Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton, Ohio, is all that and more. It is a park filled with art and can be seen in a variety of ways. It is a safe-distancing outdoor adventure suitable for the entire family.
The best way to see the unique 300-plus-acre sculpture park is by golf cart, or “art cart,” as those at the park refer to it.
Many opportunities await visitors to park their cart and take a hike. With miles of hiking trails, lakes, meadows and forests, there is a lot to explore. It is a place to take a picnic, let the kids run and give them a little art education as well. Among the rolling hills and in the museum, visitors will find ancient Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Syrian and Egyptian sculptures that date back to 1550 B.C., as well as many modern art pieces.
The park was a vision of local attorney and philanthropist Harry Wilks, who in 1987 purchased 40 acres in the foothills to build his home. He continued to acquire more land as time went on and began clearing it, building roads, lakes and hiking trails. Because of his desire to preserve the land for future generations, he created a non-profit sculpture park accessible to the public.
In 2007 the Ancient Sculpture Museum opened, and it holds models of ancient Roman homes and Wilks’ collection of ancient sculptures.
While cruising the grounds visitors will find gardens and more than 80 outdoor sculptures. The pioneer house that dates back to the 1820s has an arched ceiling, which was very unusual at the time.
Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a leash. Watch out for the wild turkeys and other wildlife often visible in the park.
The Pyramid House on the property was Wilks’ home. It is an underground home designed by Wilks and architect Luke Schelly. It is a one-of-a-kind home and today is used for private parties and meetings. The home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest and other magazines and newspapers. The patios offer great views of the park.
The sculptures can be enjoyed by cart, on foot or by car. Visitors can take as much time at the sculptures as they wish. Pack a picnic, bring a snack, or stop by one of Hamilton’s restaurants and pick up some food to go.
During the holiday season, the park hosts the Holiday Lights on the Hill drive-through light display.
Check pyramidhill.org for current information on hours and programs. Pyramid Hill, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati, is open 365 days a year as weather permits.
Contact CR Rae at [email protected].
