Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, historic landmark
Once home to a thriving Mississippian civilization of 20,000 people, Cahokia Mounds preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. This UNESCO World Heritage Site uncovers ancient urban planning, monumental earthworks, and early Native American culture.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Climb Monks Mound – Ascend 156 steps to the top of North America’s largest earthen structure for sweeping views of the mounds and St. Louis skyline.
- Walk the Trails – Explore miles of scenic paths among dozens of mounds, learning about their ceremonial, residential, and burial purposes through interpretive signs and QR codes.
- Visit the Interpretive Center – Discover artifacts, dioramas, and videos that bring the daily life and culture of the Mississippian people vividly to life.
- See Woodhenge – Visit the reconstructed circular post arrangement used as an ancient solar calendar to mark solstices, equinoxes, and ceremonial events.
- Take a Guided Tour – Join interpretive staff for in-depth tours of Monks Mound, the Grand Plaza, and other key archaeological sites.
Recommended Reading: Cahokia: Ancient America’s Great City on the Mississippi unpacks the story of a once-thriving civilization in what’s now Illinois. This lost city enriches our understanding of early American history.
Photo Credit: Anthony G. Reyes/Flickr