While the history of Cleveland may feel long-reaching, the history of human activity in the region stretches back centuries. Thousands of years ago, sites that are well-traveled today were visited just as often by indigenous people. In fact, human artifacts have been found alongside fossils of Pleistocene megafauna (giant mammals that roamed the earth during the last ice age), which demonstrates that humans have been active in the region for thousands of years. You don’t even need to visit a local museum to see the influence of the people that once called this region home. In fact, you can visit one spectacular structure in one of the Cleveland Metroparks’ loveliest reservations. Plan your trip using this interactive map.
Welcome to the Rocky River Reservation!
Tim Evanson/Flickr
This splendid landscape made history as the first parcel purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks.
Ab42187/TripAdvisor
Today, this massive park cuts through parts of Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
And its impressive landscape hides an ancient secret.
WANDERSON TRAVELS/YouTube
If you look closely, you can see authentic earthworks in the forms of walls and ditches hidden amongst the landscape.
Tim Evanson/Flickr These structures were built by an Early Woodland culture, a group of pre-Columbian peoples that lived in the region until roughly 1100 C.E.
These incredible 2,000-year-old structures are located on a shale cliff that stands 90 feet above the river.
WANDERSON TRAVELS/YouTube
To reach the site, you’ll traverse Fort Hill Loop Trail and its impressive staircase.
JSNK/TripAdvisor
With 155 steps to reach the top, this ascent can be a bit of a workout…
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
…But it’s well worth it, because the views you will encounter are out of this world.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
The overlook at the top of the stairs will provide you the perfect view of the east and west branches of the Rocky River.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
This site offers a splendid way to explore the influence of our region’s ancient ancestors…
Tim Evanson/Flickr
…And it provides a dreamy way to explore this coveted park.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
Want to virtually visit this site before you brave the cold? Check out this video by WANDERSON TRAVELS:
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Ab42187/TripAdvisor
WANDERSON TRAVELS/YouTube
These structures were built by an Early Woodland culture, a group of pre-Columbian peoples that lived in the region until roughly 1100 C.E.
JSNK/TripAdvisor
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
Entranced by the beauty of this site? We are too, but its history is even more humbling! What is your favorite historical site in the region? Tell us in the comments!
Love local history? We bet you didn’t know these unusual facts in Cleveland history!
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Address: Rocky River Reservation, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
