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Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: Ohio

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, rituals, and rites of passage associated with a Native American religious movement that swept over half the continent for almost 400 years. Come walk among the earthworks and experience the past.

🌤 Weather Information

The park lies in a humid continental zone with a generally temperate climate. Winters are mildly cold with average temperatures around 30 degrees (F). Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature around 75 degrees (F). Average annual total rainfall is just under 38". Snowfall in the winter is generally light with an average total snowfall of less than 24".

🚗 Directions

Take U.S. 23. Exit U.S. 23 at State Route 207 and turn right. Continue on S.R. 207 for 2 miles until it merges with S.R. 104 (Make no turns, continue straight on road as it turns into S.R. 104). Follow S.R. 104, turn left into park (approximately 1.8 miles past the S.R. 104 & S.R. 207 intersection), follow entrance road to visitor center.

Images

An early morning sun casting long shadows over grass-covered mounds.

Dawn at the Mound City Group as the sun casts long shadows over the grass.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

A tan building with a red-peaked roof surrounded by green grass and tan sidewalks

The Mound City Group visitor center main entrance with Mound City Group in the background view

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

A green, grassy field with taller areas of uncut grass in geometric shapes under a partly cloudy sky

The overlook area of Hopeton Earthworks allowing visitors to view the interpretive mowing of the geometric shapes

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

An overlook area showing a green grassy field with a panel showing artwork and text

The main overlook area of Hopewell Mound Group showing the enormity of the site.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

A grassy trail running between tall trees in a green field leads to a large grass-covered mound

A cut grass trail leading to the large Seip Mound at Seip Earthworks.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

A tan-orange curved information desk with a man sitting behind the counter

The information desk inside of the Mound City Group visitor center.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

Several children walking with a park ranger in a flat hat near grass-covered mounds.

A school field trip visiting the Mound City Group as a ranger leads them on a tour.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

Several square pedestals hold books and other gifts in the middle of a carpeted floor

The bookstore inside of the Mound City Group visitor center.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

An asphalt path with a steel handrail on the left with green vegetative slope to the right.

The paved river walk trail at the Mound City Group.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

A gray coyote begins walking in the grass in front of a grass-covered mound

A lone coyote stares at the photographer while walking in front of a mound at Mound City Group.

Credit: NPS / Tom Engberg

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, May 19

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 91.8°F | Low: 66°F

Humidity: 73%

Wind: 14.8 mph

Rain Chance: 79%

UV Index: 9.4

Sunrise: 06:15 AM

Sunset: 08:42 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 71°F

Cloud Cover: 79%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, May 20

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 69.1°F | Low: 54°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 15 mph

Rain Chance: 82%

UV Index: 4.2

Sunrise: 06:14 AM

Sunset: 08:43 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 62°F

Cloud Cover: 82%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, May 21

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 55.9°F | Low: 49.7°F

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 85%

UV Index: 0.3

Sunrise: 06:13 AM

Sunset: 08:44 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 48.4°F

Cloud Cover: 85%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (3)

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch (Severe)

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued May 19 at 8:00PM EDT until May 19 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Effective: May 19, 2026 8:00pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 10:00pm

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
1 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN OHIO THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL OHIO

DELAWARE FAIRFIELD FAYETTE
FRANKLIN HOCKING LICKING
MADISON PICKAWAY

IN SOUTHWEST OHIO

CLINTON

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BLANCHESTER, CIRCLEVILLE, DELAWARE,
DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS, LANCASTER, LOGAN, LONDON, NEWARK,
PICKERINGTON, PLAIN CITY, WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, WEST JEFFERSON,
AND WILMINGTON.

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Severe)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 19 at 8:29PM EDT until May 19 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Effective: May 19, 2026 8:29pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 9:00pm

At 829 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Jamestown,
moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...
Xenia, Yellow Springs, Cedarville, Jamestown, South Charleston,
Jeffersonville, Wilberforce, Lisbon, New Jasper, South Solon,
Bowersville, Port William, Clifton, Milledgeville, Octa,
Paintersville, Rosemoor, Hustead, Lumberton, and Selma.

This includes I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 56 and 72.

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Severe)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 19 at 8:25PM EDT until May 19 at 9:30PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Effective: May 19, 2026 8:25pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 9:30pm

SVRILN

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northern Franklin County in central Ohio...
Delaware County in central Ohio...
Northwestern Licking County in central Ohio...
Southeastern Union County in central Ohio...
Northeastern Madison County in central Ohio...

* Until 930 PM EDT.

* At 825 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dublin,
moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...
Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Delaware, Upper Arlington, Gahanna,
Hilliard, Marysville, Worthington, Pataskala, Powell, Johnstown,
Sunbury, Plain City, Ashley, Minerva Park, New California, Polaris,
Ohio State University, and Easton.

This includes I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 111 and 138.

