Your class can benefit tremendously by visiting Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Park staff is available for mound and museum tours, as well as a variety of hands-on activities. Most programs can be tailored to any educational level. Schedule your groups at least two months in advance and keep in mind that April, May, and October fill up quickly. For more information or to schedule your group, contact a Ranger by phone at 740-774-1126 or by e-mail. All admission and programs are free.

Souvenir Bags for School Groups

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is now offering pre-packaged souvenir bags for your convenience. The bags are designed to allow you and your students more time with a ranger while still offering your students the opportunity to take home an educational souvenir. The pre-packaged souvenir bags are available in a variety of prices and content. All prices include tax.

For ordering information please contact Bill Huebner at (740)774-1126 ext. 113 or e-mail us. Please place your order at least 48 hours prior to your fieldtrip to allow time for assembly of the bags.

Ranger-led Tours and Hands-on Programs

Legacy of the Moundbuilders. Most students benefit from viewing the park’s 17-minute film about how and why earthworks were built. Film is suitable for third grade and up.

Mound Tour. A guided tour of the Mound City Group explains how people of the Hopewell culture lived their lives and discusses the importance of cultural and natural resource stewardship.

Museum Tour. A guided tour of the museum talks about the 2,000 year old artifacts excavated from the Mound City Group and leads students through an interactive computer program about the Hopewell culture.

Hopewell Tool Time. Students figure out how prehistoric tools were used and what their modern counterparts are in today’s toolbox.

Travel or Trade? Students use a floor-sized map of North America to learn where and how raw materials were obtained by the Hopewell culture.

Outdoor Demonstrations. Students learn how to throw spears using a spearthrower or atlatl.

What’s Hidden in the Midden? Students learn techniques for shifting, removing, documenting, analyzing, and classifying the contents of a prehistoric midden or trash area.