What are Effigy Mounds - Why are they Important?

Ceremonial or effigy mounds, built in the shapes of fish, birds, or animals, reflected the importance of river resources in the lives of Native Americans. Several effigy mounds may be seen at many of the Wisconsin State Parks - including Nelson Dewey State Park and therefore you as a racer need to be aware of how to stay respectful during the Waddling Warriors Adventure Race.

More information can be found on Effigy Mounds at Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette, Iowa, just across the river from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

This plaque can be found on course for our 14Hr racers - What's the Redacted location? :)

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Here's a breakdown of how to hike respectfully:

1. Respect the Mounds:

   1. Do not walk on the mounds: Mounds are considered sacred burial and ceremonial sites.

   2. Keep your distance: Respect the mounds by maintaining a respectful distance and staying on marked trails.

   3. Do not move or remove anything at a sacred site: Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

   4. Leave what you find: Preserve the past by examining and photographing cultural or historic structures and artifacts, but do not touch them.