I drove deep into the Ohio countryside to visit Serpent Mound. Driving on the byways here is a pleasure in itself, you really get a feel for rural USA. Serpent Mound is a geoglyph - a drawing in or on the earth. The most famous example of geoglyphs of course are the Nazca Lines in Peru. Here in Ohio the Fort Ancient Indians made one in the form of a snake. It dates from the 11th century. Of the various kinds of geoglyphs that exist this is an "effigy mound", a raised pile of earth built in the shape of a stylized animal.

There is a gate at the entrance of the site to pay a fee, but when I arrive mid-morning there is nobody around. However the gate itself is open so I can drive on. I am not the only visitor, I see three other cars. Staff is not available and the little museum on site is also closed. A bit surprising, as their website has it that the museum is open Fri-Sun from 10-17h. The same site also speaks of "budget cuts" that may have an effect on opening hours, which may be the problem then.

So I just walk around on my own, there are basic explanatory signs. The snake is about 420 meters long, from the curled up tail to its open mouth. You have to look very hard to see its complete form. Fortunately there is a watch tower that you can climb to get more overview. The mound is a difficult thing to get captured on a photo because the snake's body is curled. There is also a walkway around it to give you a feel for the size and where the head and tail are.

And then the final question: will this ever become a WHS? I really doubt it. Maybe it will stand a chance as a serial nomination with similar sites (although Serpent Mound IS the largest effigy mound in the world).