New state park featuring 12,000 square foot, three-story Shawnee longhouse now open

On June 7, Great Council State Park officially opened to the public.

When it did so, Ohio’s newest state park, which is located an hour outside of Columbus at 1587 US-68 in Xenia, opened its doors both figuratively and literally.

That’s because the centerpiece of the park is a 12,000 square foot cultural interpretive center modeled after a traditional Shawnee longhouse while featuring a handful of contemporary design accents.

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The three-story building will pay tribute to the Shawnee people, while giving visitors interactive and informative activity opportunities.

Its first floor will feature a living stream, in addition to a theater, exhibits and a gift shop. The second floor boasts displays and a historical timeline of the Shawnee people and the lower level of the building will be home to temporary exhibits and displays about the modern-day Shawnee.

A native prairie and walking trail will soon be added to a 14-acre plot of land that was recently acquired as well.

“This is an exciting step toward preserving an important piece of Ohio’s history. This project gives us the unique opportunity to connect future generations with the past, while protecting the legacy of the Shawnee and inviting them to share their story,” governor Mike DeWine said in a press release.

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