Iliniwek Village State Historic Site

History

Acquired by the state of Missouri in 1992, the 127-acre historic site has proved to be an important archaeological discovery due to its size and quality of preservation. It is considered the largest and best preserved of any Illinois Indian village. The village was occupied from approximately 1640 to 1683. During that time the village contained at least three hundred (300) lodges with an estimated population in excess of eight thousand (8,000) tribe members. Archaeological digs in the 1990s discovered numerous house foundations, storage pits and evidence of a palisade fortification. The remains of at least one tribal member were also recovered at the site, in 1998. Among smaller items found was evidence of contact with early European explorers and traders, including glass beads, metal objects, and Jesuit trade rings. The Illinois Indian tribe were the first Native Americans encountered in present-day Missouri by Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette, who visited the village in 1673.

The site today

Located on a high sand terrace above the Des Moines River floodplain, the site can be reached by traveling US Highway 61 to Missouri Highway 27. Travel 4.8 miles then turn east on an unmarked gravel road. A short walking trail with interpretive signage encompasses most of the historic site. Limited picknicking and restroom facilities are available. Camping is available at the nearby Battle of Athens State Historic Site, as well as any assistance needed. The unstaffed site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, however a gate blocks vehicle traffic from November through March.