Twenty Native American tribes consider the mounds at Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, sacred. They built many of the 206 mounds to resemble birds, bears, deer, bison, lynx, turtles, panthers and other things that were significant to their culture, but researchers are unsure why the Native Americans constructed them. When you visit this location along the Mississippi River, you will also see linear or long rectangular mounds and burial mounds. Take a guided tour during the summer to learn more about this beautiful location.
Before and after exploring Effigy Mounds National Monument, you will want to see and do many things in the surrounding area, so bring your RV. If you do not have one, it is quick and easy to rent one on RVshare.com.
Explore the visitor center's exhibits to learn more about the people who have lived in this area. Take the guided tour of Effigy Mounds National Monument. This tour led by a park ranger is a great way to learn more about the people who constructed this site that is still revered by many Native American groups. This location is a fabulous place to go hiking, but be sure to stay on the trails out of respect for the people who consider this land sacred.
Hiking TrailsHike along the trails running through hardwood forests and grasslands at La Riviere Park near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. These trails near the river are fantastic places to go bird-watching in the warmer months, and cross-country skiers often use them in the winter months.
La Riviere Park, 62048 Vineyard Coulee Rd, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821
6 Miles
Moderate
Hike up the tall bluff overlooking the Mississippi River on this hike. The first part of the hike runs through a park-like setting with sculptural water fountains. Reach the top of the bluff and use the telescope to see over 50 miles on a clear day. You can often see Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Mt. Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, Iowa 52151
3 Miles
Moderate
Mound Point Trail is a fabulous place to go wildlife watching in Nelson Dewey State Park. There are benches periodically along this trail to sit and watch the wildlife. Climb the nearby bluff to enjoy views of the Mississippi River.
Nelson Dewey State Park, 12190 Co Hwy VV, Cassville, Wisconsin 53806
0.6 Miles
Easy
SightseeingHiking, mountain bike riding, fishing and hunting are activities that you can enjoy at Yellow River State Forest, depending on the season. This state forest covering more than 8,900 acres is home to the only fire tower in Iowa. Officials have divided this forest into five separate units.
729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146
Take a morning or afternoon riverboat cruise with a knowledgeable guide from Maiden Voyage Tours. These tours last approximately 90 minutes. Come in the evening on the weekends to enjoy live music as you cruise along.
101 Water St, Marquette, Iowa 52158
MuseumsExplore a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store and post office in the 1890s village. See a replica of the first successful gasoline tractor engine at Frolich Village. In the autumn, this museum often hosts special events.
24397 Froelich Rd, McGregor, Iowa 52157
The Astor Fur Warehouse, operated by the Villa Louis Museum, is the only known surviving fur warehouse in the upper Midwest. Much of the fur industry ran out of this two-story limestone building in the early 1800s. Today, you can tour the facility and the two nearby mansions.
Intersection of Bolvin St and Water St, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsFind small and large antiques and vintage home décor at this friendly store open from spring through autumn.
127 S 3rd St, Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146
Shop for groceries at this member-owned grocery store where most products come from small producers within 100 miles of the store. They have a fabulous deli section that often features dishes too complicated to make at home. This cooperative also operates an attached café.
312 W Water St, Decorah, Iowa 52101
Get pizza, eggrolls, tenderloin bites and other delicious entrees from the Spillway Supper Club. This restaurant often has live entertainment, such as comedians. Check out the bar choices.
112 N 3rd St, Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146
Get great house-made pizza at Great River Roadhouse. Fresh breadsticks are also available at this restaurant where the staff makes everything daily. They also occasionally offer fish and other unique entrees.
9660 Hwy 35, De Soto, Iowa 54624
Easily reach Effigy Mounds National Monument from Dubuque, Iowa. Head north on U.S. 52 North/Central Avenue for about 13 miles. Turn right on Clayton County X56/Haydn Street. This road will make some twists and turns before eventually becoming the Great River Road. Follow that road, which is also Iowa 76 North, to reach the national monument.
151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
Eastern Woodland Native Americans constructed the mounds found at Effigy Mounds National Monument between 850 and 1,400 years ago. Researchers still do not entirely understand why the Native Americans created these mounds, but many tribes still consider the area to be sacred. They made many of the mounds in the shape of animals or birds with fires built at their head, heart or flank and a small percentage of the mounds contain human remains. The views of the Mississippi River from this location and others nearby are stunning. Visit Effigy Mounds National Monument in your RV so that you're free to explore the whole region. If you do not have an RV, it is easy to find one on RVShare.com. Many different size choices are available, and 24/7 roadside assistance covers each of them. There are terrific campgrounds in the area, so put this national monument on your travel itinerary.
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