Hike This Awe-Inspiring Ancient Park In Iowa Where Time Stands Still
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Rachel Morey Flynn
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This place is simply amazing. It’s rich with history, full of amazing scenery, and one of the best hikes you can go on in Iowa.
Along the way, you'll see beautiful wildflowers (in season), wildlife, and native bird species.
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Here, you'll see the Mississippi River in all its glory. This is also an excellent place to spot bald eagles.
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The plants and animals you'll see here are common in the Upper Mississippi River valley. White-tailed deer are a common sight, here.
Specifically, you'll see Wild Sweet William, Great Blue Lobelia, and Swamp Milkweed.
The man-made mounds are in the shape of bear, deer, birds, lynx, turtle, panther, or bison. The Effigy Moundbuilders constructed these sites for burial purposes. This national park is actually an ancient cemetery.
Archaeologists can only guess, and they believe that this series of mounds indicated territories and choice hunting grounds. There are 20 American Indian tribes currently culturally associated with Effigy Mounds National Monument.
This specific mound is 40 feet wide and 80 feet long. In this area, the mounds are shaped like birds and bears. Other shapes can be found in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and southeastern Minnesota.
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There are a total of 13 miles of well-kept walking and hiking trails, here. The North Unit and the South Unit are separated by the Yellow River.
This park is the ideal combination of natural beauty and ancient history.
Great Bear Mound is 138 feet long and 65 feet wide.
Eagles actually nest here along the river. You have the best chance of seeing them between November and March.
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Also, please be aware that this is truly a natural area. Bugs, including mosquitoes, and poison ivy, among other dangers, are absolutely present, here. Dress appropriately and use bug spray in warmer weather.
Translation: you might find cool stuff. Don't take it with you.
The visitors' center is open daily, except for some holidays. Enjoy the picnic areas along Iowa 76 just south of the visitors' center.
If you’d like more information about this amazing place, you can visit the National Parks Website.
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