North Alabama, Northwest Loop | Lawrence | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Summer
Oakville Indian Mounds Park consists of 122 acres and hosts an array of birds because of a multitude of habitats on our site, ranging from the 22-acre pond that is a home for Great blue herons, various sandpipers and, especially in winter, waterfowl, to the wooded surrounding areas where you can view Eastern phoebes and Tufted titmouse. The encompassing farm land around our property draws in birds to enjoy the seeds and harvest, to the wide open spaces to witness a Blue jay or Eastern bluebird flitting and flying from one side of the property to another. Belted Kingfishers routinely hunt the lake while various herons wade along the water’s edge.
The wooded areas are home to many of Alabama’s woodpeckers, and spring and summer bring migrating warblers. Summer tanagers breed here, as do Indigo Buntings.
Oakville can be enjoyed by the beginning birder who simply gets pleasure from viewing birds in their natural habitat, or those who are advanced in knowledge and are interested in photographing birds in beautiful scenery.
Native Americans have known for thousands of years before us the joy of the land that is Oakville. The historical significance of the site cannot go unnoticed. The two mounds to be viewed at this location are awe-inspiring — they allow you to go back in time to a culture that utilized, appreciated and valued nature. Walk on top of the platform mound that is 27 feet tall and is the largest Woodland-period platform mound in the state of Alabama. You’ll view the Warrior Mountains in the distance. Tour the museum on site to view artifacts dating back as far as the Paleo period and see the giant wooden carving of Sequoyah. Venture outside again and enjoy the 3+miles of accessible trails around the property to view the sights that the indigenous peoples before us enjoyed and called home. If you are observant and attentive, you might see a Prothonotary warbler, a Chimney swift, an Eastern kingbird or a Little blue heron. Keep your eyes and ears aware as you meander through Oakville – you wouldn’t want to miss the beauty and variety of birds you’ll experience here.
The site is closed on Sundays. It is also a popular destination for school groups, so check their schedule if you wish to avoid throngs of happy children!
Site Accessibility
The museum is accessible as are several bathrooms. There are several shorter paved trails along with some hard packed dirt trails that provide fairly accessible views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.
If traveling north or south on Highway 157, look for the brown historical signage for Oakville Indian Mounds and Jesse Owens Park and Museum in the Speake community. If traveling north, travel approx 25 miles from Cullman and turn right onto County Road 187.
If traveling south on Hwy 157, travel approx. 6 miles from Moulton and turn left onto Co Rd 187.
Travel approximately 1.5 miles and Oakville Indian Mounds will be on the left at 1219 Co Rd 187. Follow the entrance driveway past the large platform mound until you reach the museum parking lot. Sign in at the guest book inside the museum before enjoying birding at our site.
Amenities Available: Gravel or Dirt Trails, Paved Trails, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Wheelchair Accessible
Nearby Sites
Bankhead National Forest – Central Firetower
Habitats in the national forest range from old fields to mature pine and hardwood forests. The area is renowned for its breeding Cerulean Warblers, which can be found in several of the heavily wooded canyon bottoms.
Wheeler Dam – South Landing
Completed in 1936, Wheeler Dam (Site #2, Northwest Loop) was the first Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) hydroelectric dam on the Tennessee River. This dam impounds the 67,100-acre Wheeler Lake, creating an enormous habitat for waterfowl, wading birds …