Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Taking advantage of one of the last days of the year with above-freezing temperatures to visit Cahokia Mounds. Right away, I felt a connection with the Mississippians of that era (800-1400 A.D.), who, lacking natural hills in the region, decided to construct their own; about 120 mounds. Today, the site is an archaeological landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered a sacred location. The base of the site covers an area of more than 56m², and the highest point is about 30 meters high, an area where over 600,000 cubic meters of earth were manually moved; construction began around 950 A.D. and was expanded several times until 1250 A.D.

Arrived just after it rained and before sunset. Lots of information with facts and history. It's a slight walk from the parking lot but there are nice pathways that are easy to walk on. The stairs and pathway from the base to the top are not handicap accessible, but there is a nice sturdy handrail along the steps which I depended on being not good with heights. I surprised myself and made it to the top and back. Such a beautiful place with so many secrets and history. St Louis skyline is visible in the distance.

Large area with hiking trails up to 10 miles.
Beautiful scenery, well kept surroundings, free parking. The museum is currently closed for renovation, but the park is open.
They have App available for guidance and visualization, maps and board information.
Great place to spend few hours.

Beautiful place with St.Louis visible across the river. Fascinating history. I've visited a variety of these mound sites from here to Florida and all of them are incredible.

Fantastic site. The interpretive center is currently closed for renovations but there is a trail map and a flyer, plus many informational signs. I highly recommend it.

There are places that fill the soul with wonder.
This is among them.
A prominent World Heritage site that somehow remains a majestic secret.

The visitor's center was great, but currently closed for renovations.

The signage on the mounds themselves are well done.

Atop Monk's Mound are great views and a kind serenity.

Amazing to see the mound - largest pre-Columbian establishment in North America. It helps to read info boards, if you are not familiar with the site. I came before sunrise, lots of locals take the hike and work out on the stairs. Visitor center opens at 10am but area is free for roaming. It is so accessible right next to the road and if you are familiar or know the place you can kind of see it off from the interstate highway next to it.

I could write a book on this place…
It is a MUST SEE and please do some research before visiting (its mind blowing). It is a true treasure and one of the best historical sites in the US. Even if you are not into history or culture (😒) its a short drive out of St. Louis (15 min!) and a great place to walk and enjoy nature.

Do you love pre-American history, or would you like to be amazed by what ancient people created in what is now America, without engines, wheels or electronics? If you do, visit Cahokia. I highly recommend listening to podcasts or YouTube about Cahokia and the cultures that created and inhabited this area before visiting. It adds tremendous value. There's a great Augmented Reality app for use in imagining what it really looked like here. You must use a headset to allow it to work, and it costs $5. Have fun!! Let me know if this helps you, click HELPFUL.

The museum closed but walked the self-guided paths to learn about the former city and early lifestyle of the people. Climbed the steps of the tallest mound.

I love history. This place is so fascinating! Bummer the visitors center was closed for renovations. We were passing through the area going back to Co, so hopefully someday we'll catch the visitor center when it's open. The stairs up to monks mound were easy enough for my 4 year old.

The interpretive center is still closed during the renovation, but the restrooms were available, as well as the maps of the trails and the whole site. The history that you can feel, while walking the grounds, and reading the signs, is enlightening.

If you like native American history this is a must see the museum here is packed with really cool artifacts and visual displays of life back then. The collection of arrowheads and weapons will take a while to look at. The mounds are cool to but only one is large enough to have stairs to get to the top and has a great views.

Absolutely beautiful. That being said if you have walking restrictions probably not the best place for you. I barely made it up the 164 stairs. But once at the top it was incredible. The history behind the site will also give you chills. If you have a chance to go to the museum across the street do so. Sadly it was closed when we went through

Cool spot. Lots of walking/running trails fairly informative sighs and just cool to look at.

This is a fantastic historical site that you can enjoy with your whole family. There are several miles of hiking trails with certain important markers along the way and the view of St. Louis from the top of Monk's Mound is stunning on a clear day. I love the placards placed around that give you insight into the history of the location and there are some fun stops with augmented reality placards. Over all 10/10.

Cool spot to walk around by yourself or with family. Great that they have placed signage to educate others about the history of the mounds and it has a beautiful view to St Louis from the horizon.
Highly recommended!! 🙏🏼💙😎

Neat. Had Android and IOS QR codes for guided AR tour. Donations are welcome.

Very interesting piece of early American history. The artifacts in the museum are well preserved. The mounds are quite spectacular to see up close. It's easy to imagine the significance of such a place to the Mississippian culture at the time. I will definitely return after doing some more reading.

This is a very well done museum. The volunteers greet you immediately as you get in the door. They are filled with a wealth of knowledge. There's a short video you can watch before venturing in the museum exhibits and outside. The exhibits are well take care of. There are multiple video exhibits, lots of tools, and diaramas.

The museum is free, but does have a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $15 for families. You can also donate via credit card in the gift shop and they will provide you with a receipt.

Did you know that this used to be the largest native America community neoth of Mexico for about 300-400 years? 10-20,000 people lived here. The history is amazing!