Fort Ancient is a series of earthen embankments that extend for more than three-and-a-half miles around a high bluff along the Little Miami River in Warren County, Ohio. It was built by the Hopewell culture between 100 B.C. and A.D. 400.
Although it is called a "fort," it probably never served as a defensive work. Ditches are located inside the walls rather than outside as might be expected if it was an actual fort. Also, there are more than 60 gateways in the enclosure, which would have made it difficult to defend against enemies.
Fort Ancient is a National Historic Landmark and is being considered for nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The site offers beautiful vistas along hiking trails as well as the remains of the marvelous ancient earthworks. Convenient picnic areas can be found along the road at the site.
The Museum at Fort Ancient contains 9,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, including many interactive units, focusing on 15,000 years of American Indian history in the Ohio Valley.
General Information
Fort Ancient is administered by the Ohio Historical Society and locally managed by the Dayton Society for Natural History.
Site Manager: J. Blosser
Phone: 513-932-4421
800-283-8904 (toll free)
Hours
April - November
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Monday holidays unless specified)
December - March
Monday - Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Holidays: (New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Monday holidays unless specified) CLOSED
Groups available by appointment.
Admission
Adults: $6.00 (museum & park)
Seniors (60+): $5.00
Children (6 - 12): $4.00
Children (5 & under): FREE
Park Only: $8.00
School Groups: $3.00/per student + $1 program fees (guided museum tours) + $1 additional activities
Ohio Historical Society Members: FREE
Dayton Society of Natural History Members: FREE
Commercial Motor Coach Parking $70.00 for coaches not using the museum
AAA discount on daily admission rate is available.
Military discounts on annual membership in the Dayton Society of Natural History are available to all active military and their dependents.
Location
Fort Ancient
6123 St Rt. 350
Oregonia, Ohio 45054
Fort Ancient is seven miles southeast of Lebanon, in Warren County, on State Route 350. Exit I-71 at Wilmington Road (exit 36) and take Middleboro Road south to State Route 350, turn right to the park.
Handicapped Accessibility
Ohio Historical Society strives to meet ADA requirements. However, historic structures and outdoor areas provide challenges that make it difficult to provide complete access to all visitors. Please call the site with specific questions and concerns.
The site is paved for three quarters of a mile.
The North Overlook and outdoor facilities are not handicapped accessible.
The new museum is handicapped accessible with handicapped accessible facilities.
The site is operated for the Ohio Historical Society by the Dayton Society of Natural History.