Driftless Tribe #0007

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Ancient Effigy Mounds

Growing up & living in the area for so long, it’s easy to overlook the ancient history that shaped this region long before us. One of the most fascinating pieces of that history?

The effigy mounds— earthworks built by Native Americans in the shapes of animals like bears, birds, snakes, turtles, and even humans.

Effigy mounds were deeply spiritual places—serving as burial sites and ceremonial grounds. Wisconsin once had thousands of these mounds, making it home to the largest concentration of effigy mounds in the world. While many were lost over time to farming and urban development, several remain preserved in places like Governor Dodge State Park and Wyalusing State Park, offering glimpses into a once vastly different world.

What makes Wisconsin’s effigy mounds especially unique is their animal shapes. While burial mounds exist across the Midwest, the detailed, artistic nature of our effigy mounds is something special to this region. Scholars believe they may have represented mythological creatures or spiritual guides.

In Madison you can even find a bear-shaped effigy mound tucked away in the Greenbush neighborhood, near the zoo. (Seriously, go Google “Bear Effigy Mound Madison”, it is a registered Google Maps location) It’s one of those hidden historical gems you might pass by every day without noticing. Just across town, the Mendota Mental Health Institute has effigy mounds surrounding its grounds. Locals suggest the mounds contribute to the eerie & haunted reputation of the campus.

For those looking for a deeper dive, the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa offers one of the most extensive collections of preserved mounds, with educational trails explaining their significance.

These mounds aren’t just ancient landmarks—they’re sacred spaces, deeply respected by their original Native American builders. Visiting these sites offers an opportunity to reflect on the people who lived here long before us, who built these structures in harmony with the natural world.

If you’re up for an adventure, consider visiting your local effigy mounds. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient communities and connect with a piece of Wisconsin’s past.

Moment in Time

Happenings

1/15

New Glarus, Bailey’s Run Vineyard - Wine-O-Bingo Link

Lancaster, Library - Schreiner Travel Series: England Link

Sparta, Blue Collar Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia Link

Wisconsin Dells, Showboat Saloon - Live with Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos & Greg Koch Link

LaCrosse, Popcorn Tavern - Open Jam Link

Muscoda, English Prairie Distilling Co. - Open Mic with Mike Link

Baraboo, Al. Ringling Brewery - No Talent, Talent Show Link

1/16

Platteville, 7 Hills North - Community Fundraiser Link

Baraboo, Con Amici - Spirit Night - Tarot Card Readings Link

Sparta, Quilt Corner - The Three Yard Club Link

Belleville, Library - Game & Puzzle Swap Link

New Glarus, Tofflers Pub & Grill - Live with The Jimmys Link

1/17

Baraboo, Frankies - Dirty Bingo Link

Prairie du Sac, Wollersheim Winery - Spirit Society Winter Tasting Link

Muscoda, English Prairie Distilling Co - Live with Jesse Bauman Link

LaCrosse, Popcorn Tavern - Live with House Band w/ Orr, Orrico, Armstrong & Gamb Link

Bangor, Leo & Leona’s - Live with The Faux Paws Link

Belleville, Al’s Dayton Place - Meat Raffle Link

Wisconsin Dells, Pal’s Brewery - Live with Jackson Taylor Link

Paoli, Hop Garden Brewing - Live with Hemlock ’n Key Link

Baraboo, Balanced Rock Winery - Benefactor Bingo to Save the Pool Link

1/18

Viroqua, Bodies of Water Movement Arts - Deep Listening & Somantics Class Link

Prairie du Sac, Wollersheim Winery - Bald Eagle Watching Days Link

Baraboo, Wiscocktail Lounge - Nitecap for Baraboo Restaurant Week Link

LaFarge, Community Center - Winter Barn Dance 2025 Link

Prairie du Sac, River Arts Inc. - Tramp Art Bottle Cap Chairs with Amy Mietzel Link

New Glarus, Bailey’s Run Vineyard - Live with Lake Collective Link

Mineral Point, Opera House - Live with David Huckfelt Link

Paoli, Hop Garden - Annual Soup Competition - Live with Shekinah King, Gerry Burns Link

Arkdale, The Mill - Ice Fishing Tournament Link

Wonewoc, Corkscrew Wine Bar - Live with Julie B Link

LaValle, LaValle Center - Line Dance Party Link

New Glarus, Chalet Landhaus - Live with Two County Lines Link

Chaseburg, Village Hall - Trail Days 2025 - Live with The El Caminos Link

Belleville, Sugar River Lanes - Live with John Masino Band Link

Boscobel, Library - Making Bread with Dawn Baker Link

Dodgeville, Duke’s Brew Pub & Ale House - Live with Simple Company Link

Boscobel, Mt. Zion Pub - Live Comedy Night Link

Baraboo, Balanced Rock Winery - Live with Mark Croft Link

Wisconsin Dells, Dells Distillery - Live with Adam Beck Link

New Glarus, Dirty Dog Taphouse - Live with Rebel Wells Link

Paoli, Hop Garden Brewing - Live with Gerry Burns Link

Spring Green, General Store - Live with Jeff Larsen Link

Baraboo, Broken Bottle Winery - Live with Long Gone Henry Link

LaValle, Lake Redstone North End Tavern - Fisheree 2025 Link

Mauston, Lake Decorah - 8th Annual Fishing Tournament Link

1/19

Gays Mills, Library - Free Repair Clinic Link

Mineral Point, Cafe 43 Coffee House - Business & Bites Link

Baraboo, Frankies - Euchre Tournament Link

Hillsboro, Community Center - Bingo Link

New Glarus, Bailey’s Run Vineyard - Live with Andy Braun Link

Baraboo, Balanced Rock Winery - Live with Marc LaMere Link

Spring Green, General Store - Acoustic Jam Link

1/20

Platteville, Wellness with Robin - Drumming with the Angels Link

Mauston, Timmy’s Timeout Bar & Grill - Xtreme Bar Bingo Link

Wisconsin Dells, Grateful Shed - Bingo Link

Spring Green, Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret - A Night of Words Link

1/21

LaCrosse, Hatchery Riverside - Tequila Tasting Link

LaCrosse, Popcorn Tavern - Open Mic Link

We will check in again next week.

Let us know any events / establishments you would like to be added to this list via IG @driftlesstribe or email [email protected]

If someone forwarded this to you, time to make the leap and join the Tribe!

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