Great Council State Park

Great Council State Park Visitor Center

Image Courtesy of Great Council State Park

Quick Facts

Location:

1587 US 68 N, Xenia, OH 45385

Significance:

Great Council State Park is Ohio's 76th state park, established to honor and preserve the rich history and culture of the Shawnee people and their enduring connection to the land. It is located in western Ohio, near the Little Miami River, a region central to Shawnee history and pivotal events that shaped Native and American narratives.

Designation:

State Park

MANAGED BY:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Amenities

6 listed

Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible

Great Council State Park is Ohio's 76th state park, established to honor and preserve the rich history and culture of the Shawnee people and their enduring connection to the land. It is located in western Ohio, near the Little Miami River, a region central to Shawnee history and pivotal events that shaped Native and American narratives. The park takes its name from "Great Council," referencing the important role of councils and decision-making in Shawnee governance and community life. 

The park celebrates thousands of years of Shawnee history, beginning with their ancestors, the Hopewell and Adena cultures. Artifacts and monumental structures, such as earthworks and burial mounds, reveal a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, ecology, and community planning. During the 18th century, the Shawnee people played significant roles in the regional dynamics of trade, diplomacy, and conflict. The park focuses on this continuum, emphasizing both ancient traditions and the impact of European colonization, including displacement and resilience. 

The centerpiece of the park is its state-of-the-art interpretive center, a 12,000-square-foot facility designed to engage visitors with immersive exhibits, interactive programs, and stories told from the perspective of the Shawnee. Key themes include: 

• The history of Old Chillicothe (a major Shawnee village on the Little Miami River). 
• The dynamic interplay between Shawnee and European settlers. 
• The vibrant material culture of the Shawnee people, including traditional crafts, clothing, and hunting techniques. 
• The center also features museum-quality displays of artifacts, spaces for community events, and research resources to connect the past to the present. 

Great Council State Park offers a wide range of educational and recreational programs year-round. Seasonal activities highlight traditional Shawnee practices such as winter hunting camps, medicinal plant gathering, fishing, and crafting. Other activities include: 

• Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the interpretive center, learn about the history of the Shawnee, and walk the grounds to understand the area's geographical and cultural significance. 
• Workshops and Demonstrations: Skilled interpreters teach visitors about Shawnee crafts, foodways, and traditional technologies like fire-starting. 
• Family-Friendly Events: Programs such as storytelling sessions, hands-on crafting, and nature walks make the site accessible and engaging for all ages.