It’s amazing what mysteries lie in wait of being discovered, especially when it comes to something significant seemingly hiding in plain sight. What looks from a distance to be an everyday house, or rock, or tree can actually be a clue into history. These types of treasures exist across the country — certainly throughout Illinois — but yet can be easy to overlook. This fascinating hidden archaeological site in Southern Illinois fits that bill, and is worth pulling over to discover for yourself.

The Mondoc Rock Shelter is a little-known national landmark in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois that dates back to at least 8,000 B.C. For thousands of years, Native Americans used the sandstone rock bluff as a shelter and campsite.
hidden archaeological site in southern illinois
Rheannon W./Tripadvisor
The 28-foot bluff is the oldest Native American shelter that's been discovered east of the Mississippi River. Its layers of sediment have formed artifacts over the years and tell the story of this ancient site.
Justin Parmley/Google
When it was discovered, the shelter contained bones from skeletons more than 11,000-years-old. Archeologists learned that hunting groups used the rock for temporary camps about 9,000 years ago, and about 6,000 years ago it was a long-term shelter for families living in the area.
Justin Parmley/Google

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The site was discovered in 1951 by Irvin Peithmann. The finding was significant because it was the first in this portion of the continent to find artifacts from the Archaic period.
dwal/Google
Historical items such as hammer stones, pointed weapons, scrapers, bone awls, and choppers have been found here.
EuroKing/Google
Though Peithmann was worried Mondoc Rock would never receive its just dues, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1961. Though it's rather unassuming, visitors can drive right up to the bluff to see and feel it up close.
Rheannon W./Tripadvisor

Have you ever visited this incredible, hidden archaeological site in Southern Illinois? What did you find most interesting about Modoc Rock? Had it not been for the markers, would you ever have believed this formation was of such historical significance? Tell us in the comments! And while you’re checking out Modoc, make sure to check out these other incredible historical landmarks in Illinois.

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Featured Addresses
Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site, Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277, USA