Atlatl Tale

The chance for couch potatoes of every age and ilk to experience the once-familiar-but-now-forgotten sense-memory of dirt under their fingernails is the great lure of the third annual Archaeology Day at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, www.cahokiamounds.com or 618-346-5160). Relive the joy of digging in the dirt by sifting soil and washing 1,000-year-old artifacts, just like a professional archaeologist. For those who skew more toward the Indiana Jones end of the archaeological spectrum, have a go at the Native American game of chunkey (an accuracy contest where poles are thrown at rolling stone discs) or learn to throw a spear with an atlatl (pronunciation tips also offered). Brush up on your flint-knapping and cordage-making, enjoy Native American legends and folk tales, and partake of the original American snack food, Kettle Maize, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you have time, don't forget to check out the view from the top of Monks Mound. Admission to Archaeology Day is free, but donations are greatly appreciated, and you'll receive an Archaeology Day souvenir badge in return.
Sat., Aug. 26