Chillicothe

Chillicothe brings together Hopewell earthworks, Ohio history, and experiences that offer different ways to explore the past and culture. You can join a ranger-led tour of the Mound City Group earthworks, explore the Hopewell Mound Group’s educational trail on your own, or visit the exhibits at the Ross County Heritage Center. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Chillicothe, you can shape your trip around your interests, whether they’re archaeological and historical topics or engaging experiences for the whole family.

Hopewell Earthworks and Different Ways to Visit

Story Mound is an earthen mound in Chillicothe and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mound City Group is the only fully restored Hopewell earthwork complex. The two names refer to different places and aspects of Hopewell heritage. Mound City Group is also home to the only visitor center in Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

On ranger-led tours, rangers guide visitors through the Mound City Group earthworks; tours last about an hour. Another option is the Hopewell Mound Group, with its two-mile, self-guided educational trail. This lets you choose between a ranger-led tour and a trail you can explore independently.

Stories from Chillicothe and the Scioto River Valley

The Ross County Heritage Center’s exhibits cover several chapters of regional history. You can learn how and why Chillicothe became Ohio’s first capital. Other topics include the prehistoric cultures of the Scioto River Valley, Camp Sherman and World War I, as well as historic vehicles and transportation. The center’s focus ranges from early cultures and political history to military history and transportation. If you like to explore different eras during a visit, this range of topics offers a distinctive way to learn about the region’s history.

The Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama tells history in another way: it portrays the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader who tries to defend his sacred homelands. Its focus is one person and his struggle to protect those homelands. The First Capital Hologram Zoo, in turn, features more than 50 life-size holographic animals. Its themes include Australia, the age of the dinosaurs, and the deep sea. For families, this contrast offers a choice between historical storytelling and a diverse portrayal of animals and habitats.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Near Chillicothe is Adena Mansion & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark. It was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, America’s first architect. This historic estate and its architect offer another point of interest for travelers interested in architectural history.

Another trace of history can be found in Yoctangee Park: its lake was once a channel of the Scioto River. This former use is part of the park’s local history and differs from the topics covered by the earthworks and history exhibits. Overall, Chillicothe is especially appealing to travelers who want to plan their trip around specific cultural and historical interests. When searching for a vacation rental, you can choose the themes you want to shape your stay.

More about the area: Londonderry.

Return to the broader travel guide: Ross County.