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Effigy Mounds National Monument

Harpers Ferry, IA

Prehistoric mounds are common from the plains of the Midwest to the Atlantic seaboard, but only in this general area was there a culture that regularly constructed mounds in the shape of mammals, birds, or reptiles. The monument contains 2,526 acres with 195 mounds of which 31 are effigies. The others are conical, linear and compound. Eastern Woodland Indians built mounds from about 500 BC until the early European contact period. Natural features in the monument include forests, tallgrass prairies, wetlands and rivers. The visitor center, located at the park entrance, contains museum exhibits highlighting archaeological and natural specimens, an auditorium and book sales outlet. The park has eleven miles of hiking trails. No roads exist in the park. Rangers give guided hikes and prehistoric tool demonstrations, June 11 through Labor Day weekend. Educational programs are presented on- and off-site by appointment. There are no lodging or camping facilities in the park. Nearest camping is at Pikes Peak State Park and Yellow River State Forest in Iowa and Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin. Various primitive campgrounds exist in the area as well.

CONTACTS

Email - efmo_superintendent@nps.gov

Fax- 563-873-3743

Write to
151 HWY 76
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-7519

Phone
Visitor Information - 563-873-3491

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Effigy Mounds is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in October. The monument is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Getting There
PLANE - Regional airports in La Crosse (70 miles) and Madison (120 miles), WI; and Dubuque (70 miles) and Cedar Rapids (120 miles), IA

CAR - Three miles north of Marquette, IA or seventeen miles south of Waukon, IA on state highway 76. Also six miles across Mississippi River from Prairie du Chien, WI

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - none

Weather & Climate
Our summers are generally hot and humid, spring and autumn are mild with moderate temperatures, winters can be cold and snowy.

Accessibility
Visitor Center, museum, book sales outlet and auditorium are accessible to wheelchairs. Consult rangers at information desk for access to the hiking trails.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
CAR MAX
$4.00 for 7 Days
Maximum to be paid for entrance of private, non-commercial vehicle.

PER PERSON
$2.00 for 7 Days
Individual entrance fee - 16 and under are free.

Local Passport
EFFIGY MOUNDS PARK PASS
$10.00 for Annual
Provides access to the monument on an annual basis.

FACILITIES

Museums
MUSEUM
Open All Year 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - extended hours in summer
Phone - 563-873-3491

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