Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia, near Collinsville in Illinois, is a World Heritage Site preserving a major city of the Mississippian culture. Many thousands of people lived here at its peak in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Some 120 mounds were built, including Monks Mound, about 30 metres tall.

We explored the interpretive centre and climbed Monks Mound during our visit. Today the grounds and trails operate separately from the centre, which is partially open during exhibition work. The displays and film may differ from our visit. Check hours and access, and bring water and sun protection.

After visiting the visitor's center, it's highly recommended to climb the Monks Mound and look at the other mounds around.

From the top of the Monks Mound, it is also possible to see the Woodhenge - a prehistoric solar calendar consist of large logs.

If you want to spend more time here, you can take a trail map and explore the site deeper.

It is a unique place to visit.

Admission is free.

To the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Website