Exhibits at the Interpretive Center
Featured are award-winning immersive exhibits showing a 14-minute orientation film about the long and exciting history at the Falls of the Ohio.
The Great Blue Heron Mascot, Just for Kids
For the Early Learners. Each of the four exhibits areas features a Great Blue Heron icon directing the youngest learners – children Pre-K to 2nd grade – into a hands-on exhibit for their age and ability. Look for fossil rubbings, a mammoth puzzle, a historical discovery truck and a nature imagination area. The Great Blue Heron was chosen as the icon for its majestic grace and for its year-round presence at the Falls of the Ohio.
Ancient Sea
Welcome to the 390 million-year-old shallow tropical sea, located 30° south of Earth’s equator. During the middle of the Devonian Period it covered what is now the Falls of the Ohio State Park and much of the eastern United States. Discover the fascinating ancient creatures whose fossil remains can be seen and touched on the fossil beds today.
A Changing Land
Moving forward through time, you’re now in the Pleistocene Epoch, Earth’s last major Ice Age. Explore how massive glaciers created the Ohio River over a million years ago and how the last melting glaciers formed today’s Falls of the Ohio. The differences in the fields of archaeology and paleontology are explored. A glimpse of the life of Native People over the past 10,000 years is revealed through hundreds of artifacts found in the Falls area.
Converging Cultures
The 1600s began the land conflict and commingling of cultures among indigenous Native Americans and the European settlers that ventured here. The Shawnee people and their language are honored in their traditional Wegiwa. General George Rogers Clark’s Western Campaign to take the Northwest Territory, as well as his founding of Louisville and Clarksville are chronicled. Be mesmerized by the Lewis & Clark at the Falls of the Ohio film, where you are immersed with the Falls men who shaped the nucleus of the Corps of Discovery’s great westward expedition, and returned to the Falls in 1806.
The Falls Today
From the early 1800s through present day, you experience the most recent natural and cultural history at the Falls. Discover what enchanted John James Audubon and other early scientists. Even today, many ecosystems with varied animal and plant life can be found in the middle of an urban oasis of over 1 million people. Connect with selected Ohio River creatures in the Virtual Aquarium to reinforce the importance of environmental conservation.
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inspire a sense of wonder
IN THE FALLS OF THE OHIO REGION.