Our Interpretation of the Cahokia site focuses on its uniqueness as an urban center, or a city. It is the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico and was a religious, political, economic and cultural center.

Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center

To achieve an understanding of this site we do the following:

v Examine the factors which qualify Cahokia as a city or urban center.

v Discuss the tradition known as Mississippian, of which Cahokia was a part.

v Study the daily life and social organization of the citizens of Cahokia.

v Explain the archaeological and anthropological research, analyses, and processes that reveal this information to us.

v Disseminate this information to the general public to educate and inform through our Interpretive Center exhibits, educational programs, special events, educational literature and other interpretive activities.

Click on the Map Locations for more Information.

Interpretive Center Information

The Interpretive Center Gallery is self-guided.

Volunteers are available to answer visitor questions.

Open Wednesday-Sunday

closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Closed

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, General Election Day, Veterans Day,

Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission

There is no admission fee, but the suggested donation is

$4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ($10 max. per family)

How to Schedule the Orientation Theater & Exhibit Gallery

Field Trips & Group Visits – Reservations are required for all groups.

A two-week notice is needed. Groups are limited to 70; larger groups will need to be divided. The orientation show City of the Sun is shown once an hour from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

To schedule a group please complete Group Reservation Form

or call (618) 346-5174 to have a form faxed or mailed to you.

Unscheduled Groups will have to wait until there is an opening to accommodate them in the Theater and exhibit Gallery.