The Effigy Mounds National Park is located in northeast Iowa, between the towns of Marquette and Harper's Ferry. This area is named after the hundreds of mounds built by native populations hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Many of the effigy mounds are shaped like animals that were important to their religious beliefs, such as bears or eagles. This national park is nestled away in one of the most beautiful parts of the entire state of Iowa, with forested bluffs and rolling hills surrounding the mighty Mississippi River.
Effigy Mounds Builders and History
The builders of the Iowa Effigy Mounds were Paleo-Indian hunters, who are estimated to have been in the region around 12,000 BC. They created the burial mounds (hence the term 'effigy') out of religious and reverent respect for the dead. There are 191 known and identified Effigy Mounds in the park today, 23 of which are designed to look like eagles or bears, while most of the others appear to be simple linear shapes.
Effigy Mounds National Monument Lodging
There is no on site lodging at the Effigy Mounds, although there are several options that are all within a five to ten mile radius. The tiny town of Marquette has the Eagle's Landing Bed and Breakfast, rated as one of the 100 best in the entire country. There is also a small hotel on the bluff, or visitors can cross the bridge over the Mississippi River into the town of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where there are many options available for hotels.
Visitors who want to see more of the countryside can also rent cabins or tent camping space around the Andy Mountain campsite. Locals are known for being very friendly and are another good source of advice for where to stay.
Effigy Mounds Tours & Hikes
There are several guided tours given of the Effigy Mounds, but visitors are also encouraged to explore the two main trails themselves, as well. These trails are challenging, with sections that are steep and demand a good level of physical fitness and health to safely travel. Summers can be very hot and humid, so carry water, Gatorade, food, and emergency supplies for any just in case scenario. On average a climb to the top can range from one to three hours depending on an individual or group. The way back down is much faster as it is virtually all downhill.
Effigy Mounds National Park Hours
The Effigy Mounds Park is open all year, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Generally the trails are open from sunrise to sunset, although during the winter months it's not uncommon to have the center open but the trails themselves closed.
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