There's something for everyone at Serpent Mounds Park! Whether you come for a day or a camping trip, there is much to do.

Serpent Mounds Park & National Historic Site

2000 years ago, ancient Native people camped, hunted and fished here. It continues to be a place of great aboriginal significance. On a high point of land are nine burial mounds that enclose the graves of Point Peninsula Native people. Of significance is the largest mound that has a zigzag or serpentine appearance. It is from this Mound that the Park gets its name. It is the only one of its kind in Canada. Boaters will be interested to know that Rice Lake has a long history as a busy waterway. Ancient Native people were the first to use the waterway as an important travel and trade route. The route extended to the Gulf of Mexico, to the Atlantic Ocean, to Hudson Bay, and to Lake Superior and beyond. Rice Lake was named after the abundant rice crops once harvested by Native peoples. Due to construction of the Trent Canal System and higher water levels, the rice fields have essentially disappeared. Please feel free to visit our Visitor Centre to view displays on the history of the area and/or participate in scheduled activities and crafts. Ask staff for an interpretive tour or just take a leisurely self-guided tour of the Mounds. (click here to view panorama)

Family Programs
Children and parents can participate in activities and events created just for them! Visit the Visitor Centre for details.

Workshops
Take part in native art and craft workshops. Dream catchers, drums and necklaces make perfect mementos of the park and its aboriginal heritage. Visit the Visitor Centre for details.

Nature
The park is ideally situated for bird watching. Great Blue Herons continually grace us with their presence, and ducks and geese are plentiful during their spring and fall migrations. Be sure to take along your camera and binoculars!

Recreation
There's so much to do at Serpent Mounds Park - swimming, motor boating, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, softball and relaxing on the beach! Spend time at the sand beaches which are ideal spots to swim and soak up the spectacular scenery. After an invigorating dip in Rice Lake, enjoy a picnic under the welcoming shade of large trees or slow down and take a closer look at the natural wonders all around. Hike through the nature trails hidden away in the park's mixed forest. The park also provides a large picnic shelter and group activity area which can be rented for special events. Children can play in the playground, which is equipped with horizontal ladders, swings and slide.

Adventure awaits you on the water!
Canoeing and motor boating are popular activities on Rice Lake, which is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Boat rentals are available within a short driving distance from the park. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Rice Lake, one of the most productive fisheries in the Kawartha Lakes region. Pickerel, large and small mouth bass, muskie and panfish abound here. The park is equipped with a fish cleaning shelter, boat launches and docking facilities.(click here to view panorama)

Group Tours and Native Awareness

Group tours of the ancient Serpent Mounds burial grounds and Native campsite can be arranged. The cost of this tour is $5 per person. The tour can also be expanded and designed to suit individual needs and interest. The cost of this tour will be based on the nature and extent of the tour requested. We welcome tour groups, schools, community organizations, children’s clubs and other associations. For more information or Reservations call us at 705-295-6879 or Toll Free at 866-223-3332.

What's Happening at Serpent Mounds Park
This is a notice board that will provide a list of visitor service activities and events. Important camper information is posted here.

Nearby Attractions
Serpent Mounds Park is only the beginning of your adventure in the Kawartha Lakes region. Explore the many other recreational, outdoor and historical attractions that are within a short driving distance from the park. The operating hours for these attractions may vary, so please call before starting out.

1. Serpent Mounds Park
2. Lang Century Village
3. Hope Mill Conservation Area
4. Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
5. Petroglyphs Provincial Park
6. River Road Scenic Drive
7. Walking/Bike Trail System
8. Riverview Park and Zoo
9. Peterborough Lift Lock
10. Peterborough Museum and Archives
11. Canadian Canoe Museum
12. Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park
13. Harwood Provincial Fish Culture Station
14. Pine Crest Golf and Country Club
15. Whetung Ojibwa Crafts and Art Gallery
16. Kawartha Downs Raceway and Kawartha Racetrack Slots

Winter At Serpent Mounds Park
The park is closed during the winter months. Overnight camping and day visits are not permitted at this time.