Gatherings at Serpent Mound
The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System is committed to Serpent Mound being open to serve all people, for all purposes respectful to the Native American legacy this ancient site represents.
Serpent Mound is visited by a wide variety of groups, and serves as host to many different events, both public and private. The park has ample space for most school groups, gatherings, ceremonies, and educational tours.
All groups are welcome, and there is no charge for attendees save the regular parking fees. The picnic shelter may be optionally reserved at a cost of $40/day. Please note that gatherings cannot request exclusive use of the park which is always open to the general public.
All group leaders must read and enforce the park regulations below with all of their participants. Please note that no overnight events are permitted at Serpent Mound, nor are ceremonies that involve walking on the ancient earthworks.
Bus Parking Fees
| School Bus |
$35 |
| Commercial Bus |
$70 |
Groups of 20 or More – Please Complete One of the Forms Below
- Courtesy Group Notice
- Simple gatherings of 20-50 people.
- Notices do not usually require approval. Please submit at least 7 days in advance to help our staff plan for your visit and welcome you upon arrival.
- Special Event Permit Application
- Groups larger than 50 people.
- Any event that is open to the public.
- Any event with vendor sales or registration fees for participants.
- Must be received two weeks in advance, and requires approval by phone or email.
- School Group Field Trip Request
- Not sure? Please contact us!
Picnic Shelter Reservation
Serpent Mound's picnic shelter may be reserved in advance for exclusive use by a group for a fee of $40.00/day. At this time, there is no electrical service at the shelter. Please contact us for reservations.
Park Regulations & Group Visit Orientation
- Please do not walk on the earthworks nor leave the asphalt path to approach the serpent effigy. Serpent Mound and the park’s three burial mounds are ancient Native American sites which were sacred to past cultures, and remain sacred to many people today.
- Pets are permitted on leash only.
- No defacing nor disruption of earthworks, stones or soil is permitted anywhere on the grounds. Archaeological searching and collecting of artifacts is strictly prohibited.
- Please be respectful of any staff requests. Failure to comply with regulations and staff requests may result in your group being asked to leave.
- Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in all public places, including Serpent Mound, by Ohio law.
- Shelter house reservations permit exclusive use of the shelterhouse only. Please be respectful of other visitors to the park. There are no electric outlets or lighting at the shelter house. Occupancy Limit of the shelter house is 100 people. Please leave the shelter house neat and tidy upon leaving.
- Amplified music is prohibited (speakers, sound systems, etc) in order to grant a peaceful environment to park visitors. Acoustic music such as song, drumming, or guitar playing is welcome.
- The park closes at sunset. Groups must be packed up and ready to leave at that time.
- Water and concessions are not available at the park. Please plan to bring your own. Modern flush toilets are available throughout the year except during the winter months.
- Please do not pick the Flowers! The 1/3 mile trail at Serpent Mound is rich in wildflowers, particularly in the spring. Please let the flowers bloom freely so that others can enjoy them. No off-trail hiking permitted in the natural areas of the park.
Thank you for observing these regulations - we count on your help to protect this internationally significant historic site.
Back to Serpent Mound
