Effigy Mounds hosting interpretive hike to Marching Bears mound group Thursday ...

Take the journey up to the Marching Bears mound group with a Ranger at Effigy Mounds National Monument Thursday, July 27. Marching Bears is a late woodland mound complex that is thought to be amongst the most important preserved effigy mound groups in North America. This four-mile guided interpretive hike will take approximately three hours to complete. The moderately strenuous walk will focus on the lifestyles of American Indians who built the mounds between 1,250-900 years ago. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes, bring plenty of water and meet the Ranger at 9 a.m. at the Marching Bears trail access located across the railroad tracks off Highway 76, a quarter mile south of the headquarters of Effigy Mounds National Monument. Reservations are required, space is limited to 20 people, and no pets are allowed. To register, call 563-873-3491, ext. 123 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including “effigies” or mounds in the shape of animals. The visitor center is open daily during the summer season from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located three miles north of Marquette and 22 miles south of Waukon on Highway 76. For more information, call 563-873-3491 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/efmo. Submitted photo.