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Archaeological site · Marquette, Iowa
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Protected area on the Mississippi bluffs with more than 200 indigenous earthen mounds, 31 of them in animal shapes such as bears and birds, and trails to river overlooks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Effigy Mounds National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument protects about 1,000 hectares of forest and bluffs along the Mississippi River. There are 206 earthen mounds built by indigenous peoples between roughly 2,500 and 750 years ago. Most are round or elongated, but 31 are shaped like animals, such as bears and birds, visible from above. Many contain burials and are considered sacred by indigenous peoples of the region.
The northern unit, next to the visitor center, has trails that climb to Fire Point and Eagle Rock, overlooks above the river, passing the Little Bear Mound Group. The longest trail goes to Hanging Rock. The southern unit contains the Marching Bear Group, a row of bear-shaped mounds reached by a longer hike.
There is no entrance fee. The visitor center has a small museum about the peoples who built the mounds. To respect the site, the mounds must not be walked on, and there are no roads for cars inside the area: visits are on foot.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From two hours to half a day.
Best time
From May to October; in autumn with colorful trees. The mounds are more visible when the undergrowth is low, in spring and after brush clearing.
How to get there
The visitor center is on Highway 76, about 5 km north of Marquette.
Tip
The climb to Fire Point takes about 30 minutes and is steep at the start. Bring water.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Effigy Mounds National Monument
Is there an entrance fee for Effigy Mounds?
There is no entrance fee. The visitor center, trails, and ranger-led activities are not charged.
What are the Effigy Mounds?
Earthen mounds built by indigenous peoples about 750 to 2,500 years ago; some are shaped like bears and birds and many contain burials.
What is the shortest trail at Effigy Mounds?
The trail from the visitor center to Fire Point, about 3 km round trip, with a steep climb at the start.