Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

About

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves one of the most remarkable archaeological treasures in North America. Around 1100 CE, this thriving metropolis covered over 4,000 acres, featured roughly 120 earthen mounds, and supported a population of nearly 20,000 people - larger than London at the same time. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a powerful connection to the ingenuity of the Mississippian culture.

The centerpiece is Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. Rising about 100 feet, it's an awe-inspiring sight that puts the scale of this ancient city into perspective. The surrounding Grand Plaza, once the heart of community life, stretches out beneath it.

Inside the Interpretive Center, you'll find detailed exhibits, artifacts, and a life-size diorama that brings the ancient city to life. A short film provides context about the people who built and inhabited this extraordinary place. The center is currently open by appointment only, so plan ahead before your visit.

The grounds are open for exploration with paved and crushed limestone trails that wind past several mounds and interpretive signs explaining what archaeologists have uncovered. Mound 72, a burial site that revealed fascinating clues about Cahokian society, is accessible via one of these paths.

Cahokia Mounds is located just eight miles east of downtown St. Louis, making it an easy day trip. There's no admission or parking fee, though donations are welcome - $7 per adult, $5 per senior, $2 per child, or $15 for families. Pets on leashes are allowed on the grounds, with only service dogs permitted inside the building. Outdoor water fountains are available seasonally.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply curious about the people who shaped this continent long before European contact, Cahokia Mounds delivers a humbling and unforgettable experience.

Accessibility

Cahokia Mounds offers solid accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. The Interpretive Center is wheelchair accessible, providing full access to exhibits, the theater, and indoor displays. From the center, newly installed cement paths extend into the Grand Plaza area, to Mound 72, and to several other sections of the site.

The grounds feature two main trails: a wheelchair-accessible 1-mile concrete trail and a 1-mile crushed limestone trail. Both provide access to key points of interest with large interpretive signs at each parking area and along the routes. Note that climbing Monks Mound requires ascending a staircase, which may not be accessible to all visitors.

Parking is free, and the site is reachable via major roadways with limited public transportation options available. Service animals are welcome throughout the site, and outdoor water fountains are provided (except during winter months). Only service dogs are permitted inside the Interpretive Center building.

The Interpretive Center is currently open by appointment only, so calling ahead is essential. This also gives you the opportunity to ask staff about any specific accommodations you may need. Contact the venue directly for current details on accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, or other sensory accommodations.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)