Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Quad Cities Travel Guide

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, located near Collinsville, Illinois, preserves the central section of what was once the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. This ancient metropolis, inhabited from 700 to 1400 AD, reached its peak around 1100 AD, boasting a population of 10,000-20,000, surpassing even London in size at the time. The Mississippian people who called this place home were skilled farmers, traders, and builders, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of earthen mounds and a complex social structure.The site features over 70 remaining mounds, with Monks Mound being the most prominent. Rising 100 feet high and covering 14 acres, it is the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views and interpretive signs explaining the site's significance. Other features include a reconstructed stockade wall and Woodhenge, a circle of posts used as an astronomical observatory.While the Interpretive Center is currently closed for renovations, the grounds remain open for exploration. Visitors can wander the trails, imagine life in this ancient city, and learn about the people who shaped this unique cultural landscape. Download the Cahokia AR Tour app for an augmented reality experience, bringing the past to life. Cahokia Mounds offers a unique opportunity to connect with Native American history and appreciate the ingenuity and cultural achievements of the Mississippian people.