📜 Largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Ancient postholes demarcate the orbit of the Woodhenge, recreated with cedar posts in Illinois.
🔍 Features Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, and a prehistoric timekeeping pattern (Woodhenge) dating 900-1100 AD.

Why Go

🏛️ Explore ancient Mississippian culture and history
🚶 Walk among impressive earthworks and mounds
🌳 Enjoy grounds open daily from dawn until dusk
🔭 Observe the equinox and solstice replica (Woodhenge) and witness wooden markers align with the sun a few times a year
🕰️ Explore a prehistoric timekeeping pattern

Why Avoid

🚧 Interpretive Center (Museum) closed for most of 2025 due to renovations.
🚫 Interpretive Center also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (when open).

Tips

🐕 Dogs must remain on a leash at all times on the grounds.
💡 Start at the Interpretive Center (when open) for exhibits and introductory film.
🗺️ Maps & brochures available near Monks Mound Parking Lot & Interpretive Center.
📍 Woodhenge is located directly next to the road, easy to find.
🌞 Visit a few times a year to see Woodhenge markers align with sunrise/sunset.

Cost

💰 Free entry, donations welcome.

Hours

🕒 Grounds open daily dawn until dusk. Interpretive Center (museum) daily 9:00-17:00 (when open), closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year.

🅿️ Parking Available near Monks Mound Parking Lot.

🚻 Toilets Vault toilet available near Monks Mound Parking Lot.

♿ Accessibility Paved paths and ramps for easy access to main parts of the site.