Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  2. Important essentials for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  3. Activities for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America by month

January

January in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March for Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you vacation in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site during April, you may see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site during May, you might find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in July, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site during August, you will probably see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site during September, you will probably see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the National Great Rivers Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Missouri, United States of America

Located in Collinsville, Illinois, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts. This site is renowned for being the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the United States of America and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. With 2,200 acres of protected land, the site features numerous landmarks, exhibits, and events that attract thousands of tourists and scholars every year. Here are the top tourist attractions in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site that you should not miss:

1. Monks Mound – Regarded as the largest man-made earthen structure in North America, Monks Mound dominates the park’s skyline. Standing 100 feet high and covering an area of more than 14 acres, Monks Mound was constructed in stages over several centuries by the Mississippians who lived here from around 950 to 1350 AD. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the mound for a stunning view of St. Louis and the surrounding Mississippi River Valley.

2. Woodhenge – A unique circle of wooden posts that served as a solar calendar for the Mississippians, Woodhenge is located just a short walk away from Monks Mound. The posts were arranged in a circular pattern that aligned with the path of the sun and marked the changing of the seasons. This is the only reconstructed Woodhenge in the United States, and visitors can learn about the Mississippians’ timekeeping methods and religious beliefs.

3. Interpretive Center – For an in-depth look at the park’s history and culture, visit the Interpretive Center, a state-of-the-art museum that showcases the Mississippians’ daily life, artwork, and social organization. Exhibits feature artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, and jewelry, recreations of Mississippian houses, and interactive displays that allow visitors to experience hands-on activities like basket weaving or making corn husk dolls.

4. Ranger-Guided Tours – For a more immersive experience, join a ranger-guided tour of the park. Park rangers lead tours on various topics, including the Mississippians’ architecture, food, and trade practices. Guided tours are also offered for the illuminated pageant event, where visitors can watch performers recreate the story of the Mississippians' lives through music, dance, and costumes.

5. Events and Festivals – Throughout the year, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site hosts annual events and festivals that celebrate the Mississippians’ culture and traditions. One of the most popular events is the Spring Indian Market, where visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, and shopping for Native American crafts and jewelry. Other events include the Fall Festival, Native American Dancing and Drumming weekends, and the Winter Solstice Sunrise Observance.

In conclusion, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a marvel of human ingenuity and cultural diversity, and its landmarks and exhibits offer a unique window into the lives of the Mississippians who inhabited this region over a thousand years ago. Whether you are a history buff or just want to learn more about the customs and beliefs of prehistoric America, Cahokia Mounds is a must-visit destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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