Picnic tables overlooking the Mississippi River at the South Unit parking lot of Effigy Mounds National Monument
Technically, there are no picnic areas within Effigy Mounds National Monument. There are, however, four picnic tables at the South Unit parking lot, which is actually a day-use area owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (there is also a boat ramp here). The tables are on cement pads and have great views of the Mississippi River, but they are in rough shape. There are no grills and the tables are changed down and cannot be moved together, so this is definitely not a place to hold any type of group picnic. This is a picnic area for travelers passing by or for people either starting or finishing a hike in the South Unit of the park.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on May 30, 2024
