The moment when winter days start to grow longer is almost here, and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site plans to welcome it with a special event at the “Woodhenge” solar calendar.

Sun watchers will gather on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7 a.m. to see dawn break over Woodhenge, a reconstruction of the calendar used when Cahokia Mounds was home to thousands of Native Americans. The huge circle of posts stands about one mile west of the site’s Interpretive Center on Collinsville Road.

An archaeologist will explain the discovery, form and function of Woodhenge while awaiting the sunrise. No rituals or ceremonies will be performed out of respect for American Indian beliefs and culture.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site also offers a great opportunity to shop for unique Christmas presents. The gift shop offers one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and even Eskimo ivory. Visitors can also find books, DVDS, and other items related to Native American culture. All the profits will go to support the activities and programs at Cahokia Mounds.

The gift shop, operated by the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, is located in the Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is just eight miles from downtown St. Louis, in Collinsville, Illinois, off Interstates 55/70 (Exit 6) and Interstate 255 (Exit 24), on Collinsville Road. The Interpretive Center is open 9 a.m. - 5 .pm. Wednesday through Sunday. There is no admission fee but we do suggest donations of $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for students and $15 for families.