# Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

> Cahokia was inhabited between roughly AD 700 and 1400 and reached its peak around 1100, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 residents; it is regarded as the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/cahokia-mounds/

The remains of a large Native American city, with earthen mounds rising from the flat Mississippi floodplain. Start at the interpretive center, then climb the stairs of the largest mound for a wide view toward St. Louis.

Cahokia was inhabited between roughly AD 700 and 1400 and reached its peak around 1100, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 residents; it is regarded as the largest prehistoric city in North America north of Mexico. Originally about 120 earthen mounds stood on roughly 6 square miles (15 km²), and around 70 survive. The largest, Monks Mound, is 100 feet (30 m) high, covers about 14 acres (5.6 ha) and is considered the largest prehistoric earthwork north of Mexico. UNESCO added the site to the World Heritage List in 1982.

The site near Collinsville covers about 2,200 acres (roughly 890 ha) and lies across the Mississippi from St. Louis. One of its highlights is Woodhenge, a reconstructed circle of wooden posts used to track the position of the sun. The site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Division. The Interpretive Center reopened in June 2026 after a multi-year renovation (as of June 2026); check beforehand which exhibits are open. Allow two to three hours for a visit.

- **Nearest town:** Collinsville, IL
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 38.6551, -90.0620
- **Editor's pick:** ★

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site – Illinois DNR](https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/site.cahokia-mounds.html)
- [Cahokia – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahokia)
- [Cahokia Mounds museum reopens – St. Louis Public Radio](https://www.stlpr.org/culture-history/2026-06-10/cahokia-mounds-museum-reopens-public-years-repairs)

## Nearby

- [Gateway Arch](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gateway-arch/) – 7 mi
- [Old Chain of Rocks Bridge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/chain-of-rocks/) – 10 mi
- [Ted Drewes Frozen Custard](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ted-drewes/) – 12 mi
- [Sainte Genevieve Historic District](https://camping-spirit.com/places/sainte-genevieve-historic-district/) – 47 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is in Collinsville, IL, at GPS 38.6551, -90.0620. It is about 8 mi from St. Louis.

### Can you camp near Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Safari RV Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?

Places worth a stop nearby: Gateway Arch (7 mi), Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (10 mi), Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (12 mi) and Sainte Genevieve Historic District (47 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)