Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound
Peebles, Ohio

The Serpent Mound is an interesting site built by a people without modern engineering yet able to create something recognizable from an aerial view. At ¼ mile in length it is not only the largest serpent effigy known today but also the largest prehistoric effigy earthwork in the world. The mound, built in the shape of an uncoiling snake, is aligned with the solstices thus leading to the belief it was built to honor a serpent spirit. The head opens to an alignment with the sunset on the summer solstice.

There is some debate on which Native American culture created this site. Most believed the Adena culture was responsible until recent carbon dating showed it was built about 1070 AD. This date indicates the Fort Ancient culture were the builders. Another theory states that the Adena built the mound, but the Fort Ancient people added their mark thus affecting the dating of the site. This is a mystery that archaeologists will continue to research and debate.


In addition to the Serpent Mound are some burial mounds in the park. The different native peoples used various burial practices, and the mounds were added on by additional burials on top of burials. Archeologists are able to determine this by different body positions used in the burial and by artifacts found with the bodies.

The museum itself is small, but contains artifacts and excellent demonstrations of how the burial mounds evolved between the different cultures. The various cultures' burial practices are distinguished as they used the same mounds but different customs for their “newer” burials. There are enough pictures and artifacts that young children will not bore as easily if there were much reading required.

A paved path winds around the mound itself. This is completely passable for the handicapped and for parents with strollers. There is a wooden observation tower, first built 100 years ago. By climbing the stairs the visitor can look down and see the serpent shape built into the landscape. How did the builders of this mound engineer a site that looks like a serpent when looking from an aerial view? There are no interpretive signs in the park so be mindful in the museum for information that explains what will be seen.

There is also a hiking trail that goes into the woods around the mound. There are no trail maps or signs, but it is ¼ mile dirt path that includes some inclines. It is not appropriate for wheelchairs or strollers.


You can combine your visit to the Serpent Mound with a visit to the Davis Memorial and other places in the area. Adams County has several opportunities to indulge your interest in hiking, the Amish and history. When planning your trip, check out their web-site listed in the section below.

The Serpent Mound is not just for those with an interest in archeology or Native American cultures. It is a beautifully maintained park where a family can spend time figuring out their own answers to the purpose of the uncoiling snake. Families of all ages can bring their picnic lunch, enjoy the outdoors and learn a bit of their Ohio history!


Upcoming Exhibits and Events –

• September 6, 2008 -- Archaeology 101 – A simulated dig will be used for hands-on exploration of the use of archaeological techniques.
• October 4, 2008-- Native American Technology: Food Preservation & Harvest – the Native American garden will be harvested and the crop is prepared for winter. Cooking demonstrations of Native American recipes will be showcased.
• December 21, 2008 -- Light Up the Serpent for the Winter Solstice

Age Appropriateness –
Young Children –medium
School Age Children –medium-high
Teens –high
Adults –high
Senior Friendly – medium-high

Physical vs. Mental –
This site has a good mix. The museum provides background for the site and the path around the mound is a good walk.

Time to Allow for Visit –
Plan an hour to see the museum and to walk the paved path around the Serpent Mound itself. Allow additional time for the hiking trail.

Additional Information –
Gift Shop – yes
Food – no
Picnic – yes – covered picnic area; grills are available
Multilingual – no

Approximate Travel Times –
Cincinnati – 1 ½ hours
Cleveland – 4 hours
Columbus – 2 hours

Handicapped Accessibility –
The museum and the path around the Serpent Mound are wheelchair accessible. The ¼ mile nature trial includes inclines on exposed dirt paths. The observation deck requires climbing of stairs.

Volunteer Opportunities –
A group named Friends of Serpent Mound provides volunteer opportunities. Contact the site coordinator at 937-587-2796 or 1-800-752-2757 (toll free) for more information.



Helpful links:
http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/sw16/
http://www.adamscountytravel.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpent_Mound
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/northamerica/serpent.html