Effigy Mounds

The mounds preserved here offer a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the people who built them. The mounds are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes. The 200 plus American Indian mounds are located in one of the most picturesque sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The mounds were built by Native Americans from 350-1400 AD as part of their religious and burial ceremonies. The mounds range in size from two to 30 feet tall and are shaped in a variety of designs, including animals, birds, and humans. A visit to the site offers opportunities to learn about the different mound shapes and their meanings, as well as the history of the people who built them.