Serpent Mound State Memorial — Attraction in Hillsboro

Serpent Mound is something everyone who appreciates Native American Earthworks, and History will enjoy! After seeing a few videos about it being Geologically located in a SW Ohio Meteor impact site, and another pertaining to an obelisk having been standing on the original 1885 rendering by J.P. MacClean from his Survey of Ohio, I decided to visit. The late March weather was inviting, and the ride was enjoyable down I-73 East. Upon arrival I was disappointed to discover their museum does not display any Native artifacts. They do have some good books related to Archeology including a modern reprint of MacClean's findings and others, what I consider some very overpriced hoodies, sweatshirts, and Ts, Pyrite and a few mineral samples, honey, and refrigerated beverages one may buy. After paying for parking, I walked the paved asphalt path along the winding downhill structure. I found it every bit as fascinating, and bigger than I remembered when I was a kid! There are also several other smaller burial mounds on the site with signs indicating where they are. Everyone should find the free map very helpful. While walking on the sacred ground is supposed to be strictly prohibited for preservation, it didn't stop those who claim to be indigenous descendents.The site could certainly benefit from repairing the closed lookout tower or working to raise donations in order to build a new one that is more weather proof. Drones are prohibited, so there are no areas which will allow anyone to view the entire structure all at once. I opted to hike the lower trail which had a well maintained path of compacted soil and lumber steps, and a wooden staircase and handrail. I took photos of the mysterious Limestone pillar said to have been removed ages ago and thrown over the cliff from near from the head of the serpent. I have yet to find any info as to why it was removed. Along Brush Creek I noticed an area having abundant chunks of caramel brown colored Brassfield Chert Flint, and broken Hematite with Ochre exposed. Both material are known to have been used by the Natives. I also noticed several edible plants like Spring Beauties which are known to have been harvested by Natives as a food source. More could certainly be done to improve the visitor experience, some who had traveled from as far away as Nebraska just to see it. An elderly lady walking with the use of a cane who hoped to visit the gift shop on her way to their car was unable because it was closed and locked well before the advertised time of 5;00 PM. During the last remaining minutes a woman droned over a PA reminding everyone it was time to leave, but there was no pleasantry in her tone, or scripted niceties thanking everyone for their contributions, and for visiting. I consider this handicapped accessible, but anyone in a manual wheelchair will most definitely need help navigating the sloping path down and returning. Parking is plentiful, and there are public bathrooms. Be certain to give yourself lots of time to walk the grounds, arrive early, and pay for parking no later than one hour before closing to have access, and plan to...

We had seen this on a show before and heard how graham Hancock was banned from filming there. It had also been on our bucket list since we were kids, always heard about this cool place. So it was all hyped up. We get there and park, we're all excited. There's plenty of parking it wasn't busy at all. But first we had to use the restroom. There was a women's and a men's and we each start walking to each of them but they were out of order. So now it made sense why there was porta potties. We skipped on that for the moment and we went on to see what was next. We passed up the gift shop and decided to go into that after. And then here we come towards the mound. But to our disappointment the lookout tower was closed down and that's partially our fault I suppose because we didn't look at reviews or the website to realize that it was not in service. The one time we don't look at reviews for something and sure enough it would have helped. But at the same time, there's no reason that a lookout tower for something that people are coming from all over to view should be closed during the summer. You walk and you walk but pictures don't do whatever you're looking at any justice. They don't seem to show up because it's basically at the same level that you're at and you're not allowed to stand on it. You really you need to be above it in order to get a good picture, and drones are highly discouraged so DO NOT BRING ONE. All you're able to do is walk around the whole thing on a path. The little building that you go in afterwards is a museum and gift shop. We did buy a few things. And it was nice to see the artifacts inside. You get to watch a short video clip and get to see some information about the history. We noticed somebody came from Germany. I personally do not recommend wasting a trip just to come see this. I would make sure that you actually have other things in the area to do for the day or the weekend that you make your visit. I can't fully give them a failed one star but definitely not a five star. I'm not going to post all my pictures because it seems like a lot of people have posted the same ones so here's just a few of the effigy but it just goes to show it can be hard to make out. Yes you see some curves and hills but wouldn't really know what it was if you didn't know what you were looking at. Hopefully we can come back when the tower has been fixed and is fully functioning. Enjoy your time to anyone who goes! It only takes about an hour maybe under that if you walk this only and do the museum/gift shop. But there was a trail or two we didn't walk. There are also two smaller mounds that you can look at and read a...

My family and I were en route from North Carolina to Indiana when we decided to take a last minute brief detour to visit Serpent Mound. Despite it being a spontaneous decision on a rainy Sunday morning (6/11/23) at 11:15am, we thought it'd be a valuable stop to our family trip and the link I clicked on maps didn’t show hours.

Upon arrival, we were met with open gates and the sight of other families enjoying the premises. We decided to pay the $8 parking fee, expecting a brief 20 minute visit.

However, our experience took a downward turn when an employee interrupted our car unloading of our kids to inform us that the place was not yet open. The time was 11:15 am, and she stated that the museum would only open at 12. This left us perplexed as multiple other visitors seemed to be enjoying their time behind her. Her attitude further complicated the situation; instead of being polite or understanding, she behaved mockingly and was unnecessarily aggressive.

Even as we tried to handle the situation with grace and began to pack up, the employee continued to exhibit a disturbing lack of professionalism by shouting at my wife. Her behaviour was not only unbecoming but also unreasonably confrontational.

It's a shame that our visit to Serpent Mound was marred by this encounter. We hoped to create a memorable experience but instead left feeling unwelcome and disrespected. As travellers, we understand and respect operational hours, but this could've been communicated in a more friendly and professional manner. I strongly feel that the employee's behaviour was uncalled for and completely inappropriate.

In the future, it would be advisable for Serpent Mound to manage employees better, starting with the accurate representation of opening hours by keeping the gate closed if they are closed, followed by the attitude of their staff. It's my sincere hope that no other visiting family has to experience such...