Sirens, Trucks, & Running, Running, Running: Mounds State Park

A few days ago we visited Mounds State Park in Anderson, IN - about 30 minutes from here. The park contains 10 mounds built around 150 B.C. by the Adena and Hopewell cultures primarily for religious ceremonies. It is believed that these mounds were used to keep track of the seasons, the positions of over 100 of the brighter stars, as well as the moon and visible planets. We had a great time exploring and walking around - although Grant kept asking where the playground was. :-)

The park had a great trail system, including extensive boardwalks, that went through the woods and down to the White River. There was also a very nice visitor center with animals and other artifacts from the area.

Both the boys were huge troopers for the hike - Beckett especially. A large portion of the beginning of the hike was stairs and big stairs at that. Beck walked the whole way...stopping to pick up nuts and sticks and only occasionally veering off the beaten path.

The kids exploring one of the canoes.

Grant telling Beckett how to paddle the canoe.

Beckett paddling the canoe - it was a chilly day, so he had his hood up for awhile. :-)

Roger and Grant are at the end of this path. This is the Great Mound. Almost 1/4 mile in diameter - very beautiful.

The mounds all had what looked like a moat in the middle of them. Not sure what the purpose was of the hollowed out area...can't imagine how long it took to accomplish!

Another artifact down by the river - there wasn't a sign on this one, so we aren't sure what it was. Very cool though.

The highlight of the trip for the kids - throwing rocks in the river.

Grant really needs to learn to throw overhand! If I remember correctly, this throw was severely off course!

Roger helping the kids with their rocks...and trying to keep them from falling into the river.

This was a tree that had fallen over at some point, but was still alive and growing over the river. Grant thought it was a very cool tree tunnel. This was one of the many mysteries that Grant found on our hike..."why did this tree fall over?" Some of the other mysteries - "what animal made these tracks?" "Why are there bricks here by the river?" "Where does that path go?" Yes, as always, our day was filled with questions from Grant.