365 Things to Do in Memphis #117: Take a Break, Climb a Mound

365 Things to Do in Memphis #117: Take a Break, Climb a Mound

Sometimes, you need a place to get away from it all. The mounds in Chickasaw Heritage Park just south of Downtown get the job done (and have a great view of the Mississippi River). Assignment #117 in the 365 Things to Do in Memphis is to climb them.

Mounds, Chickasaw Heritage Park, Memphis, Tenn.

The earth mounds in Chickasaw Heritage park (across the street from the Metal Museum) are one of my favorite places to go when I need some quiet. Even if there are other people around, sitting on top of them and having lunch is like taking a wee tiny vacation. Plus, this is the view:

top of chickasaw mound
Holly Whitfield

History of the Chickasaw Mounds In Downtown Memphis

According to Memphis Heritage, the mounds were constructed between 400 - 700 AD and 1000 - 1500 AD. Contrary to popular belief, these mounds are not Native American burial sites—they were used for ceremonial purposes.

The easiest way to get to the top of the mounds is basically to climb them. They're pretty steep, so be careful, and don't wear dumb shoes. Maybe scoot/run down them at an angle? Anyways, climbing down is harder than climbing up so scale them at your own risk.

Chickasaw Heritage Park is open from dawn until dusk every day.

Please be respectful of the park and clean up any trash, don't bring glass, bring pet waste bags, etc. As kind as the Metal Museum is to let folks hang out in their neighboring park and grounds, people sometimes do abuse this. Let's try to prevent that.

Go there:

Chickasaw Heritage Park
Metal Museum Drive
Memphis, Tenn. 38106 

mound
Holly Whitfield

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