you’re in North Alabama, keep reading to check out some sites to visit in honor of this National holiday.

1. Florence Indian Mound and Museum

Ancient Artifact — An Indian Ceremonial mound. Photo via Daeja Coleman for The Bama Buzz

Florence Indian Mound and Museum is a great way to get a taste of Indigenous People’s history. This museum houses some of the coolest ancient Native American artifacts such as jewelry, pottery and millennia-old tools.

Not only are there some symbolic treasures to see, but there’s also a gorgeous view from the top of the 43-foot mound just up the staircase.

Phone: 256.760.6427 | Website
Address: 1028 South Court Street, Florence, AL 35630

2. Sacred Way Sanctuary—Florence, AL

Horses played an integral role in the lives of many Indigenous People, and Sacred Way Sanctuary honors a number of breeds of the horses Native Americans loved.

In fact, this interactive museum is on land that was once an Indian Reservation in the 1800s. This museum gives visitors a closer look at ancient horse husbandry items, such as saddles and horse quirts.

If you’re a horse lover, this might just be your favorite part: the 100-acre preserve with a few of the astonishing horses.

Phone: 256.648.0582 | Website, including reservation information
Address: 4409 Co Rd 200, Florence, AL 35633

3. Chickasaw Indian Mounds—Hamilton, AL

Nature At Chickasaw Indian Mound. — A beautiful view of nature at Chickasaw Indian Mound. Photo via Alabama Indigenous Mound Trail

Home to three mounds, Chickasaw Indian Mounds is the largest indigenous site in Marion County. The largest mound at the site overlooks Buttahatchee River. The mounds stand 8-12 feet in height and are home to many birds, which is great for those who love bird-watching.

4. Oakville Indian Mounds—Danville, AL

Oakville Park — Oakville Archeological Park in Danville. Photo via Brent Moore (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Located in the southeastern part of Lawrence County, the Oakville Indian Mounds sit on the land of what once were Indian hunting grounds. The park preserves prehistoric drawings and ancient rock carvings, and also showcases beautiful waterfalls and terrestrial wildlife.

Phone: 256.905.2499
Address: 1219 Co Rd 187, Danville, AL 35619
Website

6. Choccolocco Creek Archeological Complex—Oxford, AL

Lake And Nature At Chocolocco Creek Complex. — What a view! Photo via Alabama Mound Trail

This historic complex was once home to three earthen mounds, a large stone mound and a large stone-made snake effigy. The site was used as a prominent ritual center for Indigenous groups living on the Gulf Coastal Plain and the Tennessee Valley. If you want to appreciate all the heritage and history of the Indigenous people who were native to this area, Choccolocco Creek Archaeological Complex is a must-visit place.