Monks Mound — Attraction in Collinsville

The Monks Mound is about 1100 years old and was built in various phases, for different purposes. It's the largest mound of its kind in North America, north of Mexico. At its peak, they estimate between 10-20 thousand people lived in and around this complex. It's called the Monks Mound because a group of Trappist Monks built a small settlement there (they were not the original builders).

The mound is located about 10 miles east of downtown St. Louis. The view atop the mound is great - you can see for miles, including the Arch. People who enjoy ancient history will appreciate this site. There are plenty of informational markers and signs providing the history. An audio tour is also available for downloading to your phone. The entire site is free to visit, well-maintained, and there's plenty of parking. Pets are allowed, as long as they're on a leash.

In addition to the Monks Mound, there are other mounds in the area, which you can see from the top of Monks Mound. There are also remnants of an ancient stockade, which I thought was neat. A mile to the west is a reconstruction of Wood Henge, where ancient natives built large circles...

Monks Mound in Cahokia is one of those local gems that feels both hidden and wide open at the same time. Most folks hit it for exercise, and I did the same. Listen! The steps are no joke if you’re out of shape. By the time you get to the top, your legs are burning, your chest is tight, but then the view opens up and makes it all worth it. You can see across Illinois, straight into St. Louis, and on a clear day, the Arch is sitting out there like a prize.

It’s more than just a workout spot though. This is the largest prehistoric earthwork in North America, built by the Mississippians a thousand years ago. Back then, this whole area was a city bigger than London. Leaders stood on top of this same mound, running a civilization that’s mostly forgotten today. Thinking about that while catching your breath gives the climb a different kind of weight.

If you go, bring water…especially when it’s hot. No shade, just you, the steps, and the sun. But it’s worth it every single time. Monks Mound isn’t just stairs on a hill, it’s history under your feet, sweat in your lungs, and a view that ties the past and...

It's beautiful it's amazing and I can't wait for their to be found so many more places like this across the United States to once and for all prove that there were people here way before anybody from Europe stepped foot on this continent. I am disagreeing with it being a group of Trappist monks that built the place period I woukd do your homework and locate one of the many works and or talk to the many archaeologists over the past 90 years I have been working on unearthing it. It is beautiful it's worth the Trek to see it's...