One of the world’s greatest cities in existence in AD 1250 lies within miles of present day Collinsville, Illinois. Larger than London was at the time, the city had inhabitants who were accomplished builders, constructing everything from homes to monumental public works. Today the archaeological remnants of this town are preserved as Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. It’s a fascinating place to visit. (If you plan to do so, you’ll find a great place to stay at Timmermann House Bed & Breakfast in nearby Aviston, Illinois.)
Considered the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico, Cahokia Mounds once covered 4,000 acres, included around120 mounds, and at its peak had 20,000 inhabitants. The State of Illinois now protects 2,200 acres in the central part of the site.
To get the most of a visit, make your first stop the Interpretive Center, where you can check out an audio tour, see an orientation movie, view galleries, get maps, and find additional information. You can then take self-guided or guided tours of the mounds—there are 81 in all—including the 100-foot high Monks Mound, the largest earthwork in North America.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL
618-346-5160
Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk
Gift Shop hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Just 35 minutes southeast of Collinsville, Timmermann House Bed & Breakfast has a pretty country setting and rooms that pamper guests with Turkish towels, plush robes, Comphy sheets and delicious homemade breakfasts. If you visit in the summer, you can also enjoy the B&B’s award-winning gardens.
Timmermann House Bed & Breakfast
6130 Old US Highway 50, Aviston, IL
618-228-7068
Timmermann House B&B is a member of the Illinois Bed and Breakfast Association … a unique lodging experience!