Effigy Mounds Wrap-up

Here’s one final look at various sights from my recent day trip to Effigy Mounds National Monument in northeast Iowa. 

This first photo looks south from Eagle Point overlook.  The Mississippi River bridge between Marquette, Iowa, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is visible in the distance:

Before the trip, I read up on the history of Effigy Mounds National Monument.  In the early 1900’s, there were efforts made to have the area designated as a national park.  However, after touring this part of the Mississippi valley, an official from Washington declared the scenery to be good, but not extraordinary enough to warrant national park status.  The consolation prize title of “national monument” was eventually bestowed.

Making their appearance along the hiking trail were these columbine:

And, this apparently very popular woodpecker hangout:

I’m thinking the holes in this next tree weren’t made by woodpeckers.  They appeared to be nesting holes…..a virtual highrise apartment complex for birds or squirrels or whomever: 

I really liked this striking congregation of ferns and had forgotten that they grow wild in the woods up here:

 

Ok, that wraps up my pleasant and enjoyable day away from the farm.  If you ever travel to northeast Iowa, be sure to visit Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pike’s Peak State Park.  In my opinion, the best scenery in the state can be found there!