Visit The Remains Of An 800-Year-Old Historic Village At The SunWatch Indian Village In Ohio
By April Dray|Published June 12, 2020
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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.
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.
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!
