If you like native American history this is a must see the museum here is packed with really cool artifacts and visual displays of life back then. The collection of arrowheads and weapons will take a while to look at. The mounds are cool to but only one is large enough to have stairs to get to the top and has a great views.

This is a fantastic historical site that you can enjoy with your whole family. There are several miles of hiking trails with certain important markers along the way and the view of St. Louis from the top of Monk's Mound is stunning on a clear day. I love the placards placed around that give you insight into the history of the location and there are some fun stops with augmented reality placards. Over all 10/10.

The interpretive center is closed now for at least a year for repairs, so know this if you are wanting to see the center! We went the last day it was open knowing this. The grounds are open for exploring, but in respect, please stay on the paths. Just a wonderful look on why this region was so important to the tribes in the area and gives you a feel of just how expansive it was when you are on Monks Mound - and you are only seeing part of it!

Cahokia is a gem. If you love history, anthropology archeology, learning about indigenous people, then this is the place for you. As a fulltime digital nomad, I tend to wander about aimlessly. I had never even heard about Cahokia Mounds until seeing a brown sign for it on the highway. I never know what to expect with these kinds of places I was so pleasantly surprised. This place is world class. The museum was big and throrough. It addressed pretty much all aspects of life of the ancient people who lived in this area and made the mounds. The Visitor's center is even more important than the climb up the mounds. The dioramas and explanations are first class. The whole history you learn is eye-opening, to say the least. A major metropolis of it's day and we all managed to know so little about it until we visited.

There are places that fill the soul with wonder. This is among them. A prominent World Heritage site that somehow remains a majestic secret. The visitor's center was great, but currently closed for renovations. The signage on the mounds themselves are well done. Atop Monk's Mound are great views and a kind serenity.

Taking advantage of one of the last days of the year with above-freezing temperatures to visit Cahokia Mounds. Right away, I felt a connection with the Mississippians of that era (800-1400 A.D.), who, lacking natural hills in the region, decided to construct their own; about 120 mounds. Today, the site is an archaeological landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered a sacred location. The base of the site covers an area of more than 56m², and the highest point is about 30 meters high, an area where over 600,000 cubic meters of earth were manually moved; construction began around 950 A.D. and was expanded several times until 1250 A.D.

Fantastic site. The interpretive center is currently closed for renovations but there is a trail map and a flyer, plus many informational signs. I highly recommend it.

The mounds are amazing! I have been waiting for a few years to visit. The visitors center is closed for renovations for the next 10 months… imagining the Native Americans hauling in all the dirt to build those mounds… it is mind boggling!! Excellent views from the top!

Amazing to see the mound - largest pre-Columbian establishment in North America. It helps to read info boards, if you are not familiar with the site. I came before sunrise, lots of locals take the hike and work out on the stairs. Visitor center opens at 10am but area is free for roaming. It is so accessible right next to the road and if you are familiar or know the place you can kind of see it off from the interstate highway next to it.

My adult children don’t understand my enjoyment of Native American mounds. Fundamentally they’re just irregularly shaped hills on a grassy field. But it’s exactly because the hills are unnatural, obviously purposeful, and yet mysterious that I love them as a place for a nice walk. This is the best collection of mounds in the nation, the walking paths wind around a beautiful field, and the tallest mound is high enough for some great views and some decent exercise. It’s just off the interstate, so stop by to stretch your legs and to try to imagine the area 800 years ago.

Large area with hiking trails up to 10 miles. Beautiful scenery, well kept surroundings, free parking. The museum is currently closed for renovation, but the park is open. They have App available for guidance and visualization, maps and board information. Great place to spend few hours.

Visited 7/13/23 - A bittersweet visit for me. If your plans are to visit to learn about the mounds, it will be worth while to research online first because there is not enough interpretive resources on site at this time. I've been wanting to visit this site for years and after traveling from the west coast, this was my chance. The mounds of course were spectacular, but as a World Heritage Site and the largest Indian Mound site in the US, I expected better from the organization running it. While I had read on the website that the Museum and Visiter Center was closed for renovations, I was disappointed overall with the park. We visited on a weekday afternoon and there were very few visitors. It looks to be a great walking and hiking park for locals because there are miles of trails (paved, gravel and dirt) that link many of the mounds and also go through beautiful natural areas with wildlife in the meadows and wooded areas. The grounds themselves were clean and well maintained as the area is so large, it looks like the maintenance team would need to mow the grass daily! As a historic site, even with renovations to the visitor center, there should be better interpretative signs, markers and self guided tour maps for those who specifically come to learn about the earthworks and the culture who constructed them and utilized them. We first parked at the visitor center to look for restrooms and see if there was a kiosk with maps for a self guided tour. I could not find any maps there but there was information about downloading a paid app (I think it was about $5). I didn't download it, hoping to not drain my phone's battery so I could take photos, and still hoping to find a paper map. If the app is meant to be the replacement educational resource while the visitor center is closed, it should be free, but also consider that many people visiting may prefer visual rather than audible mobile technology. There is a sign in front of the visitor center/museum directing visitors to restrooms across the highway to the Monk's Mound parking lot so we drove there and parked. The only restrooms are 3 Port-a-potties that are desperately in need of servicing. At this location, there were brochures available that talked about the phone app but again, no paper maps or signs I could take a photo of for a self guided tour of the mounds. I had taken a photo of a map of the hiking trails at one of the interpretive signs at the visitor center so we used that to guide us along the trails. We found markers at most of the archaeological sites, and most of them had decent info, but there were two different numbering systems which was a little confusing without a map of the mounds. I hope to make the trip to the east side of the country again in the future, so I hope to visit and find that the current renovations include improvements to culture interpretation methods outside the visitor center as well as inside.

