Grand opening set for new Ohio state park

Xenia, Ohio (WKBN) – A grand opening is set next month for a new state park in Ohio.

The grand opening of Great Council State Park is set for June 7.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, ODNR and other state leaders will be at the park in Xenia for a ribbon cutting.

Great Council State Park is Ohio’s newest state park and is located in what used to be called “Old Chillicothe.”

Construction of the park started in 2022 , which included a 12,000-square-foot interpretive center based on the traditional council house used by the Shawnee tribes. Inside, are three floors of exhibits, a theater area, a living stream, and a gallery. All the displays honor the Shawnee tribes of the past and allow present-day members to share their stories and legacy.

ODNR has worked with the three federally recognized Shawnee nations (The Shawnee Tribe, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma) to ensure Great Council State Park conveyed an accurate and authentic record of life in the 1770s.

Outside a native plant prairie and a half-mile loop trail have been constructed.

The park is located at 1587 US Route 68 North, Xenia, Ohio.

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