Cahokia Woodhenge
A reconstructed ancient solar calendar and astronomical observatory built by the Mississippian culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the sun align with posts
Cahokia Woodhenge
Best Time
See the sun align with posts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A reconstructed ancient solar calendar and astronomical observatory built by the Mississippian culture.
"Standing here really makes you appreciate the history and how advanced this ancient city was."
☀️ Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Visit at dawn or dusk for the most atmospheric experience and to see the sun's alignment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the site, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Circle
Center of the reconstructed Woodhenge
Stand in the center of this ancient solar calendar and feel the energy of the Mississippian people.
Sunrise/Sunset Alignment
Various posts within the circle
Witness how the posts align with the rising or setting sun, marking solstices and equinoxes.
Monks Mound Views
Adjacent to Woodhenge
A short walk from Woodhenge, Monks Mound offers panoramic views of the ancient city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Combine with Cahokia Mounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Visit at dawn or dusk for the most atmospheric experience and to see the sun's alignment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the site, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's an outdoor site with limited amenities; pack essentials for your visit.
🗺️ Explore with Context
Read up on the Mississippian culture beforehand to fully appreciate Woodhenge's significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Visit at dawn or dusk for the most atmospheric experience and to see the sun's alignment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the site, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's an outdoor site with limited amenities; pack essentials for your visit.
🗺️ Explore with Context
Read up on the Mississippian culture beforehand to fully appreciate Woodhenge's significance.
🆓 Free Attraction!
Enjoy this historical marvel without an admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the historical significance and the powerful, transformative energy of Cahokia Woodhenge. Many appreciate its role as a solar calendar and a testament to the advanced Mississippian culture. While some note that the site could be better preserved, its free admission and unique astronomical alignment make it a highly recommended stop, especially when combined with the main Cahokia Mounds.
"We stopped here after visiting the Cahokia Mounds, and it was the perfect addition to the trip. Woodhenge was built by the Mississippians around 1100 AD as a solar calendar to track the seasons. Standing here really makes you appreciate the history and how advanced this ancient city was. So glad I finally made it—another bucket list stop complete! This is a free attraction. #bucketlist"
L Grabb
"Came here on a trip and stopped by. Cool to think that hundreds of years ago Native Americans used wood henge for astronomical purposes. It's right down the road from Monk's Mound so just check out both."
Astria Porta
"Wow, this place is really powerful. It was like the energy was flowing to the center, creating a transformative experience. I saw people going to the center and just allowing themselves to experience the place. The alignment to the solstices connects it with other powerful henges"
JRob Zetelumen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cahokia Woodhenge is located within the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Many visitors combine a trip to Woodhenge with the main Cahokia Mounds complex, including Monks Mound.
Yes, Woodhenge is a component of the larger Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. It's a short drive or walk from the main interpretive center and Monks Mound, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
The site is spread out, so driving between key areas like Monks Mound and Woodhenge is recommended. Walking paths are available for exploring specific sections. Consider downloading a site map beforehand.
Public transportation options to the Cahokia Mounds site are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access Woodhenge and the surrounding mounds.
Yes, there is parking available at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which serves both Woodhenge and the main mound complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Cahokia Woodhenge and the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is free. This makes it an accessible historical experience for everyone.
Cahokia Woodhenge is part of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which is generally open daily from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Cahokia Mounds website for the most current hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Cahokia Woodhenge or the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. It's a fantastic free attraction for history buffs and curious travelers.
Yes, Cahokia Woodhenge is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, visiting during favorable weather conditions will enhance your experience.
While there might not be specific guided tours for Woodhenge itself, ranger-led programs or interpretive talks are sometimes offered at the main Cahokia Mounds site. Check their schedule for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cahokia Woodhenge was a series of large timber circles constructed by the Mississippian people around 1100 AD. It functioned as a sophisticated solar calendar to track the seasons, solstices, and equinoxes.
You can see the reconstructed circle of large wooden posts, which represent the original structure. Informative signs explain its astronomical significance and how it was used to mark time.
A visit to Woodhenge itself can take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest. Many visitors spend several hours exploring the entire Cahokia Mounds site, including Monks Mound.
Yes, children can find Cahokia Woodhenge fascinating, especially when learning about ancient calendars and civilizations. Climbing Monks Mound is also a popular activity for kids.
Stand in the center of the circle and imagine its original purpose. Visiting during sunrise or sunset can offer a powerful connection to its astronomical function.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the reconstructed timber circle, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light creates dramatic effects. The alignment of the posts with the sun is a key photographic subject.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites to protect the integrity of the area and for safety reasons. It's best to check the official Cahokia Mounds website or contact them directly for drone policies.
The 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography at Woodhenge, highlighting the structure and its surroundings.
Tripods are generally allowed for personal photography at outdoor historical sites, but it's always wise to confirm with the site management if you plan to use professional equipment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full circle of Woodhenge. If you're there for sunrise or sunset, a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing the sun's alignment with the posts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring, bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting the interpretive center first to provide context. Climbing Monks Mound is a great way for kids to burn energy and enjoy impressive views. The open spaces are perfect for running around, making it a fun and engaging historical adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher prices nearby. Combine your visit with other free attractions in the St. Louis area, such as the Gateway Arch National Park grounds (though entry to the Arch itself has a fee). The free admission makes it a top recommendation for value.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Key insights: Research the Mississippian culture and their achievements before your visit. Consider visiting during a solstice or equinox for a truly special experience. Don't miss exploring the broader Cahokia Mounds site, including Monks Mound, to grasp the full scope of this remarkable ancient city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Astronomical Significance of Woodhenge
By observing where the sun rose or set relative to specific posts, the ancient inhabitants could accurately determine the passage of time and the changing seasons. This knowledge was vital for their agricultural cycles, religious ceremonies, and overall societal organization. The reconstruction you see today is based on archaeological evidence, including the discovery of post molds and comparative studies with other known 'henges' around the world.
Standing within the reconstructed circle, you can still feel the power of this ancient observatory. It's a testament to the advanced understanding of astronomy possessed by the Mississippian people, who built one of the most complex societies north of Mexico. The alignment to celestial events connects Cahokia Woodhenge to other significant ancient sites, highlighting a shared human fascination with the cosmos.
Exploring the Wider Cahokia Mounds Site
The site also features numerous other smaller mounds, plazas, and evidence of a once-thriving urban center that housed tens of thousands of people at its peak. An interpretive center provides valuable context with exhibits on the Mississippian culture, their daily lives, and the archaeological discoveries made at the site. Exploring these mounds offers a profound glimpse into a complex pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in the Mississippi River Valley.
Many visitors recommend dedicating a significant portion of your day to exploring the entire Cahokia Mounds complex. The scale of the earthworks and the historical significance are truly awe-inspiring. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover, and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit