Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Driftless Area Travel Guide

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Explore the ancient metropolis of Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, near St. Louis.

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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Explore Cahokia Mounds, the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, located near Collinsville, Illinois. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Mississippian culture that thrived from 700 to 1400 AD, featuring impressive earthworks, including the massive Monks Mound, and a fascinating interpretive center.

A brief summary to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Collinsville, Illinois, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Wear comfortable shoes for climbing Monks Mound and exploring the extensive trail system.
Bring water, especially during warm weather, as climbing the mounds can be strenuous.
Check the Cahokia Mounds website or call ahead for updates on outdoor tours and programs during the Interpretive Center's closure.
Download the Cahokia AR Tour app for an augmented reality experience of the site.

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Explore Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Cahokia Mounds is located off Interstates 55-70 and 255 on Collinsville Road in Collinsville, Illinois. From I-255, take Exit 24 for Collinsville Road. The site is easily accessible by car, with a main parking lot and smaller lots near key landmarks. Parking is free.
Public Transport

Unfortunately, the MetroLink bus no longer runs directly to Cahokia Mounds. Check for alternative public transportation options to nearby Collinsville, Illinois, and then consider a taxi or ride-sharing service for the final few miles to the site.

Discover more about Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the advanced Mississippian culture that flourished centuries ago. Located just a short drive from St. Louis, Missouri, near Collinsville, Illinois, this sprawling complex was once the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. From approximately 700 to 1400 AD, Cahokia was a bustling metropolis, boasting a population larger than London's at the time, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 residents.The heart of Cahokia is its impressive earthworks, the most notable being Monks Mound. Rising over 100 feet, it is the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Americas. Visitors can climb the 156 steps to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the St. Louis skyline. The site also features Woodhenge, a reconstructed sun calendar used to mark seasonal changes.While the Interpretive Center is currently undergoing renovations throughout most of 2025, the grounds and trails remain open from dawn until dusk. Explore the various trails, discover the different types of mounds, and imagine the lives of the people who once called this place home. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves 72 of the original 120 earthen mounds built by the prehistoric Native Americans.Cahokia Mounds offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and learn about a sophisticated civilization that shaped the landscape of North America. Whether you're interested in history, archaeology, or simply enjoy exploring the outdoors, Cahokia Mounds is a destination worth discovering.