Be Aware of Effigy Mounds at Devil’s Lake

If you’re planning a visit to Devil’s Lake State Park this summer, here’s something important to know before you arrive: Many of the gentle rises and islands of tall grass and flowers in the landscape, especially in picnic areas, are ancient Native American effigy mounds. These sacred sites, built between 700 and 1200 CE, are protected as burial sites under Wisconsin law and hold deep cultural significance to many in our communities.

While it may seem strange to build a picnic area in a cemetery, that’s essentially what happened. Years ago, when park infrastructure was developed, picnic areas were placed all around these sacred sites. Each year, busy, distracted visitors unknowingly walk over them, picnic on them, or even dump hot coals from grills on them—not out of disrespect, but simply because they don’t realize what they’re looking at.

Let’s face it, the only real signage is hundred-year-old plaques mounted on rocks barely a foot off the ground, making them easy to overlook.

While we may not know which mounds do or do not contain human remains, we must treat them all as burial sites.

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Why This Matters in 2025

Devil’s Lake is Wisconsin’s busiest state park, attracting over 2.5 million visitors each year. However, like many parks, it faces staffing shortages, limited law enforcement, and the challenge of managing large crowds.

This means you won’t see many park staff out amongst the crowds taking time to educate visitors or monitor the grounds. That leaves it up to each visitor to be aware. (And that’s where things break down.)

For YOU, however, it’s easy to find out where the mounds are, as they are marked on the Devil’s Lake day-use maps in the park’s visitor guide. If you’re planning a trip, take a moment to check the map and familiarize yourself with their locations.

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What You Can Do to Help

• Be Mindful in Picnic Areas – If you see a raised, grass-covered area that looks out of place, assume it’s a mound and avoid walking, sitting, or setting up on it.
• Don’t Dump Your Stuff – Never dispose of hot coals or other waste on or near mounds. Use designated grills and waste bins.
• Share the Knowledge – If you bring guests to the park who aren’t aware of the mounds, take a moment to let them know why they’re important.
• Respect and Report – If you see someone unknowingly disturbing a mound, and if you feel comfortable, a kind word might help. (Again, most folks just don’t know what they are looking at.) If you witness vandalism, report it to park staff when possible.

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A Park Worth Protecting

Effigy mounds are rare and fragile remnants of Wisconsin’s ancient past. While the park continues to work on preservation efforts, their care and recognition have been inconsistent at best. The best way to protect these sites is through awareness and personal responsibility.

This summer, as you explore Devil’s Lake, take a moment to look at the landscape with fresh eyes—because some of the most important landmarks aren’t well-marked at all.

For more information, stop by the Devil’s Lake Nature Center, where you can learn about the history of these sacred sites and the people who built them.