Among the many amazing sites that line the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find the Chickasaw Village Site. As you might expect from the name, a Chickasaw village once stood on the grounds. The village is long gone; however, that doesn’t mean it’s lost forever. Signage and concrete markers recreate the historic village, while a short nature trail winds through it, giving visitors a vivid peek into the past.
Located in Tupelo, the Chickasaw Village Site can be found on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 261.8.
Tony Webster/Wikimedia
Education and recreation unite at the site, which features a short nature trail and lots of informative signage.
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
The mostly paved trail is less than one-half mile and features little elevation gain, so it’s a great trek for hikers of all ages.
Kevin Wallace/Google
The trail begins at the information shelter.
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
Not just a trailhead, the shelter features several informative panels and audio recordings that tell the story of the Chickasaws.
Paul bridges/Google
The panels also include information on the tribe that once inhabited the site. (Interestingly, it was the only tribe the French couldn’t conquer during the French-Chickasaw War of 1736.)
Lawrence Grubbs/All Trails
From the information shelter, follow the well-marked trail through the woods and around the former village.
americanlocation2011/Google
Throughout the trail, there are several types of signs. Some identify plants, while others tell how the Chickasaws used those plants.
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
Plant-related signs aren’t all you’ll find along the trail, though.
Aaron Kolega/Google
There are also several concrete formations – each of which is accompanied by a sign.
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
The concrete formations don’t look like much; however, they symbolize the structures that archaeologists found on the site long ago.
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
You don’t have to rely completely on your imagination, though.
Matthew Nichols/Google
The signs that accompany each structure feature a sketch of what it looked like as well as some background on how it was used.
americanlocation2011/Google
To learn more about the Chickasaw Village Site, along with other sites on the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit the National Park Service website.
Tony Webster/Wikimedia
National Park Planner, Contributed Photo
Kevin Wallace/Google
Paul bridges/Google
Lawrence Grubbs/All Trails
americanlocation2011/Google
Aaron Kolega/Google
Matthew Nichols/Google
americanlocation2011/Google
So, did you know about this abandoned village? Ever visited? Know of another must-visit abandoned site? What’s your favorite site on the Natchez Trace Parkway? We want to hear your thoughts!
Once you’ve explored the Chickasaw Village Site, head into town for a bite to eat. Tupelo has actually been named the best foodie town in Mississippi.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Chickasaw Village Site, Unnamed Road, 38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
