Ohio’s rich landscape is filled with historic earthworks, fascinating museums, and cultural sites that provide a glimpse into the state’s deep Native American roots. These sites celebrate the achievements of the Indigenous peoples who lived in Ohio long before European settlers arrived. Here are eight significant places to explore Ohio’s Indigenous heritage.
1. Serpent Mound (Peebles)
Serpent Mound is an ancient effigy mound that takes the shape of a serpent, built over 1,000 years ago. As the world’s largest of its kind, it remains an awe-inspiring site to visit. The grounds are open for exploration, and visitors can climb an observation tower for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The on-site museum offers fascinating exhibits on mound-building traditions and ancient cultures.
2. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve (Oregonia)
Fort Ancient, constructed by the Hopewell culture more than 2,000 years ago, is North America’s largest ancient hilltop enclosure. This remarkable site features a museum showcasing various artifacts, reconstructed gardens, and hiking trails. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s an incredible spot to learn about ancient Ohioan civilizations and their connection to the land.
3. Newark Earthworks (Newark)
The Newark Earthworks are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO site and are a National Historic Landmark. The Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks, two of the largest geometric earthworks in the world, offer a unique insight into ancient ceremonial practices. These magnificent structures reveal the impressive engineering skills of the Hopewell culture.
4. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (Chillicothe)
Home to the Mound City Group, which includes the largest collection of burial mounds in eastern North America, this park is a crucial destination for understanding the Hopewell culture. The visitor center and museum provide a detailed look at Hopewell society, with exhibits on artifacts and the culture’s rituals and traditions. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in Native American history in Ohio.
5. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park (Dayton)
SunWatch Indian Village, a partially reconstructed 13th-century village, was once home to the Fort Ancient culture. Visitors can explore restored houses and a central sundial used by the village’s inhabitants. The museum offers interactive exhibits on village life, agriculture, and astronomy, shedding light on the sophisticated knowledge of Native American communities.
6. Flint Ridge Ancient Quarries & Nature Preserve (Glenford)
Flint Ridge is an ancient quarry site where Native Americans mined high-quality flint for tools and weapons. The site features hiking trails through the historic quarry pits and a museum where you can learn about the significance of flint in prehistoric trade and daily life. This site highlights the resourcefulness of Ohio’s early inhabitants.
7. Ohio History Center (Columbus)
The Ohio History Center is the state’s premier museum for Native American artifacts. The exhibits span the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient cultures, offering a deep dive into Ohio’s Indigenous history. The “Indigenous Wonders of Our World” exhibit showcases earthworks, artifacts, and the enduring legacy of Native peoples in Ohio.
8. Miamisburg Mound (Miamisburg)
Miamisburg Mound is one of the largest conical burial mounds in eastern North America, built by the Adena culture. Visitors can learn about the mound’s historical significance through interpretive signage and even climb a stairway to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a great way to connect with Ohio’s ancient past.
These eight incredible sites offer a unique window into the lives, achievements, and cultures of Ohio’s Native peoples. From massive ceremonial earthworks to ancient quarries and burial mounds, these destinations provide a deeper understanding of the state’s rich Indigenous heritage.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Ohio, these places are essential stops for anyone wanting to explore the state’s past.
Sources
[1] https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/ohios-native-american-heritage-sites
[2] https://nativepartnership.org/its-native-american-heritage-month-check-out-these-heritage-sites-around-ohio/
[3] https://www.ohiohistory.org/top-ten-places-to-experience-ohios-ancient-american-indian-legacy/
[4] https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/fort-ancient-earthworks/
[5] https://research.uiowa.edu/news/2023/09/story-ohios-ancient-native-complex-and-its-long-journey-recognition-world-heritage
