Tremper Mound and Works

Tremper Mound is an archaeological site in Scioto County featuring an oval earthwork enclosure with a central mound positioned on the Scioto River floodplain. The preserve spans 286 acres with walking paths that allow visitors to move through the landscape and observe the remaining earthworks.

The site was built by the Hopewell culture, an ancient people who occupied this region around 2000 years ago. Excavations in 1915 revealed a large wooden structure inside the mound, indicating this was a gathering place for rituals.

The pipes discovered here tell us that this site was central to Hopewell ceremonial life and spiritual practices. The animal-shaped pipes reflect how indigenous peoples connected animals to their religious beliefs and rituals.

The site is open from sunrise to sunset with walking trails throughout the grounds that are easy to navigate. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain can be uneven and some paths cross over areas with mounds and slopes.

Most of the 136 pipes found here were made from a stone material that came from hundreds of miles away in the northwest. This shows that the Hopewell people had far-reaching trade networks and valued rare materials brought from distant places.

Location: Ohio

GPS coordinates: 38.80174,-83.00990

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46