Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Effigy Mounds National Monument, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

When to go to Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Effigy Mounds National Monument, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America by month

January

January in Effigy Mounds National Monument is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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. Be sure to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

February

If you go to Effigy Mounds National Monument in February, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice 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. Take care to pick the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

If you are traveling to Effigy Mounds National Monument in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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 bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • 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

April

April in Effigy Mounds National Monument is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May for Effigy Mounds National Monument is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just 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 appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you vacation in Effigy Mounds National Monument during June, you may notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 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 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July for Effigy Mounds National Monument can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

Traveling to Effigy Mounds National Monument in August, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

September

Traveling to Effigy Mounds National Monument in September, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • 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 careful to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

October in Effigy Mounds National Monument can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Effigy Mounds National Monument can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Effigy Mounds National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Be careful to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

December

December in Effigy Mounds National Monument is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Effigy Mounds National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wisconsin, United States of America

Effigy Mounds National Monument, located in northeastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin, is a stunning and unique destination that boasts incredible cultural and natural landscapes. The 2,526-acre monument features over 200 prehistoric mounds, many built in the shape of animals including bears, eagles, and even humans. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you should visit on your trip to Effigy Mounds National Monument.

1. Effigy Mounds

The most significant feature of the monument is the more than 200 effigy mounds. These prehistoric earthworks provide a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of ancient Native American civilizations of the area including the Ho-Chunk, Dakota, and the Illiniwek people. The mounds are beautifully preserved, and their unique shapes and designs inspire awe and admiration. Some of the most impressive mounds to see are the Great Bear Mound and the Marching Bears Mound Group.

2. Visitor Center

The visitor center is an excellent starting point for exploring the monument. The center is open year-round and provides helpful information and resources for visitors. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the area's indigenous people and discover the archaeological significance of the mounds. The visitor center offers an introductory film about the monument, maps, and a gift shop that sells books and souvenirs.

3. Hiking Trails

Effigy Mounds National Monument offers over 14 miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the monument's vast and scenic landscape. The trails offer various levels of difficulty and are suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners. The trails provide opportunities to see the monument's mounds and wildlife. The most popular hikes at the monument are the Fire Point Trail, the North Plateau Trail, and the Hanging Rock Trail.

4. Bird Watching

Effigy Mounds National Monument is home to a diverse collection of bird species, including the bald eagle, great blue heron, and red-tailed hawk. The monument is an excellent location for bird watching, with a variety of habitats ranging from forests to wetlands to prairies. The best time for bird watching is during the spring migration, but the site is birdable all year round.

5. Night Sky Viewing

Effigy Mounds National Monument offers a unique perspective of the night sky, away from the bright lights of big cities. The monument has nighttime programs that highlight the beauty of the stars and constellations that can be seen from the site. You can see planets, the Milky Way, and the Northern Lights on a clear and starry night.

Effigy Mounds National Monument is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. The park offers a range of activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and history buffs. Regardless of your interests, this remarkable destination has something to offer. So, if you are planning a trip to the Great Lakes region, ensure that you add this fantastic attraction to your list.

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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