Inscription Rock, Archaeological petroglyph site on Kelleys Island, US
Inscription Rock is a petroglyph site on Kelleys Island with ancient carvings etched into a large rock face. The markings show symbols and images that tell stories about the people who created them and their connection to the land.
The petroglyphs were created several hundred years ago by the early people living in this region. The site was later recorded as a place of historical importance because of what these carvings reveal about the past.
The carvings on the stone show how the people who lived here long ago marked important moments and beliefs into rock. Standing before these marks, you can sense the connection these early inhabitants had to this place and to each other.
The site is easiest to visit during warmer months when ferry service to the island operates. Marked trails guide you to the rock carvings, and you should follow all posted guidelines to protect this fragile historical place.
Scholars are still working to understand what each symbol means, since some markings may represent animals, messages, or spiritual ideas from centuries ago. The mystery of their exact meaning keeps researchers interested in returning to study the rock.
Location: Kelleys Island
GPS coordinates: 41.59278,-82.70694
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44
Ohio reveals an unrecognized natural and cultural heritage worth exploring. Cuyahoga Valley National Park features the Brandywine Falls, plunging 20 meters, while Grand Serpent Mound reflects a fascinating prehistoric past with its 411-meter long earthwork dating back 900 years. Loveland Castle, built in 1929, evokes medieval European architecture, and Marblehead Lighthouse has guided ships on Lake Erie since 1822. The state's diverse geography offers discoveries for all interests. Hocking Gorges features the Old Man's Cave, Glen Helen Nature Preserve has 32 kilometers of trails through forests and springs, and Clifton Gorge reveals a 40-meter fault carved by the Little Miami River. The Wilds transforms an old mining site into a 4,000-hectare sanctuary for endangered species, while Headlands Beach extends 2.5 kilometers of sand along Lake Erie. SunWatch Indian Village allows visitors to explore a reconstructed Fort Ancient settlement from the 13th century on its original foundations.
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