Mounds Effigy Mounds National Monument

lidar-derived image of marching bears mound group, effigy mounds national monument.

prehistoric earthworks mound builder cultures common in midwest. however, mounds in shape of mammals, birds, or reptiles, known effigies, apparently constructed peoples in known southern wisconsin, northeast iowa, , small parts of minnesota , illinois. exceptions great serpent mound in south-eastern ohio, , mound @ poverty point, louisiana, built in shape of large soaring bird.

effigy mounds national monument takes in western edge of effigy region. north unit (67 mounds) , south unit (29 mounds) located counties meet along mississippi river. contiguous , accessible. sny magill unit (112 mounds) approximately 11 miles (18 km) south of other units, , offers no visitor facilities. other mounds located on remote parts of monument property. monument contains 2,526 acres (10.22 km) 206 mounds, of 31 effigies. largest, great bear mound, measures 42 meters head tail , rises on meter above original ground level.

in northeastern iowa effigy mounds area point of transition between eastern hardwood forests , central prairies. native american , settlers have been able draw on natural resources available in forests, wetlands, , prairies. these areas occupied humans many centuries.

effigy mounds adjacent upper mississippi river national wildlife , fish refuge, driftless area national wildlife refuge, yellow river state forest, , short distance south, pikes peak state park. there number of state-owned wildlife management areas, such 1 @ sny magill creek, clayton county maintains county park.

numerous federally recognized tribes have been identified having linguistic , cultural ties various ancestral peoples built effigy , other earthwork mounds @ monument site.