Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa Preserves Three Prehistoric Sites

Declared a national monument in 1949, Effigy Mounds National Monument is located in Allamakee and Clayton Counties in northeastern Iowa. The park preserves three prehistoric sites that contain mounds built by the Native American population for burial or religious purposes. These mounds are common throughout the Midwest but this area was one of just a handful that was home to a culture that built effigy mounds in shapes of animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. In all, the 2,500-acre park includes 206 mounds, 31 of which are considered to be effigy mounds. The others are conical or linear and may have been used for other purposes such as residences.

The mounds continue to be considered sacred sites by the many tribes of Native Americans that live in the area. Therefore, special events of a ceremonial nature are often held here. Visitors may explore the mounds on a self-guided tour or via a guided ranger walk, which includes information on the peoples of the area and on the practice of building effigy and other mounds.

There are no driving roadways inside the park so no way to explore by automobile. All exploration is done by walking or hiking. Several trails lead to the mounds and through 81.5 acres of prairie where guests can view a variety of plants, birds, and other wildlife. One short trail is accessible to handicapped visitors but most of the others are steep and at least moderately strenuous. It would take several days to experience all the trails within the park but a two- to three-hour visit is sufficient to see many of the effigy mounds.

The Visitor Center, located along the Upper Mississippi River, offers a short film about mound building cultures of the Native American tribes and also provides hands-on displays for children and formal museum exhibits of ancient Indian artifacts. The Visitor Center also has a bookstore and provides trail maps and other brochures for visitors. A number of ranger-led activities also take place or depart from the Visitor Center.

Several yearly events are held at Effigy Mounds National Monument. The annual Hawk Watch weekend profiles the birds of prey that make their home in this part of Iowa and educates visitors as to how they can help save these birds, some of which are rare or endangered. Also celebrated each year is Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, which focuses on the national bird of the United States and includes talks and videos.

No camping is available within the park but neighboring towns and state parks do offer camping facilities, restaurants, stores, and other conveniences. Bicycles are not permitted past the parking lot in order to preserve the fragility of the mounds.