Indian Temple Mound & Museum


One of the most sacred sites for local Native American culture to this day, the 17ft-tall, 223ft-wide ceremonial and political temple mound, built with 500,000 basket-loads of earth and representing what is probably the largest prehistoric earthwork on the Gulf Coast, dates back to somewhere between AD 800 and 1500. On top of the mound you'll find a re-created temple, which houses a small exhibition center.

The museum offers an extensive overview of 12,000 years of Native American history, and houses flutes, ceramics and artifacts fashioned from stone, bone and shells, as well as a comprehensive research library.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Okaloosa Island Pier & Boardwalk

1.08 MILES

Stretching out almost a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic, this popular recreational-fishing pier is open 24 hours in the summer and is illuminated for…

2. Okaloosa Day Use Area

2.99 MILES

This sub-section of gorgeous Gulf Islands National Seashore includes parking, beach access and a picnic area.

3. US Air Force Armament Museum

5.06 MILES

One for military buffs. The exterior of this hangar-style museum, flanked by fighter planes, appears small, but inside are extensive weapons displays –…

4. Destin Boardwalk & HarborWalk Village

5.88 MILES

This tourist mecca of timeshare condos, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and a marina is worth a stroll, especially if you have kids. Most of the area's…

5. Henderson Beach State Park

10.1 MILES

Our favorite beach area in Destin is this state park, which includes a 0.8-mile nature trail. There are also some excellent beachside campsites ($30),…

6. Seascape Beach

11.31 MILES

Although all of Destin's beaches are family-friendly, this beach is maybe a little more family-friendly, given the presence of restrooms, a picnic area…

7. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

19.78 MILES

There's some 1640 acres of natural beauty to discover at Topsail, including quiet white-sand beaches, sun-battered wetlands, sand pine scrub forest, a 2.5…

8. Dune Allen Beach

21.54 MILES

Simply one of the more pleasant beaches along South Walton, Dune Allen is a family-friendly slice of sand that's great for the kids, or adults who just…