Man Mound

Man Mound is an earthwork shaped like a human figure with horns, stretching about 214 feet in length and rising roughly 2.5 feet above the ground. The site occupies a small parcel of land in Greenfield where visitors can see the basic outline of this ancient construction.

Native Americans of the Late Woodland period built this mound sometime between 750 and 1200 AD for ceremonial purposes. An observer named William Canfield documented the site in 1859, providing early written records of its existence.

The mound reflects the spiritual beliefs and communal organization of the people who built it, serving as a gathering place for ceremonies and rituals. The site remains meaningful today as a direct connection to the practices and values of the builders.

The site is accessible year-round and features plastic markers showing where sections have been lost over time. Visitors should plan for a short visit and be prepared to view the mound from ground level to appreciate its scale and form.

This is the only surviving human-shaped effigy mound still standing on the continent, making it exceptionally rare compared to the many similar structures that have disappeared. The preservation of this particular earthwork offers visitors a direct glimpse into the construction methods of its creators.

GPS coordinates: 43.48861,-89.67083

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11