Effigy mounds are large, elevated piles of earth created by predominantly Ho-Chunk moundbuilders, serving as burial grounds, places of religious worship and maybe even territory markers, according to the Devil’s Lake visitor guide.
The mounds represent the Ho-Chunk’s spiritual connection with nature, often resembling animals, and can be found throughout Wisconsin. In fact, Wisconsin has the largest concentration of effigy mounds in the world.
To prevent trespassing, all effigy mounds in Wisconsin are protected as burial grounds. They’re a constant reminder of Wisconsin’s rich Indigenous history.
Illustration by Alex Yu