Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
The largest pre-Columbian urban site in North America and a World Heritage Site; you can climb the 30-metre Monks Mound for a view of the arch.
Cahokia was the center of the Mississippian culture from about 1050 to 1350 CE, and at its peak its population may have reached 20,000. About 70 mounds survive. The main mound, Monks Mound, stands about 30 metres high and is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas; from its summit you can see the St. Louis skyline. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. It is located in Illinois, about 15 km from downtown, so you will need a car. The interpretive center has limited opening hours, while the grounds are open during the day.
Opening hours
Grounds open sunrise to sunset; visitor center approx. 09:00–17:00 Wed–Sun
Nearby sights
- Laclede's Landing
- Gateway Arch
- Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral)
- National Blues Museum
- Old Courthouse
- Citygarden
- Busch Stadium
- City Museum