Step Back in Time and Discover Chucalissa

Step back in time and discover what life was like in the Mid-South 1,000 years ago.

Perched on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Chucalissa is a National Historic Landmark featuring ancient mounds built by Native Americans. The people who lived here were part of a vast cultural complex stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. At the peak of its occupation, Chucalissa was home to about 1,000 inhabitants. Learn how they created stone tools and exquisite pottery and grew a variety of crops.

Located only six miles from downtown Memphis, Chucalissa is a must-see opportunity for the entire family.

Outdoor exhibits feature well-preserved mounds, a fully furnished replica house, and a nature trail with a Level 1 arboretum. Inside the museum, visit the hands-on lab to touch artifacts that are thousands of years old, participate in a scavenger hunt, and create a craft to take home. We suggest you pack a lunch and stay to enjoy the beautiful picnic grounds.

Tours & Visits

Hours of operation:
Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00am – 4:30pm. Last admission at 4:00pm.

Admission fees:
Adults, $6
Children ages 4-11, $4
Children under age 4, free
Seniors (60+), $4

Groups of 10 or more may schedule guided tours Tuesday – Friday at a discounted rate.
Teachers, Scout leaders, or Home School Associations can select from a variety of educational programs and crafts. If your class can’t come to them, that’s ok. Just request a staff member make a classroom visit and they’ll come to you instead!

Every Saturday : Family Day!

Starting at 10:00am and 2:00pm, family day activities include a guided tour, complete with an educational program. There’s also a scavenger hunt, dart throwing, and a craft. Tours last about 90 minutes. No reservations required — just show up ready for fun!

Mark your calendars for October 16, 2021 : Celebrate International Archaeology Day (IAD)

IAD is jam-packed with craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for the entire family! Tour an excavation trench, watch an expert flint-knapper, take a guided tour of the nature trail to learn how Native Americans used plants to cure illnesses, compete in a dart throwing competition, and much more.

Contact us

For more information, check us out on Facebook or contact us at chucalissa@memphis.edu

1987 Indian Village Drive, Memphis, TN 38109

Call (901) 785-3160 for questions or to schedule a tour!