Effigy Mounds National Monument

About Us

The monument is open year-round. It was established to preserve outstanding examples of a prehistoric American Indian mound building culture that regularly constructed mounds in the shape of mammals, birds, or reptiles. The monument contains 2,526 acres with 206 mounds of which 31 are effigies. The visitor center contains museum exhibits, a video presentation, and book sales outlet. Visitors may look at the mounds, spectacular views from bluffs along the Mississippi River and experience more than 100 acres of prairie by walking along 14 miles of hiking trails. Three conical mounds are accessible to disabled visitors via a boardwalk trail. In the summer months ranger led programs are available. Special summer and evening hikes - call the park after June 1 for specific information. Admission IS FREE. A winter film festival is held January through March with films shown each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.