Several Ohio parks are featuring events coinciding with summer solstice. Everyday at noon the sun appears to be at its highest point in the sky (technically above the celestial equator). Once a year the sun will reach its ultimate noon-time elevation when it appears to be higher in the sky than it does at noon on any other day. This day is called summer solstice. In the northern hemisphere summer solstice occurs on June 21st. This day is the longest day of the year as measured from sunrise to sunset. It is also marks the start of summer.
Summer solstice for the northern hemisphere is shown in the rear, left position.
In Ohio several Native American earthworks were built to mark the summer solstice and other annual astronomical events. For instance the 1,300-foot earthwork known as Serpent Mound is oriented so that the serpent’s head aligns with sunset during summer solstice. Serpent Mound is one of several, Ohio parks that are commemorating summer solstice with special events.
- Serpent Mound – June 17-19, 2016
- Location: 3850 State Route 73, Peebles OH 45660
Three day solstice celebration. See event schedule here. - Cuyahoga Valley National Park – June 17-19 2016
- Location: Sarah’s Vineyard
14th Annual Summer Solstice Festival – See event info here. - Cuyahoga Valley National Park – June 20, 2016
- Location: Happy Days Lodge, 500 West Streetsboro Road (SR 303) Peninsula, OH 44264
Summer Solstice Yoga Festival. Starting at 5:30 PM - Observatory Park – June 20, 2016
- Location: 10610 Clay Street, Montville, OH 44064
Summer Solstice Events: 6 – 9:30 PM. See event info here.
Additional Information
- TrekOhio: Serpent Mound
- TrekOhio: Mound City at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- TrekOhio: How do anthropologists know anything about the Hopewell Indians’ beliefs?
Summer Wine & Bonfire Beer Solstice 2015
This our first annual event in Vinton County, Ohio