Spiro Mounds offers annual equinox walks

Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will offer its annual Autumnal Equinox Walks on Sept. 22 at the prehistoric American Indian site. Archaeologist and center manager Dennis Peterson will lead three walks, beginning at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Each walk will take about two hours and require a mile of easy walking. Peterson will tell about the site, the types of mounds, why they were created and why some are lined up for the solstice and equinox sunsets. He also will discuss the history of the excavations, American Indian ceremonies and stories of unusual happenings associated with the mounds.

The tour fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children in addition to the regular daily admission fee. Oklahoma Historical Society members do not pay the daily admission fee. No reservations are required, except for large groups. Payment can be made by cash or check.

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian site open to the public in Oklahoma and is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Daily admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior adults and $4 for children older than 6.

The center is 3 miles east of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour, call 918-962-2062 or email spiro@okhistory.org.