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Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center

Discover ancient Native American mound-building culture and explore sacred earthworks at the Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center.

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Begin your exploration of Effigy Mounds National Monument at the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the ancient Native American cultures who built the remarkable effigy mounds. Exhibits detail the history, significance, and preservation of these unique earthworks, offering a deeper understanding before venturing out to explore the monument's trails.

A brief summary to Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the National Park Service website for current operating hours, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Allow at least 30 minutes to an hour to fully explore the visitor center's exhibits and films.
  • Pick up a park brochure at the information desk to enhance your understanding of the mounds.
  • Consider attending a ranger-led tour for in-depth information and insights.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center is located at 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, Iowa. From Marquette, Iowa, drive 3 miles north on Highway 76. From Harpers Ferry, drive 7 miles south on Highway X52, then turn left and travel 3 miles on Highway 76. Parking is available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest bus and train stations are in La Crosse, WI, approximately 65 miles north of the monument. From La Crosse, follow State Highway 35 south to Prairie du Chien, then take U.S. Highway 18 west to Marquette, Iowa. Finally, drive 3 miles north of Marquette on State Highway 76 to reach the visitor center. Taxi or rideshare services may be limited in Marquette, so consider pre-booking or alternative transportation options.

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Discover more about Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center

The Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center serves as the gateway to understanding the sacred landscape of the monument. Here, you can delve into the world of the Mound Builders, ancient Native American cultures who constructed over 200 prehistoric mounds, some shaped like animals, between 850 and 1400 AD. The visitor center offers a small museum with exhibits showcasing artifacts and providing insights into the history and cultural significance of the mounds. While some items are modern replicas, exhibits also explore the relationship between Native Americans of the Upper Mississippi River region and early European traders. You can also view films about the Effigy Mounds. Ranger-led tours often begin at the visitor center, providing an opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions. Knowledgeable staff are available to offer guidance, maps, and brochures to help you plan your exploration of the monument's trails. The visitor center provides essential amenities such as restrooms and a book and souvenir store. Free public Wi-Fi is also available. Outside the visitor center, the North Unit trailhead beckons, inviting you to embark on a journey through the landscape and discover the effigy mounds firsthand.

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