Melissa has been learning about native peoples of the Americas, when we came upon a chapter about the Mound Builders. A little sleuthing and we discovered we're only about 4 hours away from Effigy Mounds National Monument!Just a couple of hours outside Des Moines and the countryside began to change rapidly into rolling hills. The juxtaposition of greens with the oranges, reds and browns of fall was breathtaking.
We stopped at this scenic view overlooking the Mississippi about an hour from Harper's Ferry, IA., where Effigy Mounds is located. We bought local honey and maple syrup from farm stands here as well.
Once at the monument, we took the 2 1/2 mile trail up the bluff and through the woods. Scattered along the way were multiple mounds, both ceremonial and burial. The surroundings were so untamed it was easy to imagine the lives of the various groups of peoples who built the mounds hundreds of years ago.
Melissa and Sarah
Small Bear shaped mound. The monument includes multiple mounds in the shapes of bears and even eagles.
The roundish mounds are thought to be burial mounds.
Views from the trail.
Likely a woodpecker hole.
This barge was carrying coal.
It was a great weekend getaway!
3 comments:
we went there when holden was 2 and i was pg with cam. it was awesome! we walked that same trail. we stayed at Back Bone State Park! It had some neat trails too. Too bad you didnt go to the haunted cave that is NE Iowa. We saw a sign but never made it there. It sounds spooky!
There is an effigy mound at Yellow Banks park near pleasant hill.
Sorry for the cryptic post. Just had to give a quick shout out!! Glad you had a fun weekend!!!
Well, Heather, we actually did go to Spook Cave, but I'll post a little about it tomorrow!
Love the pictures. I want to go. I like the views of the Mississippi.
flinch
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