One of the most important archaeological sites in Illinois, Albany Mounds contains evidence of continuous human occupation over the last 10,000 years.  The Albany Mounds date from the Middle Woodland (Hopewell) period (200 BCE-CE 300), older than either the Cahokia or Dickson Mounds of the Mississippian period.  This is the only Middle Woodland site owned by the state, originally the site contained 96 burial mounds, at least 36 remain in good condition.   8 have been been partially destroyed due to erosion, excavation, or cultivation.  The mounds were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974,  The site was "restored" in the 1990's for a natural appearance, setting on nearly 100 acres.  The site contains parking, picnic shelter, walking trails and interpretive signs along a bike trail.