Several signs along interstate 23 near Columbus, Ohio announced the nearby cave system of Delaware. I had just visited the Blend of Seven Winery for a wine tasting and the billboards piqued my interest. I decided at the last moment to explore the Olentangy Caverns and learn of their importance to the local Wyandotte tribe.
Formed millions of years ago by underground streams, the Olentangy Caverns are three levels of limestone caves, rooms and natural passages.
Well lit for self-guided tours, there are seven stations within the caverns that provide historical information about the creation of the caverns and how the local Indian tribes found them. Narrow passages may have an adverse effect on those visitors who are claustrophobic and Fat Man’s Misery is one of the narrowest.
This cave system, used by the Wyandotte Indians to escape the Delaware Indians, was discovered by J.M. Adams, a local camper, in 1821.
The Fish Rock, located in the Council Chamber is believed to have been used to conduct tribal ceremonies by the Wyandotte. Inside this large room, several arrowheads and other stone artifacts were found and are on display in the red cabin museum.
Additional points of interest within the cave system include the Battleship Rock and Crystal room on the second level. Located 105 feet below Cathedral Hall shows evidence that the Wyandotte built fires here where visitors can find creosote deposits on the walls, while the Bell Tower displays fossils in the wall.
With temperatures a consistent 55 degrees year around, the Olentangy Caverns are a great place to visit regardless of the weather.
Have you had the opportunity to visit the Olentangy Caverns? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Olentangy Caverns
1779 Home Road
Delaware, OH 43015
Telephone: 740 548 7917
- Admission Fees are based on the selected activities. As prices may change, visit the Caverns’ website for the most up to date information. Activities include: petting zoo, gem mining, treasure maze, minigolf, giant checkers and playground.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from April 1st to November 30th;
- Amenities: Picnic area, playground and clean bathrooms
- Length of Visit: 30 minutes for the cave tour and additional time for the additional activities and amenities.
- Tips: Arrive early as buses will start to unload tour groups around 11AM. Wear tennis shoes as the rock floor may be slippery due to water. Narrow passages, so this may not be a great adventure for those who are claustrophobic. Visit the caverns’ website for more historical information as well as a map of the cave system. Not wheelchair accessible. Self guided tour provides kiosks with recorded summaries at each stop.
Where to Stay:
Nationwide Hotel and Convention Center
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 614 880 4300
Where to Eat:
The Porch Ohio
5808 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 740 201 8761
Order the Arepa Cabimera which is a baked cornmeal cake with chicken.
Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
- North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
- The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.
What to Read:
- Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
- Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
- Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
- Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper
Photo Guide for Columbus:
- Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
- Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
- Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
- Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
- Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
- Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
- German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
- Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
- Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
- Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
- Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
- Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
- Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
- Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
- Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
- Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
- Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
- Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
- Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo
