Iowa is full of beautiful places that were created over the last couple centuries. From feats of engineering like this huge roller dam, to this charming lookout tower that’s styled like a castle and provides stunning views of Pilot Knob State Park, Iowans have definitely left their mark on our beautiful state.

Have you ever wondered about the humans that inhabited this place before white settlers came along? Here’s one hauntingly beautiful place that’s no longer inhabited, but provides clues about those who once lived there.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument is located on the eastern border of Iowa, just three miles north of Marquette.
Google
This protected area covers 2,526 acres and contains more than 200 ancient mounds, many built as "effigies" in the shape of animals.
JeromeG111/flickr
This sacred place was inhabited by people known today as the Effigy Moundbuilders, who lived here during the Late Woodland Period from 1400 to 750 B.P.
tinyfroglet/flickr
This is one of the most beautiful areas in Iowa; the Effigy Moundbuilders who inhabited this place surely must have been aware of the natural beauty that surrounded them.
Michael Massa/flickr

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While these mounds represent many animals, the bear and the bird are the most common.
Erin/flickr
Here's the Marching Bear Group, surrounded by lovely fall foliage. What a beautiful setting for a sacred place!
National Park Service
Smaller, conical-shaped mounds were used as burial sites. You might also see some rectangular-shaped mounds. Archaeologists aren't exactly sure of their purpose, but believe those mounds were used for seasonal ceremonies.
Greg Hanson/flickr
This diorama found in the Visitor Center shows you what the effigy mounds would look like from above - the trees actually preclude this kind of view from the sky.
Travis/flickr
Visit this stunning place year-round; it's just as beautiful when covered with snow as it is during summer months! In the winter, the Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
tinyfroglet/flickr
The park and its many trails are open to visitors every day from dawn to dusk. It's free for all visitors, but if you'd like to make a donation, you can do so inside the Visitor Center.

Have you visited the Effigy Mounds National Monument?

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