Plan Your Visit to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
A memorable and enriching experience
Standing among these vast works, we can feel a connection to something greater than ourselves. The ancient wisdom written in the land more than 2,000 years ago by American Indians is a gift, and it’s one that’s accessible to all.
The UNESCO designation includes eight sites spread across three cities in Ohio: Newark, Chillicothe, and Oregonia. Reference the map below to plan your route. For more information and helpful details, read through our frequently asked questions.
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.
Getting Here
Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, getting to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is easy. Here are some helpful tips as you plan your trip.
Driving distance to the closest Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks location:
More than two-thirds of the nation’s population are located just a day’s drive away from South Central Ohio. Plan a road trip and come see these works of ancient brilliance—a global treasure and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the state of Ohio.
Distance from major US Cities
Columbus
40 minutes
Cincinnati
45 minutes
Cleveland
2 hours
Pittsburgh
2.5 hours
Indianapolis
2.5 hours
Louisville
2.5 hours
Detroit
4 hours
Chicago
5 hours
Nashville
5 hours
Washington D.C.
6.5 hours
New York City
8.5 hours
Air Service
Coming from a bit farther away? Choose from one of four international airports located throughout the state.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Trail Resources
Seeing all eight of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites is just the start of your World Heritage adventure. A long list of other natural landmarks, attractions, and cultural must-sees are a short drive, hike, or bike away. More trail resources are coming soon. For now, find resources to build your trip at Ancient Ohio Trail.
Travel Resources
There’s more to do after visiting the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. Learn more about the surrounding areas, where to stay, what to eat, and what else there is to do in the beautiful state of Ohio.
Explore Licking County
Learn more about the Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks, book a stay at a local campground, or explore one of the area’s beautiful trails.
Chillicothe Visitors Bureau
Get ideas for local eats, stays and additional fun experiences while visiting Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Seip Earthworks and Mound City.
Warren County Ohio’s Largest Playground
In addition to Fort Ancient, Warren County offers record-breaking roller coasters, award-winning wines, star-studded sporting events and an incredible array of outdoor adventures.
Ohio Department of Development
Get the latest details for fun stays, memorable experiences and latest travel inspiration for the entire state of Ohio, The Heart of It All.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
Entrance fees vary from site to site. Find detailed admissions information on each of the following individual pages: Great Circle, Octagon Earthworks, Mound City, Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Seip Earthworks, and Fort Ancient.
For those sites with admission or special ticketed tours, they can be purchased upon arrival at the site.
The Great Circle, Mound City, and Fort Ancient have accessible museums/visitors centers. The other sites are primarily outdoor experiences with varying degrees of accessibility. Please call the sites for specific accessibility information.
Climbing on the earthworks and mounds is not permitted, out of respect for the people who built them and so they can be preserved for the future. You may walk up to the base of the earthworks and mounds.
Tour options are available, though they vary from site to site. Find detailed information about tours on each of the following individual pages: Great Circle, Octagon Earthworks, Mound City, Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Seip Earthworks, and Fort Ancient.
Indoor visitor facilities including exhibits, gift shops, and restrooms are available during open hours at the Great Circle, Mound City, and Fort Ancient. The rest of the sites are primarily outdoor experiences with varying degrees of outdoor facilities. Please call the site in question with specific questions.
Leashed pets are welcome at the sites. We ask you to please keep you pet off of the earthworks and mounds and please clean up after them.
These sites are large so we suggest sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We suggest wearing hiking-appropriate clothing if you plan to hike the trails in the wooded areas of Hopewell Mound Group and Fort Ancient.
Weather appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. The sites do not have food service facilities. And of course, bring your camera!