Dickson Mounds State Museum, Rock River Valley Travel Guide

Dickson Mounds State Museum, nestled in the heart of the Illinois River Valley near Lewistown, is more than just a museum; it's a portal into the world of the American Indian, spanning an impressive 12,000 years of human experience. As one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the United States and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a unique and awe-inspiring journey through time.The museum's story is as intriguing as the history it preserves. Initially founded by chiropractor Don Dickson in 1927, who began excavating the burial mounds on his family farm, leaving the skeletons in place and opening a private museum. In 1945, the State of Illinois acquired the site, recognizing its archaeological significance.Today, visitors can explore a variety of innovative and beautifully designed displays, multi-media productions, and hands-on exhibits. The museum's 15,000 square feet of exhibit space showcases artifacts, art, and archaeological findings. Key exhibits include 'People of the Valley,' which portrays a sequence of cultures from the Ice Age to the 19th century. The 'Discovery Center' provides hands-on activities for all ages, while the Eveland Village offers a glimpse into the excavated remains of early Native American buildings. The museum also hosts special events and seasonally available exhibits, such as the restored 1850s plank road tollbooth.Beyond the museum walls, the 230-acre grounds invite exploration. Visitors can enjoy a scenic picnic area, a playground, and walking trails that wind through restored prairie and timbered areas. The site itself lies where two major ecosystems meet: The Upper Mississippi River-Illinois River Bottomlands, and the Western Forest-Prairie complex.While a former exhibit displaying uncovered skeletons was closed in 1992 due to Native American concerns, the museum continues to evolve, focusing on education and interpretation of the Illinois River Valley's rich history.