The Newark Earthworks are in present-day Newark and Heath within the boundary of Licking County, Ohio. Of this once 4-square-mile complex three portions are preserved and fully open to the public including:
The Great Circle Earthworks at 455 Hebron Road, Heath, OH 43056
The Wright Square at James Street, Newark, OH 43055
The Octagon Earthworks at 125 N 33rd Street, Newark, OH 43055
Approx. drive time from:
Athens: 1 hr 30 min
Cincinnati: 2 hrs 30 min
Cleveland: 2 hrs 30 min
Columbus: 45 min
Dayton: 1 hr 45min
Toledo: 2 hrs 45 min
Visitor Center Hours
Great Circle Earthworks*
Mon. & Tues: CLOSED
Weds. – Sun.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
* The Great Circle has a small museum, gift shop, and restroom. Staff are available to answer questions and orient you to the Newark Earthworks.
The Octagon Visitor, while still retaining much of its former features as a country club building, is open for restrooms and staff are available to answer questions during open hours.
There is also a small bookstore where you can commemorate your visit by purchasing a souvenir or book to learn more about the history and culture that make this site truly incredible.
There is no visitor center at the Wright Earthworks, but we encourage you to stop by visit the Great Circle Earthworks museum, less than a mile down the road.
Admission
The grounds of the Great Circle, Octagon & Wright Square Earthworks are open year-round and free to walk and explore during daylight hours.
Tours and field trips are offered at the Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks for an additional cost. Check out our tours page!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Can I climb on the earthworks or mounds? How close can I get to the earthworks and mounds?
Where can I buy tickets?
What should I wear?
What should I bring?
Dogs are welcome on all the sites. Please keep your furry companions leashed and take advantage of our waste bags and remove messes that they may create on the grounds.
Enjoy the earthworks but please do not climb on the walls. We would like to keep these walls standing tall for 2,000 years after you visit them. Foot traffic will cause damage over time. You may walk up to the base of the earthworks and mounds.
For guided tours or special ticketed events, they can be purchased upon arrival at the Great Circle or Octagon Earthworks.
These earthworks, especially the Octagon and Great Circle, are large and outdoors so we suggest sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Weather appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. The sites do not have food service facilities. And of course, bring your camera!
