Visit The Remains Of An 800-Year-Old Historic Village At The SunWatch Indian Village In Ohio

It’s hard to imagine what life in Ohio was like for Native Americans during the 13th-century. Fortunately, archeology can tell us a lot.

If you’re an Ohio history buff, (or you just enjoy exploring neat places from the past), then there’s a little-known ancient village in Dayton you need to know about. SunWatch Indian Village is a truly unique archeological park that gives visitors a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the past.

This partially excavated Fort Ancient culture village in Dayton features several restored structures on their original 13th-century foundations.

There's also an onsite museum. You'll find it on W River Road in Dayton.

Within the village, there are lath and daub structures with grass thatch roofs that have been reconstructed. Plants of the time period are all also planted on site.

Additionally, the onsite museum features several artifacts that have been found throughout years of excavation and carefully preserved.

A series of posts in the center of the village representing astronomical alignments have also been reconstructed.

Fun fact: The massive cedar pole at the center of the village, serving as a sundial, gives the village its name.

During usual hours of operation, from April - November, you can visit the village on Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon - 5 p.m. The outdoor exhibit opens on June 16 for the 2020 season.

Regular admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 6 - 17. For 2020, admission is reduced to $5 and the indoor exhibit and theater will remain closed.

Each year, the Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow transforms the quiet village with lively American Indian music and drums.

In addition to traditional dances, the event features American Indian arts, crafts and food.

Interested in taking a guided tour with a group of 20 or more? Visit the SunWatch Indian Village's website to learn more.

To stay up to date on hours of operation, events and other important news about this one-of-a-kind attraction, follow SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park on Facebook.

Have you ever explored this ancient village? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

For more ancient ruins in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 10 Trails In Ohio Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins.