Experience Native American history in Shawnee National Forest by hiking this unique trail. Discover ruins of ancient dwellings, see petroglyphs, learn about the stone fort, and more.
Take a Hike Back Into Native American History in Southern Illinois
Our family was really excited about visiting Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area of Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. We had heard there were ruins of ancient Native American dwellings and petroglyphs to see there, and we were all in.
Millstone Bluff Trail Details
This easy to moderate trail at Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area starts with a ¼-mile gradual incline. Don’t worry! There are plenty of benches along the way if you get tired on your uphill trek.
Like much of Shawnee National Forest, the scenery was beautiful. With magnificent large rocks strewn throughout the areas and its many vantage points from up high, the landscape is a marvel.
WILDFLOWER ALERT: We hiked this trail during early April, and the wildflowers were just starting to come out. I imagine the flowers along this trail would be a wondrous sight in mid to late April.
Once the trail evens off, you will find a set of wood steps to take you to the top of a 320-foot tall bluff. On top of the bluff, there is a small flat loop trail and informational signs.
REMINDER: Please stay on the trails to help preserve the integrity of this historical site.
Once you finish the loop, go back down the stairs and head back the way you came.
Native American History and Petroglyphs at Millstone Bluff
Here’s what you can expect to see during this short hike at Millstone Bluff.
Native American History
Along the loop, there are several informational signs telling you about the Mississippians, a tribe of Native Americans who had called this area home over 500 years ago.
Between the years of 1350 and 1550, the Mississippian peoples lived on this bluff. They built their homes here, recorded their history and religion with carvings into the sandstone walls, built fortifying walls to protect themselves from rivaling peoples, and respected their deceased members by burying them in stone box graves.
Read all the information signs along the trail. They are filled with interesting details about these Native Americans from long ago. You will definitely leave this trail with a new appreciation and a better understanding of Native American life from hundreds of years ago.
Millstone Bluff Stone Fort
One of the first things you will discover along the loop portion of the trail is the remnants of a stone fort. The bluff had once been encircled with a thick stone wall built be Native Americans for protection. The stone wall at Millstone Bluff would have once been 6 feet thick.
Based on the number of ancient stone forts located in Southern Illinois, it is believed that there was a lot of unrest between tribes in this area.
Shawnee National Forest Petroglyphs
One particular rock wall at Millstone Bluff houses ancient petroglyphs. The informational sign shows what drawings had once been found on sight along with what each carving represented – thunderbirds, athletes, serpants, various religious symbols and more.
If you look carefully, you can still spot a few of these ancient renderings. Many of the petroglyphs are unrecognizable anymore though. (You can see better pictures of the petroglyphs at this ShawneeForest.com website.)
Ancient Dwelling Ruins
Along the loop trail, you will find signs identifying where Native American dwellings had once been. The Mississippians lived in semi-subterranean houses; the lower half of each house was below the ground. While their homes are no longer standing, you can see indentations in the ground of where they had once been.
By the size of the ground indentations, you can tell what type of building had once been there – an individual family home or a larger structure intended for public use. The structures were all located around an open central common area.
Native American Burial Grounds
One area of the trail was upsetting. It was the site of ancient Native American burial grounds which had been vandalized and looted over the years.
The Mississippians buried their dead in stone box graves. These stone boxes would contain the dead body along with a variety of important items the individual might need in the afterlife including tools, pottery and even food.
In hopes of finding valuable offerings buried along with the dead, plunderers have upturned and destroyed the stone box graves over the years. Currently, all that remains in this burial ground is the unearthed stone slabs scattered in disarray. The stone boxes have all been completely emptied over the years.
Are You Ready to Step Back in Time at Millstone Bluff?
Would you like to hike this trail in Shawnee National Forest?
Are you interested in learning more about the Mississippian peoples?
What sight do you think would be most interesting here?
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American Indian history is so interesting! I love seeing ruins of their homes and the different types of petroglyphs across the country. I’m definitely adding this area to my list. I’ve really only spent time in Chicago and Springfield. I need to expand my exploration of Illinois!
Oh my goodness! I hope you make it out to Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. There is so much neat stuff to see and do there!
A very interesting and educational read! I’ve always wanted to visit Shawnee National Forest. My mom went there back in the 70s and loved it. I have a deep love and respect for Native American culture. My favorite part of hiking the nature trails in The Kettle Moraine State Forest was learning about all the rich and fascinating Native American history. I’d be most interested in seeing the site of their dwellings to gain a better understanding of how they lived.
It was fascinating learning about the Mississippians – their lives, their community, their practices, their art. Fascinating!