Effigy Mounds National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

“…one of the finest mound groups in all America...”

An “Effigy Mound” American Indian culture developed over 1,000 years ago placing thousands of earthen mounds across the landscape of what (today) includes parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

Over 200 mounds are preserved intact within the Monument; 31 are effigies in the shape of bears and birds - commemorating the passing of loved ones and the sacred beliefs of these ancient peoples

View of Mississippi River from Fire Point

Sacred Space

The mounds preserved here are considered ceremonial and sacred sites by many Americans, especially the Monument's 16 affiliated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds, the peoples who built them and the relationships to their modern descendants. The 2,526 acre Monument includes 206 American Indian mounds situated in a natural setting, and located within the one of the most picturesque sections within Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area and along the "Great River Road" of the Mississippi River - a National Scenic Byway.

Exploring the Monument

There are numerous opportunities for you to enjoy a self-guided tour or join a ranger for a hike, walk, talk or historic demonstration. Most trails are moderately strenuous, however, there are some trails accessible to mobility impaired visitors.

Daily ranger-led hikes to Fire Point are conducted during the summer (which is normally indicated by the summer solstice when the Sun is usually at its greatest declination on June 20 or 21, the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere). Please check the "Plan Your Visit" link for specific dates and times.

Discover the artistic and lasting imprint of an ancient culture, the ingenuity of ancient American Indian tools and implements, and share the stories of the past and present. Hiking trails lead to original American Indian mounds, and a variety of habitats - including upland forest, 81.5 acres of prairie, wetland and riparian.
more...

Special Public Events and Programs

Join us throughout the year during our large scale public educational events or special topic ranger-led programs. Bird walks, living history "Moonlight Hikes", American Indian cultural and archeology demonstrations are presented annually along with our largest attended event - HawkWatch Weekend.

>100th Anniversary of the
National Park Movement in Iowa
> Calendar of Events 2009
> Schedule of Events Web Page
> Teachers Workshop Series 2009
> Annual HawkWatch Weekend Page
> For Kids!
more...

School Field Trip Visits

Thousands of school students visit the Monument annually to participate in our educational programs - either curriculum based, or simply to have a stimulating out of the classroom experience. Subject to staffing availability, we accommodate program requests on a reservation basis or by offering resources that facilitate teacher-led self guided class visits. To learn more about these opportunities, visit our “For Teachers” section.

Write to

Effigy Mounds National Monument
151 HWY 76
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146

Phone

* e-mail: Use the "Contact Us" link (above / at the bottom of the far left column). Phone for Visitor Information:
(563) 873-3491

Fax

(563) 873-3743

Climate

Summers are hot and humid, spring and fall are mild with moderate temperatures, winters can be very cold and snowy along the upper Mississippi River. Wear clothing in season suitable for strenuous walks and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Boardwalks may be slippery when wet; hiking trails are wood chipped.
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E-MAIL REQUESTS FOR MAILING (GENERAL) PRINTED INFORMATION:

By reaching this link, you are just a few steps away from exploring this website and finding all the materials and information we offer - including photos, the park map and information contained in our full color park brochure. The teacher's section contains a large volume of information, and is not restricted to "teachers".

This information can be copied, printed and / or downloaded.

The materials we mail out upon request are: the one page (double sided) full color park brochure and a calendar of events / programs.

A few of the posted "site bulletin" publications can be sent if specifically requested.

Specific topical / research requests are welcome and handled on a case by case basis.

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CAMPING:

There is NO camping available within Effigy Mounds National Monument - an Antiquities Act authorized NPS unit and Sacred Site preserving 206 ancient American Indian Mounds, many containing Burials.

For area camping information, see:
http://www.nps.gov/efmo/planyourvisit/camping.htm