Pyramid Mound

Pyramid Mound is an archaeological site in Vincennes featuring a natural loess hill that Indigenous peoples modified for ceremonial use. The site spans about 5 acres on the southern side of Wabash Avenue and remains protected and managed by Knox County Parks and Recreation Department.

The site is connected to the Mississippian culture that inhabited the region in prehistoric times, forming what is known as the Vincennes culture. Museum surveys conducted in the 1960s revealed these connections and established the archaeological significance of the location.

The site served as a burial ground for Woodland period Indigenous peoples who incorporated the natural formation into their spiritual practices. This reflects how local communities shaped the landscape around their ceremonial needs.

The grounds are open for visitors to walk around and observe the natural formation that was used by Indigenous peoples for ceremonial purposes. The site received protection through the National Register of Historic Places designation in 1975, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The mound is not entirely human-made but originated as a natural loess hill formed by wind patterns along the eastern edge of the Wabash River valley. This blend of natural geology and human modification makes it particularly valuable for understanding how prehistoric peoples worked with the landscape.