Uncover Illinois: A Journey Through Native American Heritage
Museums
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
This museum in Evanston, Illinois, features a collection of Native American art and artifacts from around the world.
Dickson Mounds State Museum
This museum features a collection of Native American artifacts, including human remains, pottery, and stone tools. It is located on the site of a prehistoric village.
Landmarks
Starved Rock State Park
This park is located in Utica, Illinois and is home to Starved Rock, a sandstone bluff that rises 190 feet above the Illinois River. The bluff was once a sacred site to the Illiniwek people, who were a Native American tribe that lived in the area.
Today, the park is a popular tourist destination where you can learn about the history and culture of the Illiniwek people.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest pre-Columbian urban center north of Mexico. It contains over 120 mounds, including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the Americas.
Rock Island Black Hawk State Historic Site
This site commemorates the life of Chief Black Hawk, a leader of the Sauk and Fox tribes. He led his people in a series of wars against the United States in the 1830s.
Piasa Bird
This large rock carving of a bird is located in Alton, Illinois. It is believed to have been created by Native Americans in the 17th century.
Reservations
There are no federally recognized Native American reservations in the state of Illinois. However, there are a number of Native American tribes that have a presence in the state, including the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Miami, and Kickapoo tribes.
Events
Peoria Pow Wow
This annual event is held in Peoria, Illinois, and features traditional Native American dancing, drumming, singing, and storytelling.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
This month-long event is held in November and features a variety of events, including educational programs, cultural demonstrations, and performances.
Midwest Soaring Foundation Pow Wow
This annual event is held in Mokena, Illinois, and features traditional Native American dancing, drumming, singing, and storytelling.