Located on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the LSU Campus Mounds offer you an incredible look into ancient American history. These two Native American earthen mounds date back to the Archaic Period, with construction beginning over 11,000 years ago—meaning they actually predate the Great Pyramids of Egypt! Standing 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall, the twin structures sit on a spot overlooking the Mississippi River floodplain and are part of a larger statewide system of mounds.
When you visit, you will see two distinct structures: the northern mound, built of hard clay dirt, and the more porous southern mound. Scholarly consensus indicates these impressive sites were used for ceremonial and marking point purposes, though core samples taken by researchers revealed charcoal layers that may point to cremations or pit barbecues. Over the years, preservation efforts have added a sidewalk, a protective low brick wall, hybrid Bermuda grass, and protective fencing to prevent degradation from natural erosion and heavy foot traffic.
The mounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making them a fascinating and historically significant stop during your journey through Baton Rouge.
What to see at LSU Campus Mounds
- Ancient Native American mounds dating back more than 11,000 years
- Earthen structures that predate the Great Pyramids of Egypt
- 20-foot-tall twin mounds overlooking the Mississippi River floodplain
- Listed site on the National Register of Historic Places
Visiting tips
Stay on the designated sidewalk between the mounds and respect the protective fencing and low brick wall designed to prevent damage to these ancient structures.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
LSU Campus Mounds is easy to reach on Baton Rouge’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Huey P. Long Bridge (Baton Rouge) and St. Joseph Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baton Rouge travel guide.
See the full Baton Rouge travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.