Hopewell Culture
National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Hopewell Culture.

Between about 200 BC and AD 500, many Native American communities all across eastern North America--each with their own distinctive ways of life--shared in a common set of beliefs and practices that has come to be known as "Hopewell Culture".

One expression of these shared beliefs was the construction of monumental earthen mounds and enclosures. These beliefs were also expressed in specific set of elaborate and finely crafted ceremonial objects that were exchanged all across the eastern Woodlands. Many of these objects were fashioned of exotic raw materials including copper from the Great Lakes, marine shell from the Gulf of Mexico, obsidian from the Rocky Mountains, and mica from the Appalachian Mountains. A copper falcon effigy is one of many such items preserved at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

Some of the most flamboyant expressions of these beliefs and practices were concentrated in the major river valleys of south-central Ohio. One of the greatest concentrations of earthen mounds, hilltop enclosures, and geometric earthworks in the form of circles, squares and octagons is found in the Scioto River Valley near present-day Chillicothe, Ohio. Five of these major centers, along with a museum collection housing hundreds of Hopewellian artifacts, are now preserved and interpreted at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

An active program of current research provides the information necessary to protect and preserve Hopewellian archeological resources

Information to help you plan a visit is presented below.

VISITATION: 

Almost 40,000 people visit Hopewell Culture National Historical Park each year. Visitation is highest in June, July and August; lowest in December, January and February. 

 

LOCATION: 

The park's Visitor Center is located three miles north of Chillicothe, Ohio on State Route 104. 

 

ADDRESS: 

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park 
16062 State Route 104 
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-8694

 

TELEPHONE: 

Phone: (740) 774-1126 
Fax: (740) 774-1140 

 

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Closed Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1, and on Mondays and Tuesdays during December, January and February. 

 

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING: 

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

 

DIRECTIONS: 

Chillicothe is located in south-central Ohio about 50 miles south of Columbus, Ohio. The Mound City unit of the park is located two miles north of the intersection of US 35 and SR 104. 

 

FEES, COSTS, RATES: 

There is a $2.00 entrance fee for adults ages 17 and over, or a $4.00 fee for all occupants of a private vehicle. Tour groups arriving in commercial vehicles pay the individual fee. Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access passes honored. Entrance fee is waived during December, January and February. 

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES: 

Visitor center and exhibits. The park Visitor Center is located at the Mound City unit and features exhibits, book sales and the award winning 17-minute video "Legacy of the Mound Builders". 

 

Cooperating association sales. 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. 

 

Trails and roads. Interpretive trails feature descriptive signs, audio stations and self-guiding brochures. Total walking distance approximately 1.5 miles. Bikes are not permitted on trails. 

 

Programs and activities. A 17-minute video on the Hopewell culture is shown in the Visitor Center throughout the day. Regularly scheduled guided tours are offered during the summer. Reservations for group tours may be made by calling the Visitor Center at (740) 774-1126. Special Events featuring American Indian and archeological themes are featured throughout the year. Call the visitor center for the latest information. 

 

Lodging and camping facilities. None are available in the park. Lodging is available in Chillicothe and camping is available at nearby state parks and private campgrounds. A list of accommodations will be provided on request. 

 

Food and supplies. None are available in the park. A full range of goods and services is available nearby in Chillicothe. 

 

Accessibility. The Visitor Center and most park trails and other attractions are handicapped accessible. 

 

Special needs. Parking, especially during the summer months, is limited and large motor homes and trailers are not recommended. 

 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USES: 

Individuals and groups should plan on 1 1/2 to 2 hours to see the video and exhibits and walk the interpretive trails. Picnic facilities are available.

 

RESERVATIONS, PERMITS: 

Groups may arrange for a guided tour or other special programs by calling the Visitor Center. Requests for special programs are met subject to staff availability. Applications for filming and other Special Use Permits may be made by contacting the Administrative Office at (740) 774-1126. 

 

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS: 

Within 10 miles of the park and the city of Chillicothe, Ohio are Scioto Trails and Great Seal State Parks, Adena State Memorial (operated by the Ohio Historical Society) and the Ross County Historical Museum. The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a wealth of local travel information. Within a radius of 50 miles of the park are several prehistoric Native American sites open to the public, including these sites operated by the Ohio Historical Society: Fort Ancient State Memorial, Fort Hill State Memorial, Moundbuilders State Memorial, Seip Mound State Memorial, and Serpent Mound State Memorial. Chillicothe is also home to the very popular outdoor drama TECUMSEH! which is presented from early June through early September. A wealth of Ohio travel information is provided by the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism. 

 

LEGISLATION, BOUNDARY CHANGES

Proclaimed as Mound City Group National Monument March 2, 1923; transferred from War Dept. Aug. 10, 1933; renamed and redesignated May 27. 1992. Boundary changes: April 3, 1952; Dec. 28,1980; June 21,1983; Jan. 8.1990; Oct. 31.1990; May 27, 1992. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For more information about the park and other nearby attractions write the Superintendent, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, State Route 104, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 or call (740) 774-1126. 

Email your suggestions, comments or questions to: HOCU_Superintendent@nps.gov 

Last Updated: Saturday, December 05, 1998 02:17 PM
http://www.nps.gov/hocu/ 
Author: Dr. Bret Ruby/Rebecca Jones