Arrived just after it rained and before sunset. Lots of information with facts and history. It's a slight walk from the parking lot but there are nice pathways that are easy to walk on. The stairs and pathway from the base to the top are not handicap accessible, but there is a nice sturdy handrail along the steps which I depended on being not good with heights. I surprised myself and made it to the top and back. Such a beautiful place with so many secrets and history. St Louis skyline is visible in the distance.

Very interesting piece of early American history. The artifacts in the museum are well preserved. The mounds are quite spectacular to see up close. It's easy to imagine the significance of such a place to the Mississippian culture at the time. I will definitely return after doing some more reading.

Beautiful place with St.Louis visible across the river. Fascinating history. I've visited a variety of these mound sites from here to Florida and all of them are incredible.

This is a very well done museum. The volunteers greet you immediately as you get in the door. They are filled with a wealth of knowledge. There's a short video you can watch before venturing in the museum exhibits and outside. The exhibits are well take care of. There are multiple video exhibits, lots of tools, and diaramas. The museum is free, but does have a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $15 for families. You can also donate via credit card in the gift shop and they will provide you with a receipt. Did you know that this used to be the largest native America community neoth of Mexico for about 300-400 years? 10-20,000 people lived here. The history is amazing!

Interpretation center is closed when we arrived. The outdoor mounds are open. Not bad for a short climb. The view is just so so from the top. Wish I go at a different time as at 7pm the sun light is still too strong for photo.

I love history. This place is so fascinating! Bummer the visitors center was closed for renovations. We were passing through the area going back to Co, so hopefully someday we'll catch the visitor center when it's open. The stairs up to monks mound were easy enough for my 4 year old.

Cool spot to walk around by yourself or with family. Great that they have placed signage to educate others about the history of the mounds and it has a beautiful view to St Louis from the horizon. Highly recommended!! 🙏🏼💙😎

The interpretive center is still closed during the renovation, but the restrooms were available, as well as the maps of the trails and the whole site. The history that you can feel, while walking the grounds, and reading the signs, is enlightening.

Awesome kids day, great staff, glad to see everyone helping to teach "Hands On" how they built their homes And made Arrow heads to hunt with, how to make the pottery & to throw soars to catch their food

Cahokia was the biggest city in the Americas before 1800's. You can walk around and on the mounds. The tallest mound (Monks mound) gives you a good view of the surrounding area (you can see St. Louis in the distance). There's a few parking lots; we parked across the street from the tallest mound. There are several miles of hiking trails with certain important markers along the way. There are signs throughout that give you insight into the history of the location and there are even augmented reality placards. Besides the mounds there's ruins of a stockade, a place called Woodhenge, and a walk through the woods. The interpretive center was closed when we went; yet with the augmented reality and various signs - we did fine. Spent 3 hours; covered about 3.5 miles to much of it - but can certainly do less.

So, I love history! If you don’t, you may not see this as a worthwhile place to visit. I get into it, though. This is an ancient mound site of the Cahokia People. There are signs around and paths for you to follow that explain what everything is. While walking around this entire area I could picture in my mind’s eye what it may have looked like anciently...the homes, indigenous people walking around. From the top of the main mound you can easily see St. Louis although it looks a good distance away. I counted the steps to the top of the mound when I visited, but danged if I can’t remember how many there are now. Total shot in the dark, but I want to say around 188-ish... Great views from the top of the big mound.

This is a beautifully maintained historic site. I highly recommend you take the time to see these mounds and wood henge.

Cool place to see, but we were disappointed that the visitors center was closed. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the mounds and imagining it’s history. The signage around the trails could have been more informative.

Really a state of the art museum. It's very cool to learn about this ancient city that existed only a thousand years ago. If you love history or native American culture I highly recommend. Warning tho. There are depictions and statues of native Americans, including topless women. If that is something that would bother you, might just want to stick to checking out monk's mound or taking a tour of the Mounds. You can enter the building without seeing them.

