Early map of the extensive Hopewell Culture earthworks at Newark.
View of the unique Mound City site at Chillicothe.
This year’s Cultural Caravan will visit two extraordinary prehistoric earthwork sites in southern Ohio, including the conjoined circle and octagon at Newark and the unique Mound City mortuary site at Chillicothe. Interpretive centers and guided tours will be available at both earthwork locations, and a special “mystery location” will also be visited. These sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing that was achieved in 2023, Ohio’s first such international recognition, and among only 27 World Heritage sites listed in the United States. A preparatory lecture will be given by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke, who will also lead the trip, and a seated lunch will be served at the Earthworks Café in Newark.
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 head to the earthworks at the recently established Newark Earthwork Center (formerly the Moundbuilders Country Club), where we can peruse exhibits and a gift shop before taking a guided tour of the incredible circle and octagon earthwork enclosures that track the 18.6 year lunar cycle.
Lunch: Our midday meal will be taken at the delightful Earthworks Café in Newark, where we can enjoy the unique surroundings of this reclaimed industrial facility that is now a foodie and art destination. You will have several choices of sandwich (to be pre-selected by you) including a vegetarian option.
Afternoon: After lunch we will head to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park at Chillicothe. Here we can tour the Visitor Center exhibits and take a guided tour of the unique Mound City earthwork site, a dense gathering of over 20 burial and ritual mounds within a retanguloid enclosure, including a view into a recreated mound interior. This is a place where some of the most spectacular mortuary artifacts of the Hopewell Culture were uncovered. On our return home from Mound City, we will stop at our “mystery location”, a place deeply connected to the history of Native American and settler relations on the Ohio frontier.
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 departure – 6:45pm return (return time is approximate)
Departure & Return Location:
Marietta College Physician Assistant Parking Lot, Corner of 3rd & Butler, Marietta.
Price:
$95/Nonmember
$85/Castle Member & Volunteer (Use Code "MEMBERSAVE" at check out)
$70/Student (Students age 8 and 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. 5**
Early Bird Registration Bonus! Register by Friday, Sept. 25 and receive one FREE Castle Museum House Tour with each reservation purchased. Eligible reservations will be added to our complimentary House Tour guest list under the purchaser's name. Free tours may be redeemed at the Carriage House Visitor Center.
To schedule your House Tour, please call 740-373-4180.
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. 5.
The complimentary pre-trip lecture will be held at The Castle on Thurs., Oct. 8 7pm.
Changes or cancellations to your reservation will need to occur before 4pm Wednesday, Oct. 7 to receive a full refund.