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

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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.

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.

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Chickasaw Village Site, Unnamed Road, 38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA