7 unique spots to visit to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day in Alabama

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Moundville
Moundville, just south of Tuscaloosa, is a beautiful spot. Photo via Moundville Archaeological Park & Museum

Indigenous People’s Day — Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 — is a special day set aside to honor Native American history and culture. If you didn’t already know, Alabama has a rich Indigenous background and tons of mounds that have been created throughout history for commemorative and ceremonial purposes.

While it is a great opportunity to honor Indigenous people today, you can always use these locations as opportunities to learn more about these cultures that have shaped the U.S. today. These historic sites just scratch the surface of what there is to explore about Indigenous culture in Alabama.

Keep reading to check out some sites to visit in honor of this holiday.

Moundville Archaeological Park — Moundville, AL

Moundville
Moundville Archaeological Park. (Matthew Niblett / The Bama Buzz)

This town, located in Hale County, has a history dating back to the 12th Century.

Before Moundville evolved into what it is, it was a thriving Native American settlement. The people who lived here built 26 earthen mounds around a central plaza, with the larger mounds for the leader’s homes and smaller ones for mortuary purposes.

The Park grounds are open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.  The Admissions office is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and the Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week.

Florence Indian Mound and Museum — Florence, AL

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.

Univ. of South Alabama Archaeology Museum — Mobile, AL

Archaeology Museum Front Photo
University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum (City of Mobile)

This museum in the Port City showcases 12,000 years of prehistory and history in southern Alabama and the Gulf Coast. Visit to get a glimpse into the ways of life of Native American Archaic and Woodland cultures, mound-building Mississippian peoples, early French settlers, and an African-American family after the Civil War.

Sacred Way Sanctuary — Florence, AL

Sacred Way Sanctuary
Native American horses at Sacred Way Sanctuary in Florence. Photo via Daeja Coleman

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.

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.

Oakville Indian Mounds — Danville, AL

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.

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.

What museums and mounds are you planning to visit to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day this year? Let us know @thebamabuzz.

This guide is based in part on a previous article published by the Bama Buzz.

Mary Helene Hall
Mary Helene Hall
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