Effigy Mounds National Monument

Effigy Mounds National Monument is Iowa's one and only National Monument. Between 800 and 1,600 years ago, Native Americans began building these burial and ceremonial mounds in the midwest. The Effigy Mounds mimic the shapes of birds, various mammals, and reptiles, and hundreds of them are scattered throughout the monument. These preserved mounds are considered sacred by the local tribes.

Visitors can view many of the mounds and explore 14 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, foxes, raccoons, turtles, and various birds. One of the best views of the land can be seen from Fire Point, where you can see sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The visitor center is open year-round. Summer hours are 9 am to 5 pm, and winter hours are 9 am to 4 pm. This visitor center is open daily, except during inclement weather and on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day.