How to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, United States

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.  Located just 8 miles outside of St. Louis in Collinsville, IL, it is easily accessible by car. Public transportation options are limited. There are 800 acres of Cahokia Mounds that are open to the public, seven days a week, dawn until dusk.  The world-class interpretive center is open Wednesday through Sunday 9am until 5pm. Cahokia Mounds UNESCO World Heritage Site is free to visit although a donation of $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for children, and $15 for families is suggested.

Spend some time in the interpretive center to understand the religious, political, economic and cultural significance of this site. The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved here. The orientation theatre has a highly-recommended video and the museum offers an informative look at the uniqueness of the Cahokia site as an urban center.

Outdoors there are many guided tours, self-guided tours, trails and the 100 ft high Monks Mound, the largest earthwork in North America. Just a little ways down the road from the interpretive center is the recreated ancient sun calendar, Woodhenge.

Inside the Cahokia Mounds interpretive center there is a gift shop with vending machines, water fountains, and restrooms. There are also first come first serve picnic tables available on the grounds 1/2 mile west of the interpretive center. There are many lodging and food options in Collinsville, although nothing extraordinary or unique. It’s easy to find multiple low-budget to mid-range hotels on booking sites and chain restaurant eats if you are dining out.