Effigy Mounds National Monument Announces Upcoming Programs

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. HARPERS FERRY, Iowa — The public is invited to take part in a series of winter programs at Effigy Mounds, beginning with a special Super Moon guided hike on Dec. 4, 2025. The hike will depart from the visitor center parking lot at 3:30 p.m., with a ranger-led walk to Fire Point to view the Super Moon. The program will be held regardless of cloud cover. The park will introduce its first Children's Winter Story and Craft Times later in the month. Storytime will be held at 10 a.m. in the visitor center auditorium, and craft sessions will begin at 2 p.m. Dates include: Saturday, Dec. 13 – Storytime Sunday, Dec. 14 – Craft time Monday, Dec. 22 – Storytime Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Craft time On Dec. 19, park rangers will offer an Orientation to the Night Sky, featuring a winter night sky presentation and guided constellation viewing. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium and is not expected to be affected by cloud cover. To close out the park's 75th anniversary year, rangers will host a series of guided hikes on Dec. 20–21 as part of the park's hiking challenge: Saturday, Dec. 20 9 a.m. – Hanging Rock (7 miles round trip; elevation and rugged terrain) 3 p.m. – Sny Magill (1 mile, flat; 12 miles south of the visitor center. Participants should meet at the visitor center to caravan to the site.) Sunday, Dec. 21 9 a.m. – Marching Bears (4 miles round trip; elevation; meet at the day-use area south of the visitor center) 2 p.m. – Heritage Addition (4 miles round trip; flat) The park will also host its annual Winter Film Festival at 1 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 Saturday, March 5, 2026 Film titles will be announced at a later date. For more information, visitors are encouraged to contact the park's visitor center. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.