I could write a book on this place… It is a MUST SEE and please do some research before visiting (its mind blowing). It is a true treasure and one of the best historical sites in the US. Even if you are not into history or culture (😒) its a short drive out of St. Louis (15 min!) and a great place to walk and enjoy nature.

Nice to visit if you have nothing to do .. quiet place and had beautiful top view

Great stop to take in the view from the top of the mounds and learn some history of the area. Monks Mound offers a great view and has many historical markers on top to tell you how it might have looked in its prime. There are other information signs on the grounds as well.

Easy on-and-off I-55, if you're headed to St. Louis going West on 55, you should stop. The Interpretive Center is closed for renovations, but the site is easily accessible with plenty of free parking... want a restroom that is not a portapotty, head up the street to Jack in the Box. The site itself is pretty amazing and provides awesome views with informational boards a plenty - there are informational pamphlets and maps near Monks parking lot. We only spent a little more than an hour, climbed Monks and visited Woodhenge. Can't wait to come back to visit the Interpretive Center and possibly the Summer Solstice event at Woodhenge.

High vibrations from the ancestors

Went while visiting St Louis. Interesting & educational. Interpretative Center had artifacts & other exhibits that are well done. Did not know about this place until recently and glad we checked it out.

Very informative

So beautiful! Love climbing to the top and learning about before climbing. Could see St. Louis from the top. Sad to hear that they just got plowed down.

My very first visit. Very spiritual experience

The history of Cahokia is amazing and awe inspiring. The Mississippian peoples built hundreds of mounds in the region, and those in the state park represent just a small fraction of all the mounds that once existed. The museum provides a great overview of the history of the Indigenous people of the time. The mounds are even more impressive once you learn about the symbolism and spirituality they are connected to. Everyone should visit!

It's a historical site in Illinois. About 25 mins drive from St. Louis. Many native Indians lived here since AD 1100. It's free to visit and close at 5 pm. You can climb over the pyramid like structure. You can also see deers here. Apart from that, nothing much to see unless you are history nerd.

Absolutely beautiful. That being said if you have walking restrictions probably not the best place for you. I barely made it up the 164 stairs. But once at the top it was incredible. The history behind the site will also give you chills. If you have a chance to go to the museum across the street do so. Sadly it was closed when we went through

This place should have been really cool but the interpretation center was closed and said it would be closed until further notice. It would have been nice to have a tour available to explain what we were seeing and the significance of it. You can get a self guided tour app for both iOS and Android for $4.99 but I didn't want to spend five bucks on an app I would use once. The mounds look like the hills that as a kid you would love to run to the top of and roll down but you can't walk on the mounds and there are signs posted everywhere telling you so. You can walk up the Monk Mound since they have a stairway but be careful getting over to that mound because you have to cross a four lane road with no crosswalk or light. It would have been nice if there was a traffic light or even better a pedestrian bridge. Once you get over to Monk Mound and make it to the top you are rewarded with an absolutely stunning view of St. Louis and the Arch and the sunset is really gorgeous from the top. That view alone is worth the visit. I wouldn't say this is a place that warrants a full day's visit but if you want a nice stop for an hour or two this is a great place to get out of the car shake a leg and get a little history at the same time. Also if you are looking for an inexpensive date spot pack a picnic and show your date the romantic view.

I wish the interpretive center was open. But is was still cool to see the mounds. It was raining out so we climbed to the top of Monks mound and looked around.

Walked up the top of the mound at sunset for some great views! The history is pretty cool, I wish we knew more about it.

It's absolutely amazing the amount of work that went into creating what at one time was America's largest city. I find it fascinating and amazing that people have lived in this area for so long although it's very easy to see why especially as you walk around this beautiful park. I haven't seen the recently remodeled visitor center yet but just the park itself is is amazing just a beautiful quiet wild space easy paved trails all over the park at least on the south side of the road there is a stairs up to the top of the Grand plaza mound. They have signs for at least most of the mounds I haven't seen the whole park yet with a little bit of history and stuff and I believe they were getting some kind of automated tour that you could download for your phone or use an app for again I haven't been into the new visitor center to get all the information yet. I stop by and at least spend a little time there as often as I can.

What an amazing historical gem! Bring good walking shoes and be prepared for crowds on a weekend but definitely don't miss this place!

Just do it. This site was the location of the largest city in North America a thousand years ago. (Also a great workout.) You've either been here, or you don't know it exists yet.

The museum closed but walked the self-guided paths to learn about the former city and early lifestyle of the people. Climbed the steps of the tallest mound.

