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Serpent Mounds Provincial Park adventures

Serpent Mounds Provincial Park Adventures

Serpent Mounds Provincial Park is renowned for its ancient Indigenous earthworks and offers visitors a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty along the north shore of Rice Lake.

250
Acres Protected
3
Miles of Trails
20,000
Annual Visitors
1955
Year Established

About Serpent Mounds Provincial Park

 

Located in south-central Ontario on the north side of Rice Lake, Serpent Mounds Provincial Park protects a significant archaeological site featuring a large Native American effigy mound shaped like a serpent. The site dates back over 2,000 years and reflects the early Indigenous peoples’ sophisticated earthwork construction and ceremonial practices, primarily attributed to the Point Peninsula culture. Covering approximately 250 acres, the park includes woodlands, wetlands, and shoreline habitats that support a variety of wildlife such as migratory birds, small mammals, and native plants. Visitors can explore interpretive trails that weave through the forest and open areas, providing panoramic views of the mound and Rice Lake. Recreational opportunities include hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and seasonal fishing along the lake. The park’s cultural importance is highlighted by the carefully preserved serpent mound itself, which is one of the largest effigy mounds in North America east of the Mississippi. Serpent Mounds Provincial Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a quiet, educational experience immersed in natural surroundings. The park also serves as an important site for Indigenous cultural education, with interpretive signage and occasional programs about the First Nations history in the region.

Highlights

Highlight

The iconic 230-meter long Serpent Effigy Mound, a rare archaeological landmark

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Birdwatching opportunities with a variety of migratory waterfowl and songbirds

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Shoreline access to Rice Lake for fishing and peaceful waterside views

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Quiet forest trails that provide glimpses of native flora and small wildlife

Notable Natural Features

Serpent Effigy Mound

A large prehistoric earthwork shaped like a snake, recognized as one of the oldest and most prominent Indigenous cultural sites in eastern North America.

Rice Lake Shoreline

Scenic and tranquil shoreline offering fishing, canoeing, and waterfront relaxation opportunities.

Interpretive Trails

Marked walking paths featuring educational signage about the area’s ecology, Indigenous history, and the formation of the mound.