Poverty Point has been on the bucket list for my Frugal Family Travelers for some time now. However, life with teens and preteens can be quite chaotic so finding the time for excursions is a little more challenging these day. With that being said, it is ALWAYS worth the effort when we do plan a weekend getaway or a day trip, as it satisfies the desire for wanderlust and provides the whole family with a much needed respite from an active life.
For those who may not know, Poverty Point is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site located in Pioneer, Louisiana. The 402 acre property, which operates as the Poverty Point State Historic Site, contains earthworks built by indigenous people between 1700 and 1100 BC. Here visitors can enjoy hiking a trail, which outlines all of the various mounds and structures once present, or discover the history, through prearranged tours by a site ranger. For those with limited mobility, access to the larger mound can be accessed by car. Our Frugal Family Travelers particularly enjoyed viewing artifacts at the museum which had been excavated from the site. However, the biggest adventure by far was the hike to the top of the largest mound! The view was breathtaking and awe inspiring while thinking about the monumental task it was for the indeginuous people to build such a structure during that time period.
For all of the reasons stated above and may more, your Frugal Family Travelers should plan a trip here. Not only will you learn a great deal about the past, but you will leave with a renewed spirit having spent time out in nature.
Directions:
6859 Hwy. 577 Pioneer, LA 71266
(To learn more about UNESCO and the selection process for inclusion visit Click HERE. It’s a great organization that is responsible for elevating knowledge of endangered sites and what they do to preserve them for future.
