Exhibit Concepts is extending its partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, celebrating the opening of Great Council State Park with a highly anticipated ribbon cutting.
Great Council State Park, located about 20 miles east of Dayton, is the state’s 76th park and the first to focus on the Native American heritage of the region. The new park sits on the site of Old Chillicothe, a 16th-century Shawnee village.
Speaking on the significance of the cultural landmark, Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine says, “whether you’re walking the outdoor trail, exploring the interpretive center exhibits, or viewing the Little Miami River, you can feel the history that happened on this land.”
The 12,000-square foot interpretive center, modeled after historic Shawnee longhouses, features immersive environments including a living stream, a replica 1770s dwelling, a frontiersman camp, and more. In partnership with Ohio History Connection, Exhibit Concepts helped design and build much of the interior environment. In addition to the immersive experiences, visitors can also engage with gallery spaces, historic artifacts, and a theater experience.
“Great Council State Park, at its heart, is the preservation of Ohio’s history and a tribute to the Shawnee people and the pioneers. These are the stories that need to be told,” says Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
WAI Construction Group was the project’s general contractor. Abbott Studios was the architect. The team also collaborated with three federally recognized Shawnee tribes (Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and The Shawnee Tribe) to help guide the creation of the park.
“We take great pride in creating environments and interpretive centers that pay tribute to our country’s rich cultural and historical past,” says Jerry Spangler, Vice President of Project Management at Exhibit Concepts. “Having the opportunity to help produce this destination in our own backyard was an incredible honor that we did not take for granted.”
The project has been several years in the making. Development began in 2021. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2022. The ribbon cutting took place in June of 2024.
This isn’t the first project that Exhibit Concepts has worked alongside the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In recent years, the team has helped revamp several state park nature centers.
Exhibit Concepts invites you to learn more about our museum work and to view our evolving portfolio. Connect with a member of our team today to get started on producing your next unforgettable experience.
