Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

From about 200 BC to AD 500, the Ohio River Valley was a focal point of the prehistoric Hopewell culture. The term Hopewell describes a broad network of beliefs and practices among different Native American groups over a large portion of eastern North America. The culture is characterized by the construction of enclosures made of earthen walls, often built in geometric patterns, and mounds of various shapes. Visible remnants of Hopewell culture are concentrated in the Scioto River valley near present-day Chillicothe, Ohio. The most striking Hopewell sites contain earthworks in the form of squares, circles, and other geometric shapes. Many of these sites were built to a monumental scale, with earthen walls up to 12 feet high outlining geometric figures more than 1000 feet across. Conical and loaf-shaped earthen mounds up to 30 feet high are often found in association with the geometric earthworks.

The park contains nationally significant archeological resources including large earthwork and mound complexes that provide an insight into the social, ceremonial, political, and economic life of the Hopewell people. The park visitor center features museum exhibits, an orientation film, book sales area, and self-guided and guided (summer only) tours.

16062 State Route 104
Chillicothe, OH 45601-8694
740-774-1125

By Plane
The closest major airport is the Columbus International Airport located 50 miles north of the park.

By Car
Chillicothe is located in southcentral Ohio. The Mound City Group Visitor Center is located two miles north of the intersection of US 35 and SR 104.

By Plane
No public transportation available.

Getting Around
No bicycles allowed on the intepretive trails at the Mound City Group.

Summers are generally hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Winters can be cold with occasional, moderate accumulations of snow (generally less than six inches.) Visitors should be prepared for rain and cool weather throughout the year.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Visitors should plan on a 1 1/2 to 2 hour visit of the park's visitor center to watch the award-winning 17-minute video "Legacy of the Mound Builders", examine the museum exhibits, and walk the interpretive trails.

The video is shown every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour. The museum is open during the visitor center's business hours. Interpretive trails approximately 1.5 miles in length feature descriptive signs, audio stations, and self-guiding brochures. Guided tours of the mound area are offered Memorial Day to Labor Day at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Patio talks on various topics are presented daily Memorial Day through Labor Day at 10:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Special Events featuring Native American and archeological themes are featured throughout the year. Call the visitor center for the latest information. As a service to its visitors, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park offers a variety of educational and interpretive items for sale through Eastern National, the park's cooperating association.

Reservations for group tours may be made by calling the Visitor Center at (740) 774-1126.