High Bank Works

High Bank Works consists of multiple earthen features spread over 197 acres on a terrace above the Scioto River. A circle and octagon, each measuring approximately 1,000 feet in diameter, are major features of this site. On the interior of the octagon were eight small mounds that correspond to the eight intersecting points of the outer walls. Six of the intersecting points form gateways, and one to the north forms an entrance into the large circle. The large circle has one gateway to the east and is opposite a smaller circular enclosure 250 feet in diameter.

Beyond the southern most point of the octagon were two small circles, each 300 feet in diameter, with single gateways. They were connected to the larger forms by two nearly parallel embankments extending southwest for almost 2,000 feet. Three small conjoined enclosures were located at the far end of the parallel embankments.

 

Interpretive mowing at the Hopeton Earthworks site.  Tall grass grows on the approximate location of the original earthworks walls so that visitors can grasp the enormity of the earthworks.  Grass on the inside & outside of the earthwork's "walls" is mowed to allow the "walls" to grow & stand out

NPS Photo / Tom Engberg

The Site Today

Currently, High Bank Works is not open for public visitation. The site serves primarily as an archeological site for research. It is not easily accessible to the public and therefore, we discourage visitors from visiting the site. Ocassionally, the park hosts a guided hike/talk with a ranger. Please check the park Calendar to see if/when the next hike is offered or you can Contact Us.

High Bank Works was not immune to the decades of farming and plowing that took its toll on earthwork sites. As a result of the multiple years of agricultural degredation, the site has not been restored to show any earthworks, unfortunately. If you wish to view the size of some of these incredible monuments, please visit Hopeton Earthworks and Seip Earthworks as the park has begun interpretive mowing so that visitors can actually see the immense size and shape of these collosal earthen monuments.

Important Note: Launching, landing and operation of any type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV / drones) is not permitted within National Park Service boundaries at any time. It is not restricted to just park operating hours. This is a 24/7 regulation, every day of the year. All sites and areas of Hopewell Culture National HIstorical Park (even parking lots) are included. Please report violations to a ranger or by calling us or emailing us. Read more about Unmanned Aircraft in the National Parks.

 

Squier and Davis 1848