East Alton to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

East Alton to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Collinsville, Illinois, just east of St. Louis. The site is home to the largest prehistoric earthworks in the Americas, which were built by the Mississippian culture between 1000 and 1400 AD.

The site is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 6-17. Children under 6 are free.

The best time to visit the site is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. However, the site is also open during the summer and winter, and there are many indoor exhibits to explore in case of inclement weather.

Getting There

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is located at 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL 62234.

From East Alton, you can take Illinois Route 143 north to Collinsville. Then, take Illinois Route 159 east to the site.

The drive from East Alton to the site takes about 20 minutes.

Expenses

In addition to the admission fee, you may also want to budget for food and drinks. There is a small cafe on site, but you may also want to bring your own food and drinks.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated expenses:

• Admission: $8 per adult
• Food and drinks: $10-$15 per person

What to Eat

There are a few different options for food and drinks at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The cafe on site offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. You can also bring your own food and drinks into the site.

Here are a few suggestions for what to eat:

• Sandwiches: The cafe on site offers a variety of sandwiches, including grilled cheese, ham and cheese, and turkey and cheese.
• Salads: The cafe on site also offers a variety of salads, including green salads, Caesar salads, and chicken salads.
• Snacks: The cafe on site offers a variety of snacks, including chips, candy, and popcorn.

Where to Go

In addition to the main museum and visitor center, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site also has a number of other attractions, including:

• The Monk's Mound: This is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. It is a massive pyramid that was built by the Mississippian culture between 1000 and 1400 AD.
• The Grand Plaza: This is a large open space that was used for ceremonies and other public gatherings. It is surrounded by a number of smaller mounds.
• The Woodhenge: This is a circle of wooden posts that was used for astronomical observations. It is located just outside the main museum and visitor center.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site:

• What are the hours of operation?
• The site is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
• How much does it cost to get in?
• Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 6-17. Children under 6 are free.
• What is the best time to visit?
• The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
• What are the highlights of the site?
• The highlights of the site include the Monk's Mound, the Grand Plaza, and the Woodhenge.