When visiting the Midwest, you must check out Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site – a fascinating and underrated archaeological site offering a unique glimpse into America’s past.
Cahokia Mounds are located just a short drive from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area. The site includes more than 80 mounds built by the Mississippian people between 1050 and 1250 AD.
The largest of these mounds is the Monks Mound, which is the size of three football fields and taller than a 10-story building. You can climb to the top of the Monks Mound for a stunning view of the site.
There’s also a museum on-site that provides visitors with an overview of the Mississippian people and their way of life. The museum is small but well done, and it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating culture.
What is Cahokia Mounds?
It’s the 11th century. Imagine a city as big as any other civilized city of its time, even more, significant than London at this same time in history, stretching across the Midwest of the United States from the Mississippi River. It is also the most technologically advanced city of its time in its region, with nearly 20,000 people living there at any time.
Situated along the Mississippi River, across from St. Louis, the ancient city of Cahokia once stood proudly for an estimated 150 years of glory.
Today, there is the most modern development over the ancient Cahok site. However, you can still visit this ancient civilization with a trip to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark.
How big are the Cahokia Mounds?
The Cahokia Mounds covers an area of approximately 2,200 acres (890 hectares). This makes them one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America.
How many mounds are at the Cahokia Mounds site?
There are over 100 earthen mounds at the Cahokia Moun s site. The largest of these mounds, the Monks Mound, is approximately 100 feet (30 meters) high and covers an area of 14 acres (5.6 hectares).
What is the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a state-owned archaeological site that includes the remains of the Cahokia Mounds. The site also has a museum and interpretive Center, which offer visitors information about the Mississippian people and the Cahokia Mounds.
What was the purpose of the Cahokia Mounds?
The purpose of the Cahokia Mounds is still largely unknown. Some theories suggest they were used for religious or ceremonial purposes, while others believe they may have served as an ancient city center or capital.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Missouri
Monk’s Mound Reaches 100 Feet Tall
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is also home to the “Monk’s Mound,” a 100-foot-tall mound that was given its name, not because monks are buried within it but because they lived near it centuries ago. This specific mound is known to be the giant prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas.
Unlike other ancient burial grounds for the native peoples of North America, however, Monk’s Mound appears to be primarily a temple site instead of a burial site.
Investigators have found postholes dug in the top terrace of the mound, creating the theory that a temple once adorned the top of the mound itself.
Monk’s mound has four terraces and is considered the giant artificial mound in the United States. Projections on Monk’s Mound, leading to the top throughout the four levels of terracing, are thought to have been ancient stairwells, thus fortifying the theory that this was a temple site.
Though a modern roadway was built through this mound in the 1800s because a gentleman decided he wanted to live on top of it, much of the mound is still intact and helps visitors get a glimpse of what Cahokia used to be like.
Did Cahokia Have Its Version of Stonehenge?
In the early 1960s, excavations in the area to create the interstate accidentally uncovered several large oval-shaped pits that seemed to be in concentric circular patterns.
The theory is that large wooden stakes were used inside these pits to help track the sun’s motion following the calendar r year. With further study, it was determined that red cedar was likely used in these p patterns. Thus the name “Woodhenge” was born.
As the sun tracks throughout the seasons, it is also interesting to note that the wooden posts marking the important dates of the year, such as the sunrise of the two equinoxes, point toward the critical locations of Cahokia Mounds as well.
The 7-foot posts are also thought to point toward offertory pits within the city, which would have been utilized on other essential calendar days.
A Stockade Once Protected Over 80 Different Mound Sites
Cahokia also had a two-mile stockade that archaeologists believe was rebuilt at least three times by mound builders. Though there is no evidence that the city was ever attacked because the wall cuts through what are considered residential areas, it is thought that attacks were often regarded as imminent.
This is backed up by the fact that the fence also contained bastions, first round, then a square, where archers could help to defend the city. Some believe the wall may have also served as a social barrier.
Looking at the remains, scientists have determined that at least two different social classes lived in Cahokia. Some people ate lots of meat, while others seemed to have a scavenger s diet. There were likely three social classes: priests, the wealthy/leadership, and everyone else.
