Effigy Mounds National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Iowa.
In the park service’s words
The mounds preserved here are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds and the people who built them. The 200 plus American Indian mounds are located in one of the most picturesque sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. Park trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Getting there
Located 3 miles north of Marquette, Iowa on Hwy 76.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) | Dubuque, IA | No road route | 53 | Regional |
| La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) | La Crosse, WI | No road route | 55 | Regional |
| Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) | Waterloo, IA | No road route | 71 | Regional |
| Minneapolis, Saint Paul International Airport / Wold, Chamberlain Field (MSP) | Minneapolis, MN | No road route | 160 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. The visitor center is open year-round except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and during extreme weather conditions.
Weather
All four seasons are represented in this area with summer temperature in the upper 80’s with higher heat indexes due to humidity and winter daytime highs in the 20's. Temperatures are in °Fahrenheit.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Indiana Dunes, about 233 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Effigy Mounds National Monument?
No entrance fee.
Where is Effigy Mounds National Monument?
In Iowa. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Dubuque Regional Airport, about 53 miles away.
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