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Witness ancient brilliance in each of the Hopewell earthworks

Great Circle Earthworks

Great Circle Earthworks Sunrise

Great Circle Earthworks

Octagon Earthworks

Octagon Earth Works

Octagon Earthworks

Mound City

Mound City

Mound City

Hopewell Mound Group

Hopewell Earthworks

Hopewell Mound Group

Hopeton Earthworks

Hopeton Earthworks

Hopeton Earthworks

High Bank Works

High Bank Works

High Bank Works

Seip Earthworks

Seip Earthworks

Seip Earthworks

Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient

A memorable and enriching experience

Visit the Chillicothe Area Earthworks

Visit the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park Sites in Chillicothe

​​The headquarters for Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is located at Mound City, which lies at the northern edge of the city of Chillicothe. The area surrounding Chillicothe is characterized by wooded hills and scenic river valleys, providing a picturesque backdrop to all of the earthwork sites. Easy access is ensured by a network of roads and highways, including the Adena Recreational Trail, which connects various sites in the area.

Begin Your Journey at Mound City

Start your experience at the visitor center and headquarters of the park conveniently located at the Mound City site, right next to the parking area with a fantastic view of the earthworks and mounds. The visitor center is open daily, providing restrooms, water fountains, and a shop offering publications and merchandise related to Ohio history, Native America, and the earthworks. You can pick up brochures and driving directions for all the publicly accessible earthworks at the information desk.
Visitor Info

16062 Ohio 104
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

(740) 774-1126

Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset
Excludes Holidays

Highlights

  • Parking lot
  • Visitor’s Center with Restrooms
  • Guided or Self-Guided Tours Available
  • Trails & Trail Maps
  • Free Admission
  • "Junior Ranger" and "Junior Archaeologist" Programs Available

Travel Resources

Browse helpful links and details as you plan your trip to visit Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Seip Earthworks and Mound City.

Find everything you need to know, including basic park information, safety tips, directions, and trip ideas.

There’s more to do in Chillicothe after visiting the earthworks. Known for its historical significance as the first capital of Ohio, Chillicothe boasts a well-preserved historic downtown with plenty of food and lodging options nearby.

Five Sites Full of Wonder

Enjoy ranger-led tours of Mound City during the late spring, summer, and early fall. In the summer, there are also ranger-led programs at Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton, and Seip, depending on staffing. Check the park's website or the information desk for tour details. Hopeton features a trail leading to a seating area with clear views of the earthworks in their natural landscape. At Hopewell Mound Group, you'll find restrooms, orientation signage, and a trail system with informative signs. Seip Earthworks also has interpretive and informational signs.
NOTE: While High Bank Works is included as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is currently not open to the public.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Take part in the "Junior Ranger" and "Junior Archaeologist" programs, offering self-guided activities for visitors of all ages. Booklets are available at the information desk, and upon completion, participants can be "sworn in" as Junior Rangers or Archaeologists and receive a commemorative souvenir. During the school year, educational programs can be arranged for students, including on-site activities, classroom visits, and field trips.

Three Cities, Eight Sites

Each of these sacred sites holds wonder worthy of a visit. Plan your route to one or all of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which make up the only UNESCO World Heritage designation in Ohio.

Three Cities, Eight Sites

Each of these sacred sites holds wonder worthy of a visit. Plan your route to one or all of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which make up the only UNESCO World Heritage designation in Ohio.