Background

Iliniwek Village State Historic Site: Echoes of the Illinois

Discover the history and culture of the Illinois Indians at this significant archaeological site in northeastern Missouri.

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Explore the Iliniwek Village State Historic Site in Wayland, Missouri, the only Illinois Indian village site in the state. Walk the trails, discover the remains of longhouses, and learn about the culture of the Illinois tribe who lived here from 1640 to the late 1670s.

A brief summary to Iliniwek Village State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's serene surroundings.
  • Check the park's schedule for special events and guided tours.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for the best weather and scenery.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Wayland, MO, head east on Main St toward County Rd 188. Continue onto County Rd 188 for approximately 2 miles. The Iliniwek Village State Historic Site will be on your right at 22569 County Rd 188, Wayland, MO 63472. There is no entrance fee for the site.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation options to Iliniwek Village State Historic Site are limited. The nearest major city with Greyhound bus service is Quincy, IL. From Quincy, you would need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to reach the site, approximately 30 miles away. Taxi fares may range from $50 to $70.

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Discover more about Iliniwek Village State Historic Site

Iliniwek Village State Historic Site, located near Wayland, Missouri, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Illinois Indians who inhabited the area from approximately 1640 to 1677. This 127-acre site , acquired by the state in 1992, is the only known Illinois Indian village discovered in Missouri. Archaeological excavations suggest that as many as 8,000 people resided here , living in as many as 300 lodges. Visitors can explore the site via a walking trail, approximately 1.25 miles in length, with interpretive signage detailing the history and significance of the village. The trail passes the remains of a traditional Illinois longhouse and a round house, marked with posts to indicate their size. The site also features a sand prairie, home to rare plants and native bee species, and a slough where visitors may spot wildlife. The Illinois Indians, a confederation of 12 tribes, left a lasting mark on the region, with the state of Illinois named after them. Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette encountered the Illinois tribe at this village in 1673, marking the first encounter between Europeans and Native Americans in present-day Missouri. However, the village was gradually abandoned around 1677, with many of the Illinois Indians relocating to Fort St. Louis in Illinois between 1682 and 1683.

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