At the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, you can view history first-hand by visiting the mounds dating back to 200 B.C.  These Earthen mounds and embankments forming huge geometric enclosures grace the area landscape. These monumental structures were built by Native American hands almost 2,000 years ago. Hopewellian people gathered at these earthworks for feasts, funerals and rites of passage. This park is a beautiful sight to see.

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park offers many events for children and families to learn about the park service during the Summer. Stop by the Mound City Group Visitor Center is open everyday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and the grounds are open until dusk. Admission to the park is free for you to enjoy. You can stop in and watch a short video titled “Mysteries of the Ancient Architects”, walk through the beautiful and sacred ceremonial grounds, see the artifacts excavated from Mound City inside of the Museum, and children ages 5-12 can become a junior ranger!

This summer stop out every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. for Yoga in the Park. Bring your own mat or blanket. This event is free so bring your family or friends for a relaxing morning. This event will run until July 31st. To reserve your spot contact Hopewell Culture National Historical Park at 740-774-1126.

On Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. join Hopewell Culture National Historical Park for a Picnic in the Park. At 11:00 a.m. build your own spear and atlatl. Spear throwing demonstrations to follow. For ages 8 and up. Supplies provided for children. Adults 18 and over can purchase atlatl kits in the park bookstore. Class size is limited to 25 so please preregister by Friday, June 17th to save your spot.

On June 25, July 9th, 15th, and 29th children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in Junior Archeology Days. Children will complete several hands on activities including a mock dig, to earn a Junior Archeologist badge! Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children. Reservations are required due to limited space. So please call the park at 740-774-1126 for more information.

During this summer Hopewell Culture National Historical Park will also present their 2016 Summer Lecture Series. The Robert L. Harness Archeology Lecture Series will be on Thursday evenings June 2 through July 21st at 7:00 p.m. Whether you are a professional archeologist, or an armchair enthusiast the lecture series has something for everyone. Learn from experts in the many fields of archeology. Speakers and titles vary from year to year and always include visiting researchers conducting excavations in and around Ross County. This is your chance to ask questions and gain knowledge about many topics, including those about Hopewell culture. For more information on the lecture series visit www.nps.gov/hocu/planyourvisit/special-events.htm

Prehistoric  Paddle on Paint Creek is returning again this year. Every Thursday in July you can join a Park Ranger from Hopewell Culture National Historical Park for a guided paddle on Paint Creek! Boaters begin the journey at Water’s Edge Canoe Livery. You may bring your own boat or rent a kayak or canoe from the livery. Paddling experience require. To reserve your spot call the park at 740-774-1126.

We hope you can experience some of the fun that Hopewell Culture National Historical Park will be offering this Summer. They offer something for the whole family. Even if you just get the time to head out for a walk, you will love it! For more information check out their website.