Serpent Mound is the largest documented surviving example of a prehistoric effigy mound in the world — and you don’t have to leave Ohio to see it.
Located in the hills of Adams County, this massive snake-shaped earthwork has been quietly blowing visitors’ minds for generations. Whether you’re a history nerd, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a good mystery, Serpent Mound is the kind of place that sticks with you.
The Enigma of Serpent Mound
Set in the quiet countryside, Serpent Mound winds its way through the landscape for more than 1,300 feet. It’s shaped like an uncoiling serpent, with an open-mouthed head at one end and seven distinct curves stretching behind it. This ancient site has puzzled archaeologists, inspired spiritual seekers, and drawn curious travelers since its discovery.
Despite its size and complexity, no one really knows why it was built — or who built it. But standing beside it, it’s easy to feel the weight of time and wonder.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
No written records exist to explain Serpent Mound, but archaeologists believe it was created by Indigenous peoples who lived in this part of Ohio long before European colonization. There are two main contenders when it comes to who built it: the Adena culture, active from around 1000 BCE to 200 CE, and the Fort Ancient culture, which thrived between 1000 and 1750 CE.
The Adena were known for building burial mounds and practicing elaborate spiritual ceremonies, while the Fort Ancient people were agriculturalists with a deep connection to the land and sky. The serpent shape itself holds symbolic significance in many ancient cultures, often representing transformation, rebirth, or protection.
Unraveling the Ancient Builders
Whether it was the Adena, the Fort Ancient, or even a collaboration between cultures across generations, what’s clear is that Serpent Mound wasn’t created by accident. Its scale, precision, and location suggest a deeper meaning — something spiritual, ceremonial, or maybe even astronomical.
Visit and See for Yourself
If you want to see Serpent Mound in person, and you should, you can explore the site any time during visiting hours. It’s part of the Ohio History Connection, which means the grounds are well-maintained and there’s a visitor center nearby.
And if you’re the kind of person who likes a good behind-the-scenes tour, you’re in luck. Every second Friday of the month, expert Bill Kennedy leads an Archaeology Tour at 1:30 p.m. It’s a 90-minute deep dive into what we know (and still don’t know) about the site.
One heads-up: the iconic viewing tower that gives you the full aerial view of the serpent is currently closed for repairs. So while you won’t get the classic top-down photo, the on-the-ground experience still packs a punch.
If You Go
- What: Serpent Mound Archaeology Tour
- When: Second Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Serpent Mound, Adams County
- More info: ohiohistory.org
This is one of those rare places that feels ancient, sacred, and just a little bit unreal, and it’s all right here in Ohio.
