Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Explore the remnants of North America's largest ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mississippian culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of North America's largest ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mississippian culture.
"A truly amazing place with incredible views and a deep sense of history."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring all the mounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water. There are limited facilities for refills on the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monks Mound
Central Cahokia
Climb the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas for panoramic views. It's a 10-story structure with around 154 steps.
Woodhenge
Eastern Cahokia
Discover the reconstructed ancient solar calendar, a testament to the astronomical knowledge of the Mississippian people.
Rattlesnake Causeway
Near Mound 66
Explore the 'Path of Souls,' a significant ancient pathway connecting important ceremonial areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale
Visitor Center Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring all the mounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water. There are limited facilities for refills on the grounds.
📱 Utilize AR Features
Scan QR codes for augmented reality experiences that bring the ancient city to life.
🗺️ Grab a Map
The site is large. A map will help you navigate and find all the significant mounds and features.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across expansive grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring all the mounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water. There are limited facilities for refills on the grounds.
📱 Utilize AR Features
Scan QR codes for augmented reality experiences that bring the ancient city to life.
🗺️ Grab a Map
The site is large. A map will help you navigate and find all the significant mounds and features.
☀️ Check the Weather
Be prepared for sun or wind. There's not much shade on the mounds, so dress accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cahokia Mounds for its historical significance and the impressive scale of its earthworks, particularly Monks Mound. The opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views is a major highlight. The site is well-maintained, with clear signage and accessible paths, making it enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels. Some visitors note the visitor center's limited hours, but emphasize that the outdoor exploration is still highly rewarding.
"This was a really cool place to check out! We walked up the staircases to the top of the largest Mound and took in the views. Absolutely amazing. Doesn't take long to climb up and there were lots of people of all ages there, some were there for exercise. It was a fairly clear day with a little wind. We spent almost an hour walking around the one area and up the main mound. We didn't go across the street to the building, there were several cars parked over there too."
Vicki Gill
"A wonderful place to stop and see a piece of history. The grounds were well kept, signs are well placed. The stair leading to the top are well spaced out so people of all activity levels can make the climb. There was a bench about halfway up and at the top to sit as needed.
Having a personal connection to Mississippian tribes I found the area to give me a sense of connection to my heritage. To see the landscape how it was."
Lawana Martin
"This was my first visit to the park, and it’s full of fascinating history and details. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys exploring new places. I came on the weekend, and there was plenty of parking available on both sides of the park. The tour took a little over an hour to explore all the sites — definitely worth it!"
Alex Buchanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cahokia Mounds is located in Collinsville, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. It's easily accessible by car via I-55/I-70. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Yes, there is ample parking available at the site, particularly near the visitor center and around Monks Mound.
On a clear day, you can see the Gateway Arch and other St. Louis landmarks from the top of Monks Mound, offering a unique perspective on the proximity of the ancient city to modern life.
The site is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking extensively between the various mounds and features.
While formal guided tours might vary, the site offers interpretive signs and augmented reality features to enhance your understanding of the history. Check the official website for any scheduled programs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is generally free to enter, though donations are appreciated to help with preservation efforts.
The grounds are typically open daily from dawn to dusk. However, specific building hours, including the interpretive center, can vary, so it's best to check the official website before your visit.
The visitor center's hours can fluctuate. Some sources indicate it may be closed or have limited hours, so it's advisable to confirm its status before your trip.
Yes, you can climb Monks Mound via well-maintained staircases. It's a popular activity for both exercise and enjoying the views.
No, advance booking is not typically required as the site is free to access. However, for any special events or programs, it's wise to check their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Monks Mound, the largest earthwork, and Woodhenge, the ancient solar calendar. Exploring the various other mounds and the reconstructed village areas is also highly recommended.
To fully appreciate the site, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore extensively and hike around, you could easily spend half a day.
Restroom facilities are available, typically near the visitor center and other key points of interest.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the mounds and learning about the ancient civilization. The climb up Monks Mound can be a fun challenge for them.
The site offers interpretive signs, a reconstructed village, and augmented reality features that provide insights into the Mississippian culture, their daily lives, and their achievements.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of Monks Mound offers stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Woodhenge also provides unique photographic opportunities with its circular structure.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to preserve the environment and visitor experience. It's best to check the site's specific regulations.
Photography of artifacts is usually allowed in designated areas, but always check for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the mounds and landscape.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The augmented reality features via QR codes can also make the exploration more interactive and captivating for younger visitors. Encourage them to imagine life in this ancient city as you walk among the mounds.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Many visitors use the site for jogging and brisk walks. The well-maintained paths and the sheer scale of the site mean you can get a substantial amount of physical activity while immersing yourself in history.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Delve into the mysteries of this ancient urban center, explore the various mound types, and ponder the reasons for its eventual abandonment. The site's historical significance is immense, providing a tangible connection to a sophisticated civilization that flourished centuries ago.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Cahokia Mounds
The most prominent feature is Monks Mound, a colossal earthen structure that covers over 14 acres and rises 100 feet high. It is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas and served as the political and ceremonial center of the city. Surrounding Monks Mound are dozens of other smaller mounds, including platform mounds, ridge-top mounds, and ridgetop mounds, each with its own purpose and significance. The site also includes evidence of a large palisade wall and a complex network of roads and plazas.
The reasons for Cahokia's eventual decline and abandonment around the 14th century remain a subject of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from environmental degradation and resource depletion to social unrest and climate change. Despite its abandonment, Cahokia Mounds stands as a powerful testament to the ingenuity and complexity of indigenous North American civilizations, offering a unique window into a lost world.
Exploring the Mounds and Features
Beyond Monks Mound, the site features Woodhenge, a series of large timber circles that functioned as a sophisticated solar calendar. Reconstructed to its original form, Woodhenge allows visitors to visualize how the ancient inhabitants tracked the solstices and equinoxes, demonstrating their advanced understanding of astronomy.
Other notable features include the Rattlesnake Causeway, believed to be a ceremonial path, and various residential and ceremonial mounds that hint at the social stratification and daily life of the Cahokians. The grounds themselves are expansive and well-maintained, with clear signage guiding visitors through the different areas.
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