Spiro Mounds State Archaeological Site

Accepts cash only. We only had credit cards, so we offered to pay a $50 donation online, but the curator refused to accept that as an entry fee. There was only 2 in our party, so I thought that was pretty a generous donation. The curator also reeked of alcohol, and went right back to reading his book without so much as another glance to acknowledge our offer to donate for admission. We left, and needless to say won't be returning.

Older museum so the outdoor signs were a bit worn, but they were still legible. Man running the place was nice enough but location is CASH only. Not very expensive though. Overall, nice little historical stop on our road trip. However, I would not make this your destination.

Spiro is a very interesting archaeological site and we enjoyed it a lot. Though only a small part has been excavated, this site is one of the very most important in America. It is among the 3 big sites (along with Cahokia in Illinois and Moundville in Alabama) from a period in pre-Columbian history that few Americans have heard anything about. Did you know that America had large urban centers before Columbus? That their political reach extended over much of this continent, creating a federation of many tribes that didn't even share a common language? That they achieved this feat without violent subjugation? Or that they shared a set of symbols and probably ceremonial practices of stunning complexity and elaboration? If you visit Spiro, you will be able to begin to discover such things. Sadly, the museum gets very little state funding so it is not large and they have only one staff member, but they have done what they can with what they have. One excavated mound at Spiro was known, in the 1930s, as "America's King Tut's tomb," for the phenomenal cache of treasures discovered there. If you have an interest in American Indian history, you should go. I wished there was more to the museum, but I found it especially worthwhile to engage the friendly and interesting fellow in charge; ask a few questions and you will probably get the equivalent of a free, guided tour with a lot of fascinating background information that will make your visit far more meaningful. Eat before you arrive because there is no place on site to do so. Call ahead to verify hours; the staffing limitations means that they sometimes have to close unexpectedly.

I visited the website before going due to the comments by others regarding the entrance fee. The website is clear on the price, form of payment and said to call before arrival to make sure it was open that day. While wandering the lobby area, a couple came in and were turned away because they did not have cash to pay. They had come by Monday but the site was closed, so came back Thursday, and still did not get to see it. I had read another review about the surly attendant and can agree whole heartedly. I got a lecture from him about the ignorance of white people on Pre-Columbian civilizations and how we killed everyone with our diseases. I didn't tell the attendant that I teach history. My favorite book is a history book, any history book. I "boned up" on the history of the mounds before going to see them. I don't need the "white guilt" lecture and I don't want to pay someone to insult my intelligence. Overall, the museum and grounds are shabby and it's hard to picture through all the overgrowth and the one, fallen down hovel, what the place would have looked like when the area was at it's peak of civilization, (you know, prior to the arrival of the filthy murderous white people). Don't waste your $4.00 cash on this place. It's more interesting on line or in a book.