Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month at One of Ohio's Many Sites

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, TourismOhio has released its list of Ohio's extraordinary Native American Heritage sites, offering visitors a chance to connect with history and culture in immersive ways.

"Ohio's Native American sites are invaluable to our state's history," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "Standing where the first Ohioans once stood and seeing the monumental sites they created is a powerful experience and a testament to Ohio's commitment to preserving and honoring this legacy."

First designated in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush, National Native American Heritage Month is an annual celebration and recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States.

To encourage visitors to join the month-long celebration and experience Ohio's rich Native American heritage, TourismOhio has released a list of notable Native American heritage sites to experience.

"We invite visitors from around the globe to explore Ohio and experience our remarkable historical and cultural sites in person," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees ToursimOhio. "Landmarks like the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are a powerful representation of our state's history and significance."

Early Native American people of the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient cultures are primarily responsible for many of the large mounds, earthen burial structures, and complex earthworks found throughout Ohio and highlighted on TourismOhio's list.

In 2023, Ohio's Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - joining global treasures like Stonehenge and the Great Wall of China. These sites are the first in Ohio to receive this distinguished recognition and only the 25th in the United States.

Serpent Mound in Peebles

"You won't find anything like the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks anywhere else in the world," said Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. "We and our partners at the National Park Service are always pleased to share these sites with Ohioans, Americans and the world. We also are pleased to share with visitors our other Native American Heritage sites, including Serpent Mound in Peebles."

"Most Ohioans first encounter our state's rich history in fourth grade social studies class," said state tourism director Sarah Wickham. "But there's truly no substitute for experiencing our ancient sites up close. Many of these locations are free and easily accessible, making them perfect for families wanting to deepen their understanding of Ohio's heritage while enjoying the beauty of our outdoor spaces."

Adding to Ohio's many heritage sites, the recently opened Great Council State Park celebrates and honors the history and cultures of the Native Americans in southwest Ohio. The park offers visitors a glimpse of what Shawnee life looked like in the 1700s through a 12,000 square-foot interpretative center modeled after historic longhouses. The park highlights the stories of historical figures, an interactive dwelling, a native plant prairie, and crafting area. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources worked with three federally recognized Shawnee tribes on the park's design and members also served as consultants on many of the exhibits.

Those looking for more Fall in Ohio travel inspiration beyond Ohio's Native American Heritage Sites can read more on the "Fall in Ohio" landing page.

Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.   

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
Nov. 04, 2024

For more information, contact:
Mason Waldvogel
[email protected]

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