Prairie State Wire

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will host its annual spring Native American Market on April 5-6 at the Collinsville VFW, located at 1234 Vandalia St. The event will showcase arts and crafts by over 30 tribal-affiliated artists from across North America. Attendees can expect to see a variety of authentic Indigenous items, including jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, clothing, flutes, and woodcarvings. Admission and parking for the market are free.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Cahokia Mounds is situated eight miles from St. Louis. It is accessible via Interstates 55/70 (Exit 6) and Interstate 255 (Exit 24) on Collinsville Road.

While the site's interpretive center exhibits and gallery will be closed for most of 2025 due to major mechanical renovations, the grounds remain open daily from dawn until dusk. Facilities include a water fountain and portable restrooms in the Monks Mound parking lot. Visitors are reminded that dogs must always be kept on leash.

Guided tours at Cahokia Mounds will resume on May 1. To arrange a tour or obtain more information about the site, individuals can call 618-346-5160 or visit their website online. Although there is no mandatory admission fee for visiting the site itself, donations are suggested: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for students, and $15 for families.