Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Prairie State Travel Guide

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Explore Cahokia Mounds, the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, and discover the ancient Mississippian culture in Illinois.

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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Explore Cahokia Mounds, the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, near Collinsville, Illinois. Discover the fascinating history and culture of the Mississippian people who thrived here centuries ago, leaving behind impressive earthen mounds and a glimpse into a sophisticated society.

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 grounds.
Bring water, especially during warm weather, as the site involves a lot of walking.
Check the Cahokia Mounds website or call ahead for updates on the Interpretive Center's reopening and tour availability.
Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds.

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Explore Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

Cahokia Mounds is located near Collinsville, Illinois, just eight miles from downtown St. Louis. Take Interstates 55-70 or 255 to Collinsville Road (Exit 24). Follow Collinsville Road to the site entrance. There is no admission or parking fee.
Public Transport

While direct public transportation to Cahokia Mounds is limited, you can take the Madison County Transit Bus #18 from downtown Collinsville. The bus stops at Black Lane/Fairmont Ave. and Collinsville Road, a 0.76-mile walk west to the site on Collinsville Road. Please note that Collinsville Road has a soft shoulder. Bus fares are typically around $1-$3.

Discover more about Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the heart of what was once the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. Flourishing from 700 to 1400 AD, this metropolis covered over 4,000 acres and boasted a population exceeding that of London at the time. Today, the State of Illinois protects approximately 2,200 acres, encompassing 72 of the original 120 earthen mounds.Dominating the landscape is Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, rising 100 feet high. Visitors can climb to its summit for panoramic views and interpretive signs explaining the site's layout. Explore the reconstructed Woodhenge, an astronomical observatory used to mark the seasons, and remnants of a stockade wall.The Interpretive Center offers exhibits and displays about the Mississippian culture, their daily life, and the significance of Cahokia as an urban hub. While the Interpretive Center is currently closed for renovations, outdoor tours are available.Cahokia Mounds offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and learn about the sophisticated civilization that once thrived in the heart of North America.