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The Titan: Monks Mound

You can’t visit Cahokia without tackling Monks Mound. It is the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Americas. At its base, it’s roughly the same size as the Great Pyramid of Giza! Walking up the stairs to the 100-foot summit is the highlight for most families. From the top, you get a clear view of the St. Louis skyline (including the Gateway Arch) and the Grand Plaza below, which was a 50-acre leveled field used for massive ceremonies and games like chunkey. It’s called "Monks Mound" because French Trappist monks lived on a nearby mound in the early 1800s and farmed the terraces of this giant one.

Woodhenge: The Solar Calendar

A short walk or drive from the main mound is Woodhenge. Archaeologists found several "circles" of post-holes and realized they were ancient sun calendars. The reconstructed circle consists of 48 red cedar posts. If you stand at the center post during a solstice or equinox, the sun rises in direct alignment with specific perimeter posts. It’s an incredible example of how the Mississippians used astronomy to manage their agricultural cycles.

The Mystery of Mound 72

While Monks Mound was for the living (the Great Chief lived on top), Mound 72 was for the afterlife. This small "ridgetop" mound is famous because archaeologists discovered the remains of an elite leader laid on a bed of 20,000 marine shell beads shaped like a falcon. It’s a sobering but fascinating look at the complex social structure and religious beliefs of the city.

Visiting in 2026: The Reopening

If you haven't been in a while, there is big news! The Interpretive Center (Museum), which has been closed for a major multi-million dollar renovation, is finally reopening in the spring of 2026. The new space features updated exhibits and a brand-new orientation film. You can now use a mobile AR app while you walk the grounds. If you point your phone at a mound, the app "rebuilds" the thatched-roof temples and houses that used to sit on top, letting you see the city exactly as it looked 900 years ago. This is a quick stop, close to the city that you should definitely add to your list!