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Sinnissippi Mounds: Echoes of the Hopewell

Discover ancient Native American history and serene landscapes at the Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site in Sterling, Illinois.

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Explore the Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site in Sterling, Illinois, a group of Native American burial mounds from the Hopewell culture, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient past and a peaceful connection with nature.

A brief summary to Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site

  • 1201 Sinnissippi Rd, Sterling, Illinois, 61081, US

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Take time to read the informational plaques to enhance your understanding of the site's history.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If you're driving from downtown Sterling, take IL-2 N. Continue for approximately 2.1 miles until you reach Sinnissippi Park. The Sinnissippi Mounds are located within the park at 1201 Sinnissippi Rd, Sterling, IL 61081. Parking is available within the park.

  • Public Transportation

    For those using public transportation, Whiteside County Public Transportation provides curb-to-curb transit throughout Whiteside County. Call Central Dispatch at (815) 625-7433 to schedule a ride to Sinnissippi Park. All ages can ride for free, though a $2 donation is recommended. From the park entrance, follow the road to the mound site.

  • Walking

    If you are in Sinnissippi Park, follow the internal park road. The mounds are located on a bluff overlooking the Rock River. Follow the signs within the park to reach the specific mound locations.

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Discover more about Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site

Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site, located in Sterling, Illinois, preserves a significant grouping of burial mounds created by the Havana Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago. These earthen mounds stand as a testament to the Hopewell tradition, which thrived in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, with the Sterling area serving as a central hub for a vast trade network. Hezekiah Brink, the first European settler in Sterling, noted the mounds upon his arrival in 1834. Later, the Sterling Scientific Club investigated the mounds in the 1870s, but unfortunately, the site was later looted, resulting in the loss of archaeologically significant materials. Today, the Sinnissippi Mounds are part of Sinnissippi Park, the largest park in the Sterling Park District. The area, situated on a bluff overlooking the Rock River, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 14, 1979, as the Sinnissippi Site. Visitors can explore the well-preserved mounds, reflect on the lives and traditions of the people who built them, and appreciate the serene natural landscape. The park offers amenities such as picnic areas and trails, making it an ideal spot for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

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