You Can Visit Places Where Human Sacrifice Took Place
Two mounds in Cahokia, particularly Mounds 52 & 72, are burial locations of ritual human sa orifice. Some think that the mound location is where the surrenderoccurrede, though, with wooden stretchers in the mounds, it may have also taken place at Monks Mound.
Over 300 people are thought to have been sacrificed over the years of Cahokia’s existence, with many of them being offered at the death of a significant person within the city.
Guided tours of Cahokia Mounds
The National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia cover over two hundred acres. The general public is welcome to explore 800 acres at this location if you prefer self-guided tours.
The journey cannot be completed without seeing the region or climbing the 100-foot-high mound. Monk’s mound, the giant mound, and Woodhenge, which has been restored, is worth seeing.
A guided tour of the entire site takes about n hour. In the summer, guides will give excursions to the area during peak periods in April, September, and October: tours and other resources, including nature walking trails and culture hiking trails.
Interpretive Center
The Interpretive Center is closed for renovations that started in March 2022. If you want to learn more about the area you’re visiting, the Interpretive Center is an excellent resource. Self-guided and with plenty of volunteers to answer questions, the Interpretive Center Gallery is perfect for travelers who want to get the most out of their trip.
The Interpretive Center is the best place to learn about the old Native American culture. The Interpretive Center houses museum exhibit galleries, a museum shop, a gift shop, and an orientation show theater where they play games and tell stories about Mississippian culture and ancient people who lived before French explorers arrived.
There’s also a public programming auditorium that provides educational programs on Cahokian history all year long. The main building is your guide through this fascinating continent-wide story (it even includes interactive ex-bits). However, don’t forget about its five acres of outdoor space either: we know summertime can be hot here in the Midwest.
If you want to learn while exploring, consider going on one of the interpretive trails to learn about the mounds of the ancient peoples, including the rattlesnake mound, Monk’s Mound, and the rattlesnake causeway.
The Interpretive Center Exhibits offer informative guides and information about the area’s natural and human history. Admission is free, but a contribution is appreciated ($7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for children, and $15 for families).
You may also make a group visit or school field trip by contacting the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. So, if you want to learn more about the region’s natural or human history, visit them.
Schedule Your Visit to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
The site features many artifacts recovered from this ancient city with a visit to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. In addition, an interpretive center offers more tours and historical artifacts found at the earthen mounds when they were first discovered.
Directions to Cahokia Mounds
It is located in Collinsville, Illinois, off Interstates 55/70 and 255. Cahokia Mounds is just fifteen minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri.
Admission & Fees
Entrance to Cahokia Mounds is free, although a donation of $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for children, or $15 for families is suggested.
Hours of Operation
The grounds are open from 8 am to sunset every day, except for seven holidays yearly. The interpretive Center, where many artifacts can be seen, is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm throughout most of the year, except May thru October, when it is open every day.
Guided tours are available, as well as audio tours. The audio tours have an additional charge to the suggested donation. For more information, be sure to check the official Cahokia Mounds website.
Best Places to Stay Near Cahokia Mounds
There are a few great hotels near the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. If you’re looking for a place close to the action, the Hampton Inn Collinsville/St. Louis is a great option, as it’s only minutes from the site.
If you’re looking for something more rustic, the Beall Mansion, An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn, is a great choice. This bed and breakfast is in a beautiful, historic mansion just a short drive from Cahokia Mounds.
If you want more options, check the lowest prices for accommodation on Booking.com near Cahokia Mounds.
Final Thoughts
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of this ancient city and see some of the artifacts that have been recovered from the site. Be sure to schedule a visit when you’re in the area.
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FAQ
How did the Cahokia Mounds get their name?
The Cahokia Mounds were named after the historic Native American tribe once inhabited the area. The name “Cahokia” is thought to be derived from a native word meaning “city of the sun.”
When was the Cahokia Mounds built?
The Cahokia Mounds were built between approximately 950 and 1400 AD. This makes them one of the oldest archaeological sites in North America.
Who built the Cahokia Mounds?
The Cahokia Mounds were built by the Mississippian people, a Native American culture that was prevalent in the southeastern United States during this period.
How Long is Needed at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?
It takes about 2 hours to see everything at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
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