5-27-2026 10:12pm

Great Council State Park to Host Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 6

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo and story courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources

XENIA, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites visitors of all ages to celebrate the stories, cultures, and natural history of the region at the Great Council State Park Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As part of ODNR’s yearlong America 250 celebration events, this festival brings together community partners, artisans, living‑history presenters, and interactive programming that highlights the diverse heritage connected to Great Council State Park and the surrounding area.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s important that we honor and preserve Ohio’s rich cultural heritage,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The Heritage Festival at Great Council State Park offers families and visitors a meaningful opportunity to learn about the Shawnee people, the history of Old Chillicothe, and the traditions that continue to shape Ohio today.”

“Great Council State Park offers Ohioans a rare opportunity to step into the stories that shaped this region,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “I invite everyone to come experience living history for themselves and connect with the cultures, landscapes, and traditions that continue to define Ohio today.”

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of hands‑on and family‑friendly experiences across the festival grounds. Visitors can stop by the Wild Ohio Harvest Kitchen between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to sample free, freshly prepared fried fish; explore craft stations hosted by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, Greene County Parks and Trails, and the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association; and relax with lunch that can be purchased from a local food truck. Additional activities include community exhibits, reenactor and artisan demonstrations, and opportunities to learn from ODNR partners and local organizations.

Featured Programming Schedule:

10:30-11 a.m. - Remarks by Chief Glenna Wallace, Eastern Shawnee Tribe
11 a.m.-noon - Remarks and Q&A with Peter Cozzens, Historian and Author of Tecumseh and the Prophet
Noon-1 p.m. - Peter Cozzens Meet‑and‑Greet & Book Signing
Noon-1 p.m. - Interpretive Center Guided Tour
Noon-12:15 p.m. - Reveal of Great Council State Park Girl Scouts Badge
1-1:30 p.m. - Governor Mike DeWine Remarks & Doug Hall Painting Unveiling
2-2:30 p.m. - Robert Alvin Crum as Daniel Boone - Living History
2:30-3:30 p.m. - Interpretive Center Guided Tour
2:45-3:15 p.m. - Absentee Shawnee Tribe Presentation
3:30-4 p.m. - Terracon Archaeological Exploration

The Heritage Festival offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyles and legacies associated with the site, gain a deeper understanding of the region’s Native American and settler histories, and enjoy a full day of outdoor learning, food, and family fun.

This event is free and open to the public. Parking for the event will be at Xenia High School, 303 Kinsey Road. A free shuttle will bring guests to and from Great Council State Park, so please allow extra time for shuttle transport. For more information about Great Council State Park and upcoming programs, visit ohiodnr.gov/events.