Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area

Area Status: Open

A foothill in the distance showing how large the hill is on the landscape.

Almost a mile long, this interpretive trail leads through an ancient Indian village site situated on the top of a bluff. As shown in the photo on the left, Millstone Bluff is a noticeable high point rising above the surrounding countryside. Archaeological study shows that the site was used by both the Woodland and Mississippian Indians. The area on top of the Millstone Bluff is flat and surrounded by high bluffs which provided an easy defensible location; this along with the seclusion of the area are some of the reasons why archaeologists believe early Native Americans used the site. Protection and preservation of natural heritage sites like this one will enable us to uncover more about these past cultures.

Millstone Bluff brochure/map

At a Glance

Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site Parking Toilets: vault toilet Accessible: vault toilet is accessible
Closest Towns:	Vienna, IL 62995 or Harrisburg, IL 62946
Water:	No
Restroom:	Vault toilet
Information Center:	Hidden Springs Ranger District (618) 658-2111 or Shawnee Headquarters (618) 253-7114

General Information

Directions:

From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south 22.5 miles to Highway 147. Turn right onto Highway 147 and go 1.5 miles to the Millstone Bluff entrance road. Turn right onto the entrance road and proceed to the trailhead parking lot.

From Vienna: Take Highway 146 east to Highway 147, go northeast on Hwy 147, 11 miles to the Millstone Bluff entrance road. Turn left onto the entrance road and proceed to trailhead parking lot.