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Caves In Ohio

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byCindy

There are some stunning caves in Ohio, situated in beautiful surroundings. Explore nature’s ancient secrets beneath the ground and be amazed by the hidden treasures you will find there.

vertical image with a photo of the inside of Ohio Caverns and a photo of the inside of Rock House Caves. A white area across the top has the text Caves in Ohio

Map of Caves in Ohio

Visit Caves in Ohio

In this post, we are not only talking about the kind of cave houses you would expect to see in an episode of The Flintstones! We are also talking about caves that are more like caverns, and caves that are an overhang or shelter…nonetheless, they still fall under the category of caves!

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

I’ve been a cave enthusiast since childhood, touring many across the US, and I have some tips for you! Remember, caves are consistently cool, so bring a light jacket regardless of the outdoor weather. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential as cave pathways can be wet and slippery. Check the rules regarding photography before entering, as some caves allow photos but not videos and some do not allow flash photography. Ohio’s caves are a remarkable part of its history, contributing to its beauty, so please follow ‘leave no trace’ principles to preserve these natural wonders!

Caves in Northwest Ohio

A photo of stalagmites and stalactites inside Ohio Caverns. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Seneca Caverns

Seneca Caverns are Ohio’s largest caverns and are the only safe and passable earthquake crack beneath ground level. Walk and climb natural stone steps and pathways to reach Ole Mist’ry River at the lowest level of 110 feet below the surface. The crystal-clear flowing stream is part of the groundwater system beneath the surrounding area.

The caverns were discovered in 1872. In 1931 Mr. Don Bell discovered a series of passageways and rooms not previously known to exist, eventually leading to the underground river. His discovery made Mr. Bell consider the caves were large enough to develop commercially, and Seneca Caverns was opened to the public in 1993.

Seneca Caverns are closed from November through April. Please check the website for opening hours during the season.

One-hour tours set off approximately every 30 minutes. These caverns have sloping, slippery pathways, and there are a lot of steps to climb and much walking.

Guests should be sure they are fit enough for this tour before setting out. The caverns are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center

Perry’s Cave, a natural limestone cave and an Ohio Natural Landmark, is the main draw of Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center at Put-in-Bay. The cave is 52 feet underground and was discovered by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in 1813.

There is a freshwater lake in the cave which was used by the troops during the War of 1812 who desperately needed drinking water. The lake rises and falls with the Lake Erie tides, but it is unknown how they are connected.

View stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls that line the cave walls, ceiling, and floor.

The other activities at the fun center are:

  • The Butterfly House, home to over 50 species of butterflies from all over the world.
  • War of 18 Holes mini golf course, learn about the battles of the 1812 war while you play.
  • Gemstone Mining, purchase a bag of rough mix and sift it for geodes and fossils.
  • Fort aMaze’n, a challenging maze with an observation tower.
  • Rock Wall, straight up and down column challenges.
  • Antique Car Museum, featuring the oldest cars on the island. Free entry.

Visit the website to check the seasonal opening hours.

There is also DanDee’s Snack Shack for a quick bite or a refreshing ice cream.

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is the world’s largest geode. Crystals line the walls and ceiling of this cave which is 40 feet below ground. Heineman Winery owns and operates the cave, and it saved the family-run business from bankruptcy during prohibition.

This cave was discovered in 1897 by workers who were digging a well. The original cave was much smaller than it is today, as the crystals were harvested for the manufacturing of fireworks.

Combo tours of the Crystal Cave and Wine Cellar are available from early May until late September.

Visit the website for more information on opening hours.

Caves in Northeast Ohio

An image of the inside of a cave

Old Maid’s Kitchen

Old Maid’s Kitchen, formerly Mary Campbell Cave, is a rock shelter in Gorge Metro Park which straddles Cuyahoga Falls and Akron. The cavity is approximately 130 feet wide, and up to 50 feet deep in places.

The cliff and cave roof are a sandstone formation, while the cave is shale. The cavity in the cliff was formed by water passing through the sandstone and eroding the shale.

The shelter was named after the young Mary Campbell, who was kidnapped in 1759 and held by the Lenape (Delaware). According to legend, she, along with other captives, was held in the cave.

It is believed that American Indian peoples adopted Anglo-Americans around this time in an attempt to boost their dwindling numbers.

Eventually, Mary Campbell was released to return to her Pennsylvania home.

Questioning the Legend

Although the story of Mary Campbell’s capture is known to be true, the belief that she was kept at Old Maid’s Kitchen is in doubt. A dig at the site in 2019 failed to reveal any artifacts dating back later than 1900.

The archeologists think it is unlikely that Mary Campbell was held here as access to the cave was narrow, wet, and uninviting until it was improved during the last century.

The name Old Maid’s Kitchen was given to this cave and many other rock shelters in the pioneer days as they were empty, as a single woman’s kitchen was said to be!

Around 1934 the cave’s name was changed from Old Maid’s Kitchen to Mary Campbell Cave, however, Summit Metro Parks have renamed it Old Maid’s Kitchen as the historical record on Mary Campbell is unclear.

Access to the cave is via the Gorge Trail which is an easy half-mile hike from the parking lot of the Gorge Metro Park.

Caves in Central Ohio

An image of stalagmite and stalactites inside a cave

Olentangy Caverns

The Olentangy Caverns include a maze of winding passages and large underground rooms. Concrete stairways descend 55 feet to the passages and rooms that are on three different levels.

The Olentangy Caverns are relatively small caves in Delaware, and unusually, self-guided tours are offered here.

There is evidence that the Wyandot tribe made use of these caverns to protect them from the weather and from their enemies, the Delaware tribe. The Council Chamber has a large rock table that is believed to have been for ceremonial purposes.

Historians and archaeologists have a good idea of the purpose of most of the rooms from the artifacts discovered in the caverns.

The other rooms are Battleship Rock, the Crystal Room, Cathedral Hall, and Bell Tower Room.

There are still unexplored passages and rooms in the cavern.

When you pay admission in the gift shop, you receive instructions and a map. You then explore the caverns at your own pace, stopping at all or some of the seven audio stations as well as reading the plaques located around the caverns.

The tour will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace.

Caves in Southwest Ohio

A figure walking through a cave using a flashlight

Ohio Caverns

Ohio Caverns contain stunning crystal formations, including The Crystal King, a massive column of sparkling crystals. These caverns have underground rivers and unique geological features. There are more than two miles of passageways ranging in depth from 30 feet to over 100 feet.

Guided tours enable you to explore the natural wonders hidden beneath the Earth’s surface.

There are five tours available, led by knowledgeable and experienced guides. Tours can start as frequently as every 10 to 15 minutes at busy times with a limit of 20 people.

Natural Wonder Tour: A winding path through a sinkhole entrance. The tour is approximately 50 minutes long.

Historic Tour: Taking in parts of the caverns that were opened between 1897 and 1925. The tour is approximately 50 minutes long.

Limestone Tour: This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible and is a short loop taking approximately 25