Mound 72, Northeastern Illinois Travel Guide

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Explore Mound 72 at Cahokia Mounds: Uncover ancient burial rituals and astronomical knowledge of the Mississippian culture.

Mound 72, a ridge-top burial mound at Cahokia Mounds, reveals insights into the lives, rituals, and social structure of the ancient Mississippian people who thrived here over a thousand years ago. Excavations have uncovered fascinating burial practices, including the 'beaded burial' of a high-status individual and evidence of both elaborate ceremonies and sacrificial victims.

A brief summary to Mound 72

7200 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville, Illinois, 62234, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mound 72.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for quieter exploration and better photography light.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the mounds can be uneven.
Check the Cahokia Mounds website for updates on guided tours and special events.
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as facilities on-site are limited.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

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Explore Mound 72 on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mound 72, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the Cahokia Mounds Museum, head east on Collinsville Road. Turn left onto Wenzel Road and follow the signs for Mound 72. Free parking is available near the mound. Note that the grounds are open from dawn until dusk.
Biking

Bicycle rentals are available nearby, or you can bring your own bike. From the Cahokia Mounds Visitor Center, follow the bike path through the site towards Mound 72, adhering to the signs. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes from the Visitor Center. Note that the grounds are open from dawn until dusk.
Walking

From the Cahokia Mounds Museum (when open), follow the designated walking paths towards the southern part of the site. Mound 72 is located approximately 850 meters (2,790 feet) south of Monks Mound. Follow the signs and maps available at the parking lot. Note that the grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

Discover more about Mound 72

Mound 72, located south of Monks Mound in the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, is a significant archaeological feature offering a glimpse into the pre-Columbian Mississippian culture. This ridge-top mound is not just a pile of earth; it's a layered historical record, revealing how the people of Cahokia honored their dead and structured their society.Originally, the site began as a 'woodhenge,' a circle of 48 large wooden posts used for tracking celestial events, including solstices and equinoxes, dating back to approximately 950 CE. This suggests a deep understanding of astronomy and its importance in their lives. The woodhenge was later dismantled, and the area transformed into a burial ground with mortuary houses, platform mounds, and mass burials.The most notable discovery within Mound 72 is the 'beaded burial,' the remains of an elite individual, possibly a ruler, interred on a bed of over 20,000 marine-shell disc beads arranged in the shape of a falcon or 'birdman'. This burial highlights the individual's high status and the significance of the birdman motif in Mississippian culture. Accompanying this burial were caches of finely worked arrowheads from different geographical regions, demonstrating Cahokia's extensive trade links.However, Mound 72 also holds a darker side. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of over 250 other skeletons, with a significant percentage believed to be sacrificial victims. These include mass graves of young women and men who appear to have been violently killed, suggesting ritualistic practices. The presence of these burials alongside the elite burial raises questions about the social dynamics and power structures within Cahokia.Today, Mound 72 stands as a testament to the complex society that once thrived at Cahokia. While the exact meaning of the rituals and burials remains a subject of ongoing research, the mound offers a powerful connection to the past and a chance to reflect on the lives and beliefs of the Mississippian people.