Discover Chillicothe

Explore Chillicothe through several distinct themes: Hopewell earthworks, exhibitions on the region’s history, a dramatically told life story, and holographic animal displays. The sites and attractions also differ in form. When planning your trip, you can weigh whether you’re more interested in earthworks and a walking trail, museum topics, or a visual presentation.

Hopewell Earthworks and Visitor Information

Story Mound is an earthen mound in Chillicothe listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mound City Group offers a different focus: it is the only fully restored Hopewell earthwork complex. It is also the site of the only visitor center at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

On guided tours, rangers lead visitors through the Mound City Group earthworks; the tours last about an hour. By contrast, Hopewell Mound Group offers a two-mile self-guided trail. These details give you two different points of reference: an approximate duration is provided for the ranger-led tour, and a distance for the trail. Take into account the detail relevant to the activity you choose.

Exhibitions and Stories of the Past

The Ross County Heritage Center’s exhibitions explore several chapters of regional history. These include how and why Chillicothe became Ohio’s first capital, the prehistoric cultures of the Scioto River Valley, Camp Sherman, and World War I. Historic vehicles and transportation are also part of the range of topics. In this way, the city’s history, earlier cultures, and transportation history sit side by side, without limiting a visit to a single period.

The outdoor drama Tecumseh! offers a different way to tell history. It portrays the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader who attempts to defend his sacred homelands. Its storytelling focuses on one person and his struggle for his homelands, rather than on a series of exhibition topics.

Holographic Animal Worlds and Park History

The First Capital Hologram Zoo presents Australia, the age of the dinosaurs, and the deep sea, featuring more than 50 life-size holographic animals. Its digital format and three distinct themed worlds stand in clear contrast to the earthworks and historical exhibitions. If you’d like to compare different ways of presenting stories, you’ll find a holographic experience here alongside the archaeological and historical themes of other Chillicothe attractions.

The landscape also has a historical connection: the lake in Yoctangee Park was once a channel of the Scioto River. This history connects the lake to the story of the river. It adds a landscape-related element to the themes of the earthworks and museums, without requiring a visit to another exhibition or a specific program.

Nearby, north of Chillicothe, is Adena Mansion & Gardens. The estate is a National Historic Landmark and was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, America’s first architect. This adds an architectural perspective to the local themes. Together, these offer several distinct points of interest for your stay: an earthwork complex and visitor center, a self-guided trail, regional exhibition themes, a dramatic story, holographic animals, and historical connections to the landscape and architecture.

Discover more destinations: Londonderry.

Return to the broader travel overview: Ross County.