This year’s Cultural Caravan will visit several extraordinary prehistoric earthwork sites in southern Ohio. These will include the unique Serpent Mound effigy, preserved remnants of an unusual earthwork at Portsmouth, the world-class Tremper Mound depository, and a special “mystery location”. Each of these sites present unique features that provide special insights regarding the prehistoric Native American cultures of the region. A preparatory lecture will be given by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke, who will also lead the trip, and a picnic lunch at Serpent Mound State Memorial Park is included.

Agenda:

An informative lecture about the sites we are visiting will be provided by staff archaeologist Wes Clarke at The Castle on the Thursday evening before our trip.

Morning: We will make a brief visit to an unusual prehistoric “mystery location” on our way to Serpent Mound. We will then arrive at the Serpent effigy with time to explore this unique earthwork, the museum and gift shop, and enjoy a box lunch at the spacious picnic shelter.

Lunch:  Box lunches prepared by Parkhurst Food Services (Marietta College) will be distributed for lunch in the picnic shelter at Serpent Mound.  You will have several choices of sandwich (to be pre-selected by you) including a vegetarian option.  Restrooms are nearby.

Afternoon: After lunch there will be additional time at Serpent Mound, then we will head to the Tremper Mound Earthworks preserve near Portsmouth. Tremper is an unusual site and, among other significant remains, produced one of the largest groups of Hopewell Culture smoking pipes ever found. After a short walk to visit Tremper, we will travel into Portsmouth to see remnants of the unique earthwork layout at that Ohio River location.

This trip will involve a moderate amount of walking on developed paths and pavement. (Participants can personally adjust some of the walking distances if desired.) Rest stops are scheduled as we travel in our comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus.  Please join us as we experience these extraordinary destinations!

Time: 8am – 6:30pm

Departure & Return Location: 

Marietta College Physician Assistant Parking Lot, Corner of 3rd & Butler. 

Price:

 $95/Nonmember
$85/Castle Member & Volunteer (Use Code "MEMBERSAVE" at check out)
$70/Student (Use code “STUDENT” at checkout. Students age 8 & above may purchase tickets at the reduced rate; a valid student ID is required for college age students.)

Thanks to the generosity of the Marietta Community Foundation’s Dorothy A. Oyster Fund, we are able to offer a subsidized student rate this year. This support helps us engage more young people in our Cultural Caravan trips.

**Reservations required by 5pm Monday, Oct. 6**

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• In addition to payment, a registration form must be filled out online or in-person and submitted by 5pm Monday., Oct. 6.

• The complimentary pre-trip lecture will be held at The Castle on Thurs., Oct. 9th at 7pm.