Effigy Mounds National Monument

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“…one of the finest mound groups in all America...”

Before Europeans arrived, a unique American Indian “Effigy Mound” culture developed in the upper Midwest building thousands of earthen mounds in the shape of animals across the landscape. Today, over two-hundred mounds are preserved intact here; thirty-one are effigies in the shape of bears and birds found along hiking trails offering magnificent views of the Mississippi River.

View of Mississippi River from Fire Point

A Sacred Place of Stunning Natural Beauty

The mounds preserved here are considered ceremonial and sacred sites by many Americans, especially the Monument's 16 affiliated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds, the peoples who built them and the relationships to their modern decedents. The 2,526 acre Monument includes 206 American Indian mounds situated in a natural setting, and located within the one of the most picturesque sections along the "Great River Road" of the Mississippi River - a National Scenic Byway.

Exploring the Monument

There are numerous opportunities for you to enjoy a self-guided tour or join a ranger for a hike, walk, talk or historic demonstration. Discover the artistic and lasting imprint of an ancient culture, the ingenuity of ancient American Indian tools and implements, and share the stories of the past and present. Hiking trails lead to original American Indian mounds, and a variety of habitats - including upland forest, 81.5 acres of prairie, wetland and riparian.
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		Special Public Events and Programs Join us throughout the year during our large scale public educational events or special topic ranger-led programs. Bird walks, living history "Moonlight Hikes", American Indian cultural and archeology demonstrations are presented annually along with our largest attended event - "HawkWatch Weekend".

School Field Trip Visits

Thousands of school students visit the Monument annually to participate in our educational programs - either curriculum based, or simply to have a stimulating out of the classroom experience. Subject to staffing availability, we accommodate program requests on a reservation basis or by offering resources that facilitate teacher-led self guided class visits. To learn more about these opportunities, visit our “For Teachers” section.

Write to

Effigy Mounds National Monument
151 HWY 76
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(563) 873-3491

Fax

(563) 873-3743

Climate

Summers are hot and humid, spring and fall are mild with moderate temperatures, winters can be very cold and snowy along the upper Mississippi River. Wear clothing in season suitable for strenuous walks and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Boardwalks may be slippery when wet; hiking trails are wood chipped.

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Effigy Mounds National Monument Information