Serpent Mound State Memorial

  Visit Site  |  E-mail Us  |  Locate Us

Serpent Mound is one of the few effigy mounds in Ohio. It is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. The museum contains exhibits on the mound and the geology of the surrounding area, known as the Serpent Mound crypto explosion structure.

937-587-2796
1-800-752-2757
3850 St Rt 73
Peebles, OH  45660

From the monument...

The Serpent Mound

The Serpent Mound was first described by
Squire and Davis in "Ancient Monuments of
the Mississippi Valley" in 1848.

Saved from destruction in 1886
Frederick Ward Putnam, Professor of
American Archaeology and ethnology,
Harvard University.

The land included in the park was secured
by subscription obtained by ladies of
Boston in 1887, when it was deeded to the
Trustees of the Peabody Museum of
Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass,
exempted from taxation by the act of
legislation of Ohio in 1888.

Transferred by Harvard University May
1900, to Ohio State Archaeological and
Historical Society for Perpetual care.

Shelterhouse

Created over the original wall. The small mound at the left, behind the sign, is an Adena mound.

Solstices

Serpent Mound has lunar, solar, planetary, and celestial alignments. It marks all the solstices and equinoxes by lunar or solar alignments or both. In 2005, a local research team observed a triple alignment during the Summer Solstice Sunset. The moonrise was in the opposite direction and Venus set in the same area as the sun, all happening in succession. Later that year, the Volunteer of Serpent Mound honored the Winter Solstice by placing over 700 luminary bags along the edge of the effigy, producing a holiday festive glow.

To learn more contact Delsey Wilson.

Serpent Mound 2008 Events

Sat., April 12, 1-3pm
Wildflower Hike
Take a hike through Serpent Mound and look at the native spring wildflowers.

Sat., April 26, 1-4pm
Native American Technology: Textiles & Cordage
Demonstrations on how Native peoples produced cordage and fabric. Try your hand at a couple techniques!

Sat., May 3
10am-Noon & 1-2pm
The Marvel of Birds Watchers Hike
Take a hike through Serpent Mound and look for migrating and local Southern Ohio birds.

Sat., May 17, 11-4pm
Native American Technology: Gardening
Learn about the Ft. Ancient gardening technique of growing the Three Sisters - corn, beans, and squash. Plus, other different plants that were in native gardens and their uses.

Sun., May 25, 1-3pm
Celebrating 100 Years of the Serpent Mound Tower!
Join us as we celebrate our observation tower's 100th birthday! Enjoy local Amish made ice cream and historic photos of Serpent Mound.

Sat., June 21, 8pm
Summer Solstice Sunset
Learn about the astronomical alignments at Serpent Mound.

Sat., Jul. 12, Noon-5pm
Reptile Day
We've partnered with ODNR, Adams Co. Soil & Water, and the Edge of Appalachia to explore the different reptiles and amphibians of Southern Ohio.

Sat., Sept 6, 11-5p,
Archaeology 101 & Artifact Identifing
Open to all ages. Participate in events that teach one the techniques in archaeology. Our activities help scouts fulfill their requirements for a badge. Plus, view artifacts belonging to local collectors. Have an artifact you're not sure about, have a collector identify it for you. (There will be no selling or trading of artifacts.)

Sat., Sept. 20, 11-5pm
Sedimentary, My Dear Watson - Ohio Geology
Learn about one of Ohio's rare geological features - the Serpent Mound Cryptoexplosion Area, a crater. The park is located in it's southwest quadriant.

Sat., Oct. 4, Noon-5
Native American Technology: Food Preservation and Harvest
Learn the uses of the harvested plants from our Native Garden. Plus, learn about other tools and facts of the Woodland Era Indians.

Sat., Oct 11, 11-5pm
Native American Technology: Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping
Learn the techniques of a Woodland Indian hunter. Try your hand at spear and atlatl throwing and using a bow and arrow.

Sun., Dec. 21
“Luminating the Serpent”
Learn about the Winter Solstice alignment and help light over 700 luminary bags outlining the mound.