Free & Cheap Things to Do in Chillicothe

History & Culture

One of the most important archaeological sites in North America, this NPS park preserves massive geometric earthworks built by the Hopewell people between 100 BCE and 500 CE. The Mound City Group alone contains 23 burial mounds inside a 13-acre square enclosure — a spiritual and ceremonial site of extraordinary scale and precision.

Address: 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Tip: Start at the visitor center for context before walking the earthworks — the scale makes more sense once you understand the construction methods. The Mound City site is the most accessible and impressive. Squire's Castle and Octagon Earthworks are nearby sister sites worth combining into a full day. Free parking on site.

Parks & Nature

Chillicothe's beloved central park sits along Paint Creek with a free public lake for fishing and paddle boating (rental fee for boats), a historic Victorian bandstand, rose garden, playgrounds, and walking paths. The park's weekly summer concert series brings the whole community out for free live music.

Address: 495 N. Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Tip: The free summer concert series at the bandstand is a genuine local institution — check the city website for the schedule. The lake is stocked for fishing and a basic fishing license is all you need. The rose garden peaks in June. Parking is free throughout the park. A great spot to relax between visits to the earthworks sites.

Arts & Culture

Housed inside a restored 1891 waterworks building on the banks of the Scioto River, this free community arts center hosts rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists, a permanent collection, and an active studio program. The building itself — a handsome Romanesque Revival structure — is as impressive as the art inside.

Address: 1 Enderlin Cir, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Tip: Closed on Mondays and most major holidays — check the website before visiting. The riverside setting makes it a pleasant walk from downtown. The gift shop has affordable original art and locally made crafts. Free parking on site. Combine with Yoctangee Park next door for a full afternoon.