NPS Photo by Ken Block

Sunrise at Fire Point Overlook of the upper Mississippi River

Browsing the Visitor Center
or * Hiking the Trails?

* Since so many inquiries come in on this topic from this website's e-mail link we would like  to make sure this is clear:

The significant limitation on visiting the park resources is the LACK of driving roadways. All access is by walking / hiking.

However, visitors can access all of the park walkways and trails, sunrise to sunset, on their own (self guiding). There is no requirement to be accompanied by a Ranger - only the option and opportunity to join a ranger when advertised.

So...

The Monument offers wonderful opportunities to view magnificent vistas, diverse wildlife, plants and trees (including 81.5 acres of prairie), and hundreds of ancient Indian cultural mound features. Visitor center hours vary seasonally, however, park grounds are open sunrise to sunset, year round. Use the links at the top of this page to find detailed information on operating hours, touring options and ranger-led programs or park sponsored special educational public events.

A complete visit to the 2,526 acre Effigy Mounds National Monument can take up to several days of hiking along trails. To preserve the mounds and respect the sacred nature of the site, self-guiding automobile tour routes are not available. Persons of all walking and hiking abilities are encouraged to visit the monument, however, there are distinct limitations for those with mobility impairments.

Varied landforms, 14-miles of relatively steep hiking trails and hundreds of preserved Indian mounds combine to make it hard to estimate exactly how much time will be needed to visit the Monument; visiting is based on your interests and (physical) abilities. A few basic options are described below...

Accessible trail and driving options are available which allow for visits to a wetland habitat, a number of burial mounds and one effigy mound.
 
A two to three-hour visit allows for viewing a 15-minute film interpreting the moundbuilders, viewing a museum collection of ancient American Indian artifacts, browsing our bookstore, utilizing accessible options or hiking a relatively steep two-mile trail loop leading to several burial and effigy mound groups.

A brief one-hour visit allows for viewing the film, museum exhibits, bookstore and three burial mounds. A short walk can also be taken along the accessible boardwalk (wetland) trail.