Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Fox Valley Travel Guide

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Explore Cahokia Mounds, the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, and discover the fascinating world of the Mississippian culture.

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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, near Collinsville, Illinois, preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. Flourishing from 800 to 1400 AD, it was the center of the Mississippian culture, boasting a population larger than London at its peak. Explore earthen mounds, a reconstructed Woodhenge, and immerse yourself in Native American history.

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, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
Check the Cahokia Mounds website for updates on events and trail conditions.
Download the Cahokia AR Tour app for an augmented reality experience.

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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, and Illinois 111, on Collinsville Road. From St. Louis, take I-55/70 into Illinois. Take Exit 6 (Highway 111) and turn right onto Highway 111 South. Turn left onto Collinsville Road. The entrance will be on the right. There is no admission or parking fee.
Public Transport

While the MetroLink bus no longer directly serves Cahokia Mounds, some public transportation options are available. The Madison County Transit Bus #18 travels between downtown Collinsville and downtown St. Louis, stopping at the Emerson Park Metrolink station in East St. Louis. It also stops at Black Lane/Fairmont Ave. and Collinsville Road, a 0.76-mile walk to the site. A single fare on the Madison County Transit bus is typically around $1-$3.

Discover more about Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site protects the central section of what was once the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Collinsville, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Mississippian culture that thrived between 800 and 1400 AD.At its peak around 1100 AD, Cahokia covered nearly 4,000 acres and housed a population between 10,000 and 20,000. This bustling metropolis included approximately 120 earthen mounds, grand plazas, and agricultural fields. The most impressive feature is Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Americas. Visitors can climb to the top of Monks Mound for panoramic views and interpretive signs explaining the site's layout.Explore the grounds to discover other significant features, including a reconstructed stockade wall and Woodhenge, a circle of posts used as an astronomical calendar. The site also offers several trails that wind through various wetland, forest, and grassland environments.The Interpretive Center is currently closed for renovations, but the grounds remain open. Visitors can still experience the grandeur of Cahokia Mounds and learn about the people who once called this place home.