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Effigy Mounds is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in October. The monument is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum is open all year 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours in summer. The visitor center, located at the park entrance, contains museum exhibits highlighting archaeological and natural specimens, an auditorium and book sales outlet. Visitor center, museum, book sales outlet and auditorium are accessible to wheelchairs. In addition, a newly completed boardwalk trail is wheelchair accessible. The monument entertains a little over 90,000 visitors a year.

The landscape of the monument reveals evidence of a continuum of mound-building cultures and their relationships to the environment over a span of at least 1,800 years. The monument’s varied landforms and habitats, characteristic of the non-glaciated Drift less Area, provide exceptional diversity of plant and animal species. These natural resources are important both for understanding past cultures, which depended on them, and monitoring the health of present ecosystems. The prehistoric mound builders and their environment were inextricably linked. The culture of the effigy mound builders was sustained by a unique association of climate, geology, topography, flora, and fauna that shaped the lifestyles and belief systems of these people. The mound-building cultures are associated with the eastern hardwood forest that extends across the eastern third of the continent.

Presidential Proclamation 2860, October 25, 1949, established Effigy Mounds National Monument and directed preservation of “… earthen mounds in northeastern part of the State of Iowa known as the Effigy Mounds are of great scientific interest because of the variety of their forms, which include animal effigy, bird effigy, conical, and linear types, illustrative of a significant phase of the mound-building culture of the prehistoric American Indians…”. Public Law 87-44, May 27, 1961, added land to the monument and mandated preservation of the mounds, wildlife, and other natural values. From prehistoric peoples living off the land, to historic figures helping to preserve it, and finally to today’s rangers striving to protect this cultural resource, people have developed a love and respect for Effigy Mounds National Monument.

The rugged terrain of the area resulted from the waters eroding and dissolving the limestone bedrock. During the ice ages, this area was untouched by the continental glaciers. The portion of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin that was completely surrounded by glaciers is known as the driftless zone. Although glaciers did not directly affect the area, their meltwaters carved out the Mississippi River valley. The monument lies in a geologically unique area of erosional topography drained by an intricate system of rivers and streams. The erosional forces have cut through a plain leaving high divides and precipitous bluffs above adjacent waterways. The bluffs of the Mississippi extend downstream as far as the eye can measure. Hawks soar above the wooded islands in the river’s braided channel, while crows caw from the bluff tops.

As you scan the area, at first all you see is low rises on the landscape. Soon your eye begins to pick out regular patterns in the hills. If you trace the patterns, the “hills” turn into familiar shapes — animals rising in low relief out of the ground. These effigies are not the work of nature at all but were created by the people who lived here more than 1000 years ago. A procession of conical mounds lines a trail back into the woods. At the head of the trail is the Little Bear Mound, one of the monument’s finest examples of the effigy style. A short walk and one encounters the companion Great Bear Mound; beyond that, more mounds of the conical and linear style. Prehistoric peoples built mounds at various times and places throughout the Americas. Only in the upper Mississippi River valley, however, was there a culture that specialized in ceremonial mounds called effigies — representations of living creatures such as eagles, falcons, bison, deer, turtles, lizards, and, in particular, bears.

The natural environment of the Upper Mississippi River Valley gave the American Indian and early pioneer settlers an abundance of plants and wildflowers that provided the inhabitants with food and medicine. These wildflowers are as varied as the land itself; some populate the upland forests, others line the rich riverbanks; still others grace the sweeping grasslands. Along the base of the bluffs, where the wetland landscape merges with the uplands, the transition from floodplain forest gives way to the upland forest. This transition area produces some of the best wildflower displays in the spring. Early woodland and prairie wildflowers signal winter’s end with their exuberant colors. Noteworthy are the Dutchman’s breeches, wild geranium, bellwort, bloodroot, wild violets, trillium, rue anemone, and wild ginger. These would certainly make for artful outdoor pictures.

Its freedom from ice cover during the last glaciation left the area botanically unique. It is the only place in the state of Iowa where stands of northern deciduous forest, more commonly found at or near the Canadian border, exist. The deep ravines and precipitous bluffs furnish micro-environments for entirely different plants. On the northern slopes are niches supporting plant communities that normally flourish much nearer the Arctic, while some south-facing slopes provide habitats for the growth of species usually found in drier regions. If a visitor comes in autumn, as many do, the forest presents a vivid display of color.

Prairie remnants are the remains of the rarest of original habitat types. The majority of the remnants that exist today are the result of agricultural land that has been allowed to lie fallow. Eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River is part of the eastern hardwood forest. This area, if left undisturbed, will eventually grow back to this condition through succession. The plant communities will go through a number of successional stages resulting in a climax, maple-basswood forest.

The park has eleven miles of hiking trails. No roads exist in the park. Rangers give guided hikes and prehistoric tool demonstrations, June 11 through Labor Day weekend. Educational programs are presented on- and off-site by appointment. A popular walk for all ages is the Fire Point Trail. This moderately strenuous trail covers two miles. It provides scenic overlooks atop 300 foot bluffs and passes 25 ceremonial and burial mounds, making some great outdoor adventure for your family. There are also bird walks and moonlight hikes to enjoy that involve guided 2 mile hikes featuring characters from the historic past and a moonlit view of the Mississippi River. The area is also open to cross-country skiing and snow shoeing, providing some winter adventure vacation options.

The summers are generally hot and humid, spring and autumn are mild with moderate temperatures, and winters can be cold and snowy. Wear sensible shoes and appropriate clothing for the season.

