Fort Walton Beach-Okaloosa Island, Florida
Featured Activities Near Indian Temple Mound and Museum
Indian Temple Mound and Museum Visitors Guide
Presenting 12,000 years of Native American history, a trip to the Indian Temple Mound and Museum is sure to be informative, interesting, and inspiring. Over 1,000 artifacts made of stone, clay, shell, and bone, as well as prehistoric ceramics can be found here. The main attraction, however, is the mound itself, which was built by the Pensacola Culture Indians around 800 AD as a spiritual, ceremonial, and political structure. The area was, and still remains, a sacred burial ground.
The Temple Mound was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to be one of the largest mounds created on salt water, as well as the largest prehistoric earthwork along the Gulf Coast. Standing at 12-feet tall, and spanning 223-feet across its base, it is estimated that it took 200,000 basket loads of earth to create this massive structure!
The Indian Temple Mound and Museum is part of the Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center, which means tickets also include admission to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, and the Civil War Exhibit Building. A trip here will make visitors feel as if they’ve been teleported to the past to a much simpler time, creating a unique contrast to the surrounding bustling downtown area.
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Things to do Near Indian Temple Mound and Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets will need to be purchased onsite at the Indian Temple Mound Museum building. Each ticket grants admission to all of the amazing museums that the Heritage Park & Cultural Center has to offer. This means that one admission ticket allows access to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Civil War Exhibit Building, Indian Temple Mound and Museum, and the Garnier Post Office Museum.
The Indian Temple Mound and Museum is located in downtown Fort Walton Beach, which means it is surrounded by plenty of delicious dining options and fun things to do. Maas Coffee Roasters is a local favorite, and a great place to grab a cup of joe. Burrito del Sol, K.C.’s Sandbar & Grill, and The Boardroom Pub and Grub are a few popular dining options within walking distance of the museum.
Downtown is also the place to be for entertainment in Fort Walton Beach! Shopping local boutiques, enjoying live music, catching a flick, and axe throwing at The Ratchet Hatchet are just a few of the many fun and interesting things to do. With a wide variety of options, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages and interests!
Yes, and the Museum Store at the Indian Temple Mound Museum is a unique experience in itself. Many of the pieces are actually amazing replicas of the artifacts on display, and each purchase supports the museum and its educational programs. Popular items for sale here include pottery, beadwork, shell carvings, baskets, jewelry, art, toys, and so much more!
The Indian Temple Mound Museum is handicap accessible, but there is some walking required to get to and from each museum/exhibit. It is about a one minute walk around the mound from the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and all other museums are located on the same property.