Park Alerts

Mound City Visitor Center Closed Due to Hazardous Winter Conditions Caution
The Mound City Visitor Center is closed 1/26/2026 due to the hazardous weather conditions. Parking lots and trails remain open, but are covered in snow and ice. Visitors are urged to use caution as surfaces will be slick.
Hopeton Earthworks Closed for Construction Until May 2026 Caution
Hopeton Earthworks, located at 990 Hopetown Rd. Chillicothe, OH 45601, is closed for construction until May 2026. Parking lot improvements and construction activity will block safe access to cars and foot traffic at the trail heads. Call the park at 740-774-1126 for more information or visit the park's Mound City Group Visitor Center at 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

More Info

Park Events

Garlic Mustard Removal Training
Join us throughout the month of April to combat the invasive plant garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)! Volunteers are required to attend one training session to receive information on proper identification and safety techniques for the removal of garlic mustard from park grounds.

Step 1: Choose one training date
Saturday, March 29
9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm
Call 740-774-1126 to sign up for one 30-minute training session to become a Garlic Mustard Volunteer!

OR

Training Tuesdays in April at 9 am
Simply show up for these training sessions to become a Garlic Mustard Volunteer!

Step 2: Stop by and help!
Once trained, Volunteers can stop by any day in April and volunteer any amount of time from 9 am to 3 pm, to help with garlic mustard removal.

Bags, gloves, insect repellant, and sunscreen will be provided.

Mound City Group is located at 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.  The Mound City Group Visitor Center is open 7-days a week from 9:00am - 4:00pm.  Parking lots and trails are open daylight hours.

Location: Mound City Group Visitor Center, 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Mar 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

World Heritage Week Tour of Seip Earthworks

World Heritage Week Tour of Seip Earthworks

Location: 7078 US Route 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612

10 a.m: Free ranger-guided tour

Two thousand years ago, the region between Seip Earthworks and Chillicothe was one of the most important cultural centers in eastern North America, for hundreds of years. Join a ranger-led tour of this site to learn more!

Reminders:
Free and open to the public, no registration needed
Tour will last approximately 2 hours and will cover 2-3 miles of unpaved, uneven terrain
Come prepared with snacks and water
There is little to no shade on these tours
Bring a hat, bug spray, sunscreen
Wear sensible hiking shoes. No flip flops or open toed shoes
Ages 12 and up will be best suited for these tours
There are no restrooms at the Seip Earthworks

For more information about this and other park events, call the park at 740-774-1126.

Location: Seip Earthworks is located at 7058 US Route 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612

Date: Apr 16, 2026 12:00am to Apr 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

World Hertitage Week Tour of Mound City Group

World Heritage Week Tour of Mound City Group

10 a.m: Free ranger-guided tour

Location: 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601

This site is the only fully recreated Hopewell earthwork complex of the five managed by the National Park Service. Mound City Group is a uniquely sacred space, even among Hopewell earthworks. Walking among these burial mounds can give the sense of what it must have been like to attend a ceremonial gathering here nearly two thousand years ago.

Reminders:
Free and open to the public, no registration needed
Tour will last approximately 1 hour and will cover approximately 1 mile of grassy uneven terrain.
Come prepared with snacks and water
There is little to no shade on these tours
Bring a hat, bug spray, sunscreen
Wear sensible hiking shoes. No flip flops or open toed shoes
Ages 12 and up will be best suited for these tours

For more information about this and other park events, call the park at 740-774-1126.

Location: Mound City Group is located at 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601. This is the site of the only visitor center for Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Date: Apr 17, 2026 12:00am to Apr 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

High Bank Works Discovery Event
High Bank Works Discovery Event
Saturday, April 18
10:00 am - 1:00pm

Experience a rare opportunity to visit High Bank Works, open to the public only for special events.  Park staff will share the site's remarkable lunar and solar alignments, which connect High Bank Works to the Octagon Earthworks, over 60 miles distant!

This event is free but does require pre-registration.  To register, call Hopewell Culture National Historical Park at 740-774-1126 and sign-up.  Parking is very limited.  There are no restrooms.  Walking will take place on gravel roads, and in farm fields with uneven terrain.  Ages 12 and up are best suited for this event.    

Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Guided Tours of Mound City Group

Mound City Group is the location of the park's only visitor center and is typically the first stop for visitors. A sacred site built by Native Americans, Mound City is the only Hopewell earthwork to have been restored. Walking among these burial mounds can give the sense of what it must have been like to attend a ceremonial gathering here nearly 2,000 years ago.

What you can expect on a tour at Mound City Group:
Tours begin at the Mound City Group Visitor Center. Rangers will guide visitors into the Mound City Group earthwork. The tour will last approximately one hour and will be mostly in the sun. Visitors should wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, bring sun protection and bug spray. Mound City Group is a flat, grassy lawn and considered an "easy" hike/walk. Learn about what to expect when hiking at Mound City Group.