I've been to Cahokia a handful of times on my way to Missouri, and it's always a stop I look forward to. I think the visitor's center is temporarily closed due to covid, but it meant we got to spend more time out at the site. It's fascinating to learn about some of the culture of the people who inhabited this area anciently, and I never cease to be amazed at the size of Monks Mound. It's just 7 minutes from the highway exit and easy to find. I highly recommend it as a pit stop to stretch your legs and learn something new if you're driving through the area.

A great place to learn about the Mississippian culture which predates both the Viking discovery of America and the Colombian much latter "discovery".

It was great and so pretty!

(Translated by Google) A strange fact. The Red Civilization (Original) 신기한 사실.홍족문명

Very impressive precolonial native american city complex and photos can't do the size of some of the mounds justice. As of late December 2020 the interpretive center is closed but you can still walk the trails. There are information brochures and trail guides in a box at the front doors of the closed interpretive. There are also a few information signs at some of the more significant mounds and city locations. At the top of monk's mound you can see the gateway arch in St Louis, Missouri.

Closed but you can still climb the mound.

Very cool spot for views, lots of interesting history.

Incrediable to stand here and imangine what thia place would have lookes like

Awesome mounds! Make sure to visit the museum and gift shop.

History...

This place is a must go for everyone. It's ashamed most of the mounds have been dug up, robbed, built over and destroyed. With all of the lack of respect and greed we have lost alot of our information, history and destroyed sacred land. Still beautiful of what's left to visit.

We loved it!!! The displays were amazing! I would have liked to be part of a dig!

Always a joy to visit to see the past and a few miles away you see the trash mound as modern society bliss of disposable buy buy buy more!! What a joke we have lost touch with what really matters!!! "Life goes beter when it goes by slow " Buck Wheat Zidico...

The largest and most significant mound site in North America. I just absolutely LOVED this place back when I went a few years ago. I got to go again sometime. It was once a capitol city of Natchez Nation, and even a place where the City of the Shining Ones was.

Beautiful Place! So many interesting. There is hand on activity inside the museum. We learns a few games that Cahokia indigenous have. My kids and I plays some of toys that was exists before our times. Suggestion to bring comfortable shoes to get dusts on while take a hike entire the historic site to made the worth of visits and walk on top of the mounds is to do lists! Bring sun lotions and camera is a must. Visit on raining day is not recommend!

Absolutely amazing place. The museum is so well done, and the grounds are well managed. There's a great hike that is flat and great for beginners. Go enjoy the beauty of this place!

1000 year old Missippian civilization of more than 10,000 people with the largest pyramidal mound in North America and a huge sun calendar. Should be a world heritage site. Very well done visitor center with excellent and extensive life size diorama and beautiful artifacts.

Now talk about a sunset view of St. Louis! This is BY FAR my favorite place to escape and think after a long day of work. I know that even after I move on from STL, i'll always have the moments I spent here.

Wonderful park. I loved this place as a kid and brought my daughter yesterday. I love that they're giving out qr codes to let people view the movie to make sure everybody's socially distanced. Very educational (even with interactive displays closed for safety during this), very well maintained location.

The museum was very informative, the facility was well maintained and those working had the utmost customer care. The park itself was also well maintained.

Get place

Great way to get in some exercise while learning about early Native American history. Take the time to make this stop happen.

It was a really cool place. I got to learn about the history of the mounds. I got to walk up a few. The staff was amazing. It is a really nice place to go, as long as your ready to do some walking.

Lots of artifacts, large visitors center, quiet and pretty outdoors.

Very nice exhibit!

Beautiful park and great museum in the information center. Enjoyed the visit!

Historic lesson, great experience

Absolutely beautiful place, and has a lot of history tied to it. My family and I drove an hour to see it, and it was definitely worth it.

Was out in Cahokia the other day so went and sat and watched the sunset by the Mounds up at the park

"hmmm. I did not go there."

Incredible educational excursion. Well maintained. Friendly staff. The climb to the tallest mound was difficult but doable.

Very underrated. Excellent museum and preservation of grounds

Just think about it

Due to the nature of what you're looking at (earth mounds) it isn't particularly stimulating, but the sheer size of the complex, the views from the top, and especially the rich Cahokian history thoughtfully illustrated in the visitor center made the trip well worth it.

We recently visited chaco national historic site in New Mexico and there we learned about other important sites in the US. The Cahokia mounds is the largest native site in the US. We read about the archeological history before going. When you have a strong understanding of the site it makes it much more interesting. The size of the mounds are remarkable when you consider how they built them. I assume it was one basket of dirt after the next. Amazing. If you don't have an understanding or an interest it looks like a huge midwestern golf course and a fantastic place for a quiet walk. The museum is very impressive and provides visitors with a good overview understanding. Great gift shop with an excellent collection of native american jewelry. Highly recommend a visit.

Fascinating exhibits, lots of ground to explore, will be returning to see more, highly recommend

Awesome place

No movie to watch because the theater was broken. :(