Enjoy Nature and Native American History in Union County
While the Ingomar Mound Site may at first glance just look like some hills, on closer inspection — and with a little bit of knowledge — they soon become fertile ground for learning about the people who populated Northeastern Mississippi long ago. A visit to the mounds this summer is not only a great way to explore the outdoors with your kids, but it provides a fun “outdoor classroom” for enhancing their education through touching and seeing real-world history.
The mounds — located in New Albany — are under the supervision of the Union County Heritage Museum. Museum Director Jill Smith is a good source of information on why the site is a cool place for a visit.
“Ingomar Mound Site is one of the wide open spaces in Union County where families have a chance to roam,” she explained. “The 63-acre site has self guided interpretive panels adjacent to the parking area that tells the history of the site, and there is a one-mile walking trail around the site that has educational signage relating to the plants, animals, and the early culture use of the land.”
She said the site is a natural for your little ones to enjoy, but the experience can be even better with a little bit of preparation.
“It is a great place for children to explore,” Smith assured. “It is recommended that you bring insect repellent and water, and spend a few hours at the ancient site. The ceremonial platform mound can be accessed by a stairway with seating on top, allowing storytelling or enjoying the native plants of the site.”
Smith said artifacts found during early excavations at the ancient site — conducted by the Smithsonian Institution — are on display in the Union County Heritage Museum.
“That is a good place to start your Ingomar Mound field trip,” Smith suggested. For large groups — such as classroom field trips — the museum offers guided tours that allow visitors “to experience different aspects of the early cultures such as ancient weapons demonstration and hands-on activities and objects.”
Smith said groups can schedule this by calling the museum at (662)538-0014. There is also an annual public event held in October that celebrates the mound’s history.
“There are many ways to enjoy the wide open space of Ingomar Mounds,” Smith added. “Bring a picnic, fly a kite, walk the trail, do plein air drawing and painting (you bring your own supplies), and learn more about the cultures of 2,000 years ago.”
The mounds are located five miles south of New Albany off Highway 15 (two miles west on County Road 96).
For more information, contact the museum at (662)538-0014 or email [email protected].
