Cahokia Mounds Historic Site

i am an american indian of western nc. mts. cheraw-cherokee heritage.i found cahokia mounds to offer a rich source of knowledge of the history of these ancient ones.the ascent up to the mounds is easy for the average person and rewarding,the woodhenge very interesting, the museum well put together for researching knowledge of one of the biggest ancient settlements of american indians north of mexico.i found it worth the visit for appreciating our native heritages.all people visiting this site will learn a better respect for native americans by being exposed to the knowledge presented here.i always in my travels make a point to stop and learn more.i have been there 5 times in my life on trips from north carolina to south dakota and am always refreshed by my hikes at this sacred place.may the creator be with you all.skyhawkb@hotmail.com more

The Cahokia Mounds are remnants of the Indian tribes that lived in this part of Illinois. Really, they look like big hills. When I was a day camp counselor this was a standard field trip. You drive out and park near a mound (there's not much else in sight) and walk a little way to it. Then you climb a LOT of steps. If you have younger children with you, they run ahead and ask why you are going so slow or ask if they REALLY have to climb ALL of them. Once at the top there is a nice view of the area. We only stayed up there a few minutes. Then back down the steps and the short walk back. ALL the kids were complaining toward the end of going down the steps. There is very little shade, only a few trees near the parking area, therefore this can be an extremely hot excursion. It may be better in spring or fall. The interpretive center is nearby and is air conditioned. After a few minutes of relief, then you notice they do have some interesting exhibits on the artifacts found near the mounds and their history. more