Ultimate Guide to Columcille Megalith Park

Wonder while you wander. Roam through Columcille Megalith Park’s awesome trails and history-rich stone structures.

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History Things to See Park Information

Columcille Megalith Park will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a fantasy world with its magical atmosphere, ancient stones, and whimsical campus. Inspired by a Scottish Isle, the sprawling land of the park brings to life from across the pond. Adventure calls, so walk the nature trails and discover the sites of history and Scottish inspiration that riddle the family-friendly park.

History

In 546, Saint Columcille - a religious man from Ireland - set out on a faithful mission to Ilona, Scotland. There, he saw the potential of the land and built a monastery, eventually earning the title of the Apostle of Scotland. Many were inspired by Columcille and followed in his preachings until he died in 597.

Over a thousand years later, Bill Cohea, the founder of Columcille Megalith, traveled to the Scottish Isle and felt the same awe-inspiring admiration for the landscape there that Columcille had felt. From this trip, and the many that followed, the vision of a park sparked in Cohea’s mind. With the help of his partner, Fred Lindkvist, the pair would open Columcille Megalith Park in 1978.

As you move through the campus, you’ll find constant references to the Scottish landscape and Saint Columcille himself. In addition to the park’s name, structures throughout the campus echo names in Columcille’s story, including his nicknames, “Columba” and “Dove of the Church.”

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Things to See

The park hosts over 90 stones that are over 3 billion years old. Dug up on site or sourced locally, some rocks are situated within larger structures, while others stand alone on display. With over 20 acres of land to explore, discovery hides within every corner of the campus.

Thor’s Gate:

Constructed of three large rocks, this towering structure stands as an entryway into the park and a testament to the park itself, being the first stone structure erected on the campus grounds.

St. Oran Bell Tower:

Purposefully built to appear unfinished, the open-roofed bell tower showcases a simple metal bell through its chapel-like windows and can be entered through its narrow doorway.

The Circle:

Reminiscent of Stonehenge, the circle consists of a ring of large stones with a small, rounded rock at its heart.

St. Columba Chapel:

Topped with a wooden roof and lit by the many windows of the building, the chapel is a peaceful build on Columcille Megalith’s grounds with a heavy, solid stone at its heart.

Remembrance Stone and Goblin Stone:

Two of the largest rounded stones in the park, which were placed in 2000 through ancient techniques, stand as a testament to Columcille’s era.

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For how to get around, take a look at their park map.

Park Information (FAQ)

What is the cost of admission?

The park is free to the public, but donations are welcome to maintain the park grounds.

What's the park's address and hours?

Visit Columcille Megalith at 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013. The park is open from dusk until dawn every day.

What is accessibility like inside the park?

As part of the park’s mission, preserving the natural state of the land takes top priority, which means that the trails are unpaved and at times hazardous. Be mindful, especially following severe weather conditions.