Illinois’ 2nd Least Visited State Park Hides 1,000-Year-Old Native American Mounds—And Almost No One Knows About It

As fall approaches, we find ourselves eager to plan scenic getaways —especially to lesser-known destinations. While many well-known [state parks](https://secretchicago.com/rauchfuss-hill-state-recreational-area-least-visited-state-park-in-illinois/) in Illinois attract the majority of visitors, what about the less-frequented ones? These hidden gems, often overlooked, offer just as much beauty and history as their more well-known counterparts. The 2nd least visited State Park: Kinkaid Mounds State Park --------------------------------------------------------------- We have already discussed the least visited state park, Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area. Now we want to highlight another beautiful park with a rich history: Kinkaid Mounds State Historic Site. This 105-acre area is home to an ancient archaeological site managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; it is the history that makes it truly remarkable. According to Kinkaid Mounds, theywere once inhabited by the Native Americans of the Mississippian Culture from around 1050 AD to 1400 AD. Visitors to the site will find flat-topped mounds that rise 30 feet tall , arranged around a leveled plaza area. These mounds served as raised platforms where the Chief and other elite leaders lived or governed. They also served as locations for thatched-roofed homes, ceremonial buildings, and temples to be constructed. Built in stages over 350 years , the mounds were constructed by stacking basket loads of selected soil and clay materials one on top of the other. Today, they stand much as they appeared 700 years ago. Kinkaid Mounds has since been designated as a historic site to ensure public access and education in history. After visiting the Kinkaid Mounds, you can head to Metropolis for a variety of dining options and entertainment, or perhaps even extend your time in nature and hike or bike at the Fort Massac State Park. Source: https://secretchicago.com/illinois-2nd-least-visited-state-park-kinkaid-mounds-state-park/