POVERTY POINT WORLD HERITAGE SITE'S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SET FOR JUNE 22

In recognition of the 10-year anniversary of Poverty Point being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will enjoy free admission to Poverty Point World Heritage Site on Saturday, June 22. In addition, there will be informative, interactive and engaging programs offered throughout the day.

“The World Heritage designation for Poverty Point has been significant for the site and the area. Not only has it been recognized as one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, but visitation to the site since 2013, the year before the designation, has drastically increased,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “With the recent addition of cruise ship excursions and improvements to the site, along with the nearby Poverty Point Reservoir State Park and the Conference Center at Black Bear, we hope to continue welcoming folks from all over the world to feed their souls on this extraordinary piece of our state’s history.”

In 1962, Poverty Point was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The site also became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2010 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Of the 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, Poverty Point is one of just 25 in the U.S. with such a designation. World Heritage Sites are designated for their universal value in natural or cultural heritage.

Poverty Point is considered one of the most culturally significant Native American sites in the U.S. The 3,400-year-old site is also the largest, most complex U.S. archaeological site of its age. The site's design is unlike any other site in the world, including a massive earthen complex, with six mounds, six concentric, C-shaped ridges and a large, flat plaza.

An interpretive museum, special events, programs and guided tours, highlight activities at the park. Tram tours are available year-round, weather permitting; call the office for the daily schedule. The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, film theatre, hiking trail, driving tour, seasonal tram tour, and any interpretive events taking place at the site. Children (3 and under) and senior citizens (62 and over) are admitted free of charge.

For the full program schedule, go to the Louisiana State Parks website.

Poverty Point is located at 6859 LA Highway 577 in Pioneer, LA. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, follow the Poverty Point World Heritage Site Facebook page.