Location: Mound City Group, 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to Jul 31, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger - led Tour at Hopewell Mound Group
Hopewell Mound Group

Date: June 8, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Location: 4731 Sulphur Lick Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Hopewell Mound Group is the largest of our earthwork sites. 2.4 miles of trail will wind you through 130 acres of astounding architecture. Join our rangers and step back in time!

Important Reminders
  • Tour is free, open to the public and does not require registration
  • Tour will last approximately 2 hours and will cover 2-3 miles of unpaved, uneven terrain
  • Come prepared with snacks and water
  • There is little to no shade on this tour
  • Bring a hat, bug spray, sunscreen
  • Wear sensible hiking shoes. No flip flops or open toed shoes.
  • Ages 12 and up are best suited for this tour

For more information call the park at 740-774-1126

Location: Hopewell Mound Group, 4731 Sulphur Lick Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Date: Jun 8, 2026 12:00am to Jun 8, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Hopewell Mound Group Highlights

Explore the enormous Hopewell Mound Group, at your own pace!

With over 2 miles of trail, Hopewell Mound Group is the largest site of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.  Hopewell Mound Group Highlights is an opportunity for visitors to pick their path and engage with park rangers at several key locations within the earthwork.  Park Rangers will have several stations to help visitors take a deeper dive into the lessons of this amazing site.  Enjoy time outdoors with your friends and family, meeting up at a location that was the center of community and gathering 2,000 years ago.

This event begins at the picnic shelter located near the parking lot at Hopewell Mound Group, 4731 Sulphur Lick Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601. Visitors will park and walk to the stations located throughout the earthwork.  This event is free and registration is not required.

Call the park at 740-774-1126 for more information.

Location: Hopewell Mound Group is located at 4731 Sulphur Lick Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

Date: Jun 22, 2026 12:00am to Jun 22, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger-led Tour at Seip Earthworks
Seip Earthworks

Date: July 6, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Location: 7058 US HWY 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612

Two thousand years ago, the region between Seip Earthworks and Chillicothe was one of the most important cultural centers in eastern North America, for hundreds of years. On high terraces along the Paint Creek and Scioto River valleys, almost two dozen giant geometric earthwork complexes were constructed by Native Americans. One of the most magnificent engineering feats of them all was Seip Earthworks. Join a ranger-led tour of this site to learn more!

Important Reminders
  • Tour is free, open to the public and does not require registration
  • Tour will last approximately 2 hours and will cover 2 miles of unpaved, uneven terrain
  • Come prepared with snacks and water
  • There is little to no shade on this tour
  • Bring a hat, bug spray, sunscreen
  • Wear sensible hiking shoes. No flip flops or open toed shoes.
  • Ages 12 and up are best suited for this tour

For more information call the park at 740-774-1126

 

Location: Seip Earthworks, 7058 US HWY 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612

Date: Jul 6, 2026 12:00am to Jul 6, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Seip Earthworks Highlights

Explore Seip Earthworks, at your own pace!

Set amongst the gorgeous Paint Valley region, Seip Earthworks is one of the most magnificent engineering feats.  Seip Earthworks Highlights is an opportunity for visitors to pick their path and engage with park rangers at several key locations within the earthwork.  Park Rangers will have several stations to help visitors take a deeper dive into the lessons of this amazing site.  Enjoy time outdoors with your friends and family, meeting up at a location that was the center of community and gathering 2,000 years ago.

This event takes place at Seip Earthworks, located at 7058 US Highway 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612. Visitors will park and walk to the stations located throughout the earthwork.  This event is free and registration is not required.

Call the park at 740-774-1126 for more information.

Location: Seip Earthworks is located at 7058 US Highway 50, Bainbridge, OH 45612

Date: Jul 20, 2026 12:00am to Jul 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Guided Tours of Mound City Group

Mound City Group is the location of the park's only visitor center and is typically the first stop for visitors. A sacred site built by Native Americans, Mound City is the only Hopewell earthwork to have been restored. Walking among these burial mounds can give the sense of what it must have been like to attend a ceremonial gathering here nearly 2,000 years ago.

What you can expect on a tour at Mound City Group:
Tours begin at the Mound City Group Visitor Center. Rangers will guide visitors into the Mound City Group earthwork. The tour will last approximately one hour and will be mostly in the sun. Visitors should wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, bring sun protection and bug spray. Mound City Group is a flat, grassy lawn and considered an "easy" hike/walk. Learn about what to expect when hiking at Mound City Group.

Location: Mound City Group, 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Date: Aug 1, 2026 12:00am to Sep 6, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
16062 State Route 104
Chillicothe, OH 45601

🏤 Mailing Address:
16062 State Route 104
Chillicothe, OH 45601

📞 Voice Phone: 7407741125

📞 Fax Phone: 7407741140

✉️ Email: hocu_info@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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