Aerial view of Serpent Mound from the Observation Tower, shortly after its construction in 1908.

The Serpent Mound Tower

History

The Columbus Wire and Iron Works Company built the Serpent Mound Observation Tower in 1908. It is made of 6,000 pounds, or three tons, of steel. To build such a tower today would cost $250,000.

The tower is 25 feet high and provides a view of the entire Serpent. Because of the size of Serpent Mound and the way it winds across the landscape, it is not possible to see the entire mound from any one spot on the ground. The tower offers visitors a dramatic view of  the Serpent from one scenic overlook.

 

How did American Indians see the Serpent?

The American Indians who built Serpent Mound never saw the entire mound from a single vantage point. Instead, they saw the Serpent by walking and perhaps dancing around its entire length. In this way, the story written here in the earth slowly emerged as they followed the undulations of the Serpent from its uncoiling spiral tail at one end of the bluff to its head at the other. That is still the best way to experience Serpent Mound!

Frequently Asked Questions

The observation tower was closed in 2022 because it required restoration and structural reinforcement. A structural engineering study determined the tower's condition and recommended immediate closure until restoration could be completed.  In its current condition, it would be potentially hazardous to use.