Panther Intaglio Effigy Mound

The Panther Intaglio Effigy Mound is an archaeological site in Fort Atkinson featuring a large reversed depression carved into the earth. The indentation stretches about 125 feet (38 meters) and depicts the shape of a panther or water spirit.

Between 700 and 1200 years ago, Native Americans deliberately excavated this reversed form as a rare example of earthwork art. Of the ten known intaglio mounds once found in Wisconsin, this one alone remains intact today.

The mound shows how Native Americans marked their landscape with spiritual meaning and created spaces for ceremony. Visitors can sense how this place connected people to animals and water in their religious practices.

The site sits within a city park and is open to visitors, though protective guidelines apply. Stay on marked paths and avoid stepping directly on the mound to help preserve this ancient earthwork.

The site was documented in 1850 by Increase A. Lapham, who discovered multiple such mounds during a Wisconsin survey. His early record helped preserve knowledge of this art form as many others vanished.

Location: Jefferson County

GPS coordinates: 42.92518,-88.85460

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42