850 to 1,400 years ago the Effigy Moundbuilders constructed small hills shaped like animals along the Upper Mississippi River. They were most likely used during seasonal ceremonies. Many of these low profile mounds were destroyed or damaged when settlers began plowing the land. Fortunately, the Effigy Mounds were preserved when the site became a national monument in the late 1940s. The site has grown to include 2,526 acres with191 known mounds, the largest concentration of mounds in the US.
The monument has a small visitor center and about 10 miles of trails.
The visitor center is accessible. A short trail leads to a small mound. A one mile round trip boardwalk travels through forest and wetlands. The rest of the monument is not accessible due to hilly terrain.
The parking lot has long RV spaces.
Monument 43.08885, -91.18693
Huh! I wonder why the mounds were shaped like animals. Interesting, for sure.
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