It would seem that summer has finally arrived in Ohio and while temperatures in the mid to upper 80′s and low 90′s might seem insignificant to the majority of people in America, it’s the humidity that’s bothering us. We’re Ohioans, we don’t do humidity! Besides, it frizzes my hair. The most logical alternative is to stay indoors in very close proximity to an air-conditioner and a well stocked refrigerator.
I’m not logical. (I blame the kids–they incapacitate the area of my brain responsible for rational thought.)
Sufficient Cause for Insanity
Kids thrive on adventure, activity, intrigue. I thrive on cool temperatures. I found both at the Olentangy Indian Caverns on Home Rd. in Delaware just north of the Columbus Zoo. History, Indians, bandits, explorers, caves, mystery, and year round temperature of 54 degrees–I’m in.
Evidence suggests that the caverns, carved into the limestone rock millions of years ago, were used by the Wyandotte Indians as both a refuge and for tribal ceremonies. It was discovered in 1821 by an unfortunate ox belonging to a westbound traveler.
Frontier City at the Olentangy Indian Caverns
At the caverns you can explore “Frontier City” (kind of lame) to see what it was like to live back in the day. There are some very friendly–and hungry–goats and donkeys to pet. There is a climbing wall, a small playground and a picnic area. Visitors can also play a round of miniature golf or take a stab at mining for gems (bags of various sizes can be purchased in the gift shop).
The Entrance to the Olentangy Indian Caverns
The real adventure, though, is the actual tour of the caverns. The guided tours last approximately an hour and start at the cave house near the entrance–seems logical, it would be hard to start the tour at the bottom of the cave–and wind their way through the caverns to a depth of 105 feet and then back up.
The Olentangy Indian Caverns
Chief Leatherlips at the Olentangy Indian Caverns
Beehive Stalagmite at the Olentangy Indian Caverns
Bear Formation at the Olentangy Indian Caverns
The Rock of Many Names at the Olentangy Indian Caverns
Just Moments Ago We Stood 75 feet Below this Spot
All-in-all I gave The Olentangy Indian Caverns a big thumbs up. Would I plan my Ohio vacation around a trip to the caverns? My thumbs aren’t that big. But if you find yourself in the area and in want of an interesting alternative to the same old–then yes. Definitely check out The Olentangy Indian Caverns. It’s pretty cool! And in August you need cool.
The Caverns are open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children (7-16 years of age).
(All photos by your slightly left of rational author–Ed Lamaze.)