Current Weather

During historic times, the occurrence of fire has been greatly restricted and is seen as a destructive force that must be controlled. This, together with human activities, has allowed the prairie ecosystem and the conditions that support it to disappear.

Research has indicated that fire was part of the prairie environment whether started by man or nature. Once established, the thick rooted mat of prairie plants prevented competition from woody species and set up the conditions for self perpetuation. At the end of each growing season the remains of plants would accumulate, adding to that of the previous season. In the spring and other periods of dryness, the conditions existed for fire to sweep across the land, relieving it of built up litter and fuel. This released the nutrients and stimulated the deeply rooted, fire-adapted prairie plants to sprout and repeat the cycle.

The use of fire by American Indians changed vegetation patterns across the continent, allowed the manipulation of the environment and indirectly controlled availability of game animals close to habitation sites. Early regional explorers found extensive use of fire by American Indians with these practices continuing until early settlement times. This use of fire is well documented with specific references made about its use in the area currently occupied by Effigy Mounds National Monument.

Resource management staff tries to duplicate the natural role of fire in restoring the vegetation patterns that occurred during the mound building era. Due to the impact of 150 years of disturbance, there is little resemblance between the landscape of the mound building era and the setting the burial mounds are found in today. The ecological conditions that once existed and preserved the mounds through time have been replaced by an altered landscape.

This altered state confuses the interpretation of the mound builders and the connection of the mounds to the river systems. During the winter when vegetation is lacking, it is apparent that the mounds on the bluff are within view of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Information from early explorers, settlers, maps, and vegetation pattern analysis suggests that the ridges were once covered with prairie or oak savannas. These vegetation patterns would allow visibility of the river from the mound locations especially during the summer months when they were most likely built. Today, during the summer, it is difficult to make this important visual connection.

The rugged landscape left by erosional forces supports a wealth of animal and plant species. The Mississippi and Yellow Rivers and adjacent wetlands are home to aquatic plants and animals, along with various species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. Wildlife indigenous to the eastern hardwood ecosystem is well represented at the monument. Common sightings of whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, raccoon, turkey vultures and chipmunks abound. Rare sightings of gray fox, coyote, ruffed grouse, and bald eagles occur, while rare or endangered species such as mountain lion, bobcat, black bear, and river otter are seldom seen but evidence exists that they occur in the area.

Approximately 291 species of birds nest or migrate through Effigy Mounds National Monument, so there is ample opportunity for bird watching. The wild turkey once extirpated is now nesting on the Monument. The Yellow River floodplain has been identified as one of 12 nesting sites of the red-shouldered hawk in the state of Iowa. The Mississippi River backwaters provide habitat for many interesting plants and animals. The majestic bald eagle nest on islands and feed on fish they pull from the river with their powerful talons. Hundreds of bald eagles winter along this stretch of the river. In the coldest winters, when open water is scarce, eagles move further down the river in search of food. Colonies of great blue heron, great egrets and double crested cormorants nest in trees. The rookeries, as these nest sites are called, are noisy places in spring with young fledglings being fed by their parents.

The limestone bluffs unique to northeastern Iowa are home to a variety of reptiles. The brown, northern redbelly, eastern garter, and prairie ringneck snakes are common but due to their small size they are difficult to find. The black rat snake is the largest and most commonly seen snake within the monument. This snake is a constrictor and nonpoisonous but can inflict a painful bite if threatened. Historically, the timber rattlesnake has been found in the region, although documented sightings have not taken place for many years. Several species of turtles inhabit the lowlands and marshy areas of the monument. The easily recognizable painted turtle is one of the most frequently observed reptiles. Other turtles such as the map turtle, Blanding’s turtle, and soft-shell turtles are seen with less frequency. The impressive snapping turtle can reach lengths of 15 inches and weigh 40 pounds or more. These aquatic turtles inhabit the Mississippi River though they do often take short forays inland. Their name is well suited to their ornery disposition.

Remember that the animals found here are wild and should remain so. Do not feed or harass the animals.

The maximum amount to be paid for entrance of private, non-commercial vehicle is $5.00/ 7 days. Individual entrance fee is $3.00/ 7 days – 16 and under are free. Effigy Mounds Park Pass has an annual fee of $10.00.

There is no lodging or camping facilities in the park. The nearest campground is at Pikes Peak State Park and Yellow River State Forest in Iowa and Wyalusing River State Park in Wisconsin. Various primitive campgrounds exist in the area as well.

The above listed state parks are nearby as well as Bloody Run County Park. The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is located 120 miles away. Pipestone National Monument is located in southern Minnesota.

Regional airports are located in La Crosse (70 miles) and Madison (120 miles), WI; and Dubuque (70 miles) and Cedar Rapids (120 miles), IA.

By car it is three miles north of Marquette, IA or seventeen miles south of Waukon, IA on state highway 76. It is also six miles across Mississippi River from Prairie du Chien, WI.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Effigy Mounds National Monument:

By Car:

Rochester, MN – 137.31 miles

Cedar Falls, IA – 112.27 miles

Cedar Rapids, IA – 97.16 miles

Dubuque, IA – 75.02 miles

Waterloo, IA – 104.36 miles

Madison, WI – 107.02 miles

By Plane:

Eastern Iowa Airport – 108.71 miles

Dubuque, IA regional Airport – 83.39 miles

Dane County regional Airport (Madison, WI) – 113.71 miles

La Crosse Municipal Airport (La Crosse, WI) 69.95 miles

Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 HWY 76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-7519
Visitor Information 563-873-3491
By Fax 563-873-3743

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