Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

Explore North America’s largest ancient hilltop enclosure earthwork.

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

6123 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH, USA
Winter Hours December – March:
Grounds open weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 10am-5pm
Museum and grounds open Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays Noon-5pm

April-November:
Museum and grounds:
Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday Noon-5pm

Guided tours at 2:00 p.m. daily (whenever museum is open).
Museum and grounds may close during inclement weather.

Adult - $7.00 Senior - $6.00 Child (6-17) - $6.00 OHC member - $0.00 Children under 6 - $0.00 Grounds only - $8.00 per vehicle

2023 Hours: 

Please note:
Memorial Day, Monday May 29th, only the grounds will be open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum will be CLOSED.

April-November:

Museum and grounds:

Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon – 5 p.m.

Final admission should be paid by 4:00 p.m.  Gift shop closes at 4:30 p.m.  Site closes promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Please note:
Memorial Day, Monday May 29th, only the grounds will be open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum will be CLOSED.

If you are interested in supporting Fort Ancient, you may donate by texting SAVEHISTORY to 44-321.

Visit

Explore North America’s largest ancient hilltop enclosure, built 2,000 years ago. A National Historic Landmark, the site is thought to have served as a social and ceremonial gathering place. Experience an on-site museum and gift shop (members receive a 10% discount), recreated American Indian garden and three miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks. Average visit time: Allow 2+ hours. Plan Your Visit!

The use of drones is prohibited at all Ohio History Connection sites. To inquire about commercial filming permits, contact Neil Thompson, manager of media and public relations, at [email protected]

Tours and Field Trips

History

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve is Ohio’s first state park. In April 1891, the state legislature authorized the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society (now the Ohio History Connection) to care for the site. In 1966, Fort Ancient became nationally recognized when it was named a National Historic Landmark. Learn more here.

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve is managed by the Ohio History Connection.

Learn more about Fort Ancient’s history and what you can do there by clicking here!

World Heritage

Fort Ancient is one step closer to becoming Ohio’s first World Heritage site. The site is one of eight Ohio sites in a serial nomination of Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. In addition to Fort Ancient, the sites are Newark Earthworks and the six sites that make up Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe. For more information on World Heritage and how you can help, visit worldheritageohio.org.

Membership

Become an Ohio History Connection member today and explore our 50+ historic sites and museums throughout the state of Ohio for free, including Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve.

With tangible benefits such as free regular admission, discounts, invitations to members-only events and publications to intangible benefits such as supporting and sustaining Ohio’s legacy, members gain a greater understanding of Ohio’s past while connecting themselves to Ohio’s future. Make Ohio’s history part of your present, and experience all the Ohio History Connection has to offer.

Questions about membership? Call us at 800.686.1545 or email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Click here to become a member today!

Volunteer

Help assist with a variety of activities like trail maintenance, educational programs and more! Learn more by clicking here.

Outreach and Preservation Partners

Fort Ancient works in partnership with a variety of organizations in and around the Cincinnati, Dayton and Warren County areas. This network of businesses and organizations help promote Fort Ancient to the broader community through grants, public service announcements, community service, educational programs and technical support.

  • Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Master Gardeners of Warren County
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Audiences: K-5th Grade Students, 6-8th Grade Students, 9-12th Grade Students, Higher Education Students, Educators, Families, Government, Specialists, Tourists, Community Groups, History Enthusiasts & Sports Fans
  • Historical Topics: American Indian History & Archaeology
  • Regions: Southwest Ohio
  • Site Activities: Self-Guided, Hiking, Birdwatching & Guided Tours
  • Museum & Site Type: Geocaching Site, Blue Star Site, Ohio History Connection Site, Historic Site, Museum, Archaeology Site & American Indian Site

Upcoming Events at Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve