Discover a Deeper Experience at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center This Summer
Share this:
As you plan your travels to the Gulf Coast this summer, consider making a meaningful stop at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center in Atmore, Alabama. Located just off I-65 at Exit 54, this inviting destination offers an educational and enriching experience for all visitors—whether you’re on a family road trip, a teacher organizing a field trip, or part of a group interested in Native American history and culture.
The Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center exists to preserve, celebrate, and share the history and culture of the Poarch Creek Indians—Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe. Admission is free, and the museum offers a deep and thoughtful look at the Tribe’s journey from ancient traditions to modern-day sovereignty.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits that bring the past to life. Learn about early life during the Mississippian era and the Creek Confederacy through stoneware, pottery, tools, and historical documents. One highlight is the Tribe’s original Petition for Federal Recognition, submitted in 1980—marking a pivotal moment in their modern history.
Currently on display is Trailblazers of Identity: Advocating for Culture and Self-Determination, an exhibit exploring how the Poarch Creek people reconnected with their heritage during the cultural shifts of the 1970s. This story of resilience and revitalization highlights the Tribe’s commitment to preserving tradition while building a stronger future.
The Museum and Welcome Center regularly hosts tailored experiences for a wide range of groups. School field trips are designed to align with educational standards while immersing students in the rich history and living culture of Alabama’s Native people. Corporate and civic groups can participate in cultural awareness tours that foster understanding and connection, while community organizations and summer camps enjoy interactive exhibits and age-appropriate storytelling.
Each group visit is guided by knowledgeable staff and personalized to ensure a meaningful, respectful, and memorable experience. These group programs reflect the Museum’s broader mission: to educate the public, foster cultural appreciation, and strengthen community ties through storytelling and shared history.
While there are currently no public points of interest on the Poarch Creek reservation itself, the Museum and Welcome Center plays a vital role in greeting and guiding visitors. For those coming to the reservation for scheduled meetings or Tribal services, it serves as a central location to receive directions, check in for appointments, and learn more about the Tribe’s work and presence in the region.
Before leaving, visitors can stop by the Museum’s retail shop, which features authentic Native-made goods, educational books, cultural items, and unique gifts. It’s the perfect place to find a thoughtful souvenir while supporting Tribal artisans and cultural preservation efforts.
The Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and new exhibits and seasonal programming provide fresh opportunities to engage throughout the year.
To learn more or to schedule a group visit, please visit: pci-nsn.gov/culture-and-events/museum-welcome-center/
This summer, go beyond the typical tourist route. Make time to stop, learn, and experience the enduring story of the Poarch Creek Indians—a people rooted in tradition and dedicated to welcoming all who come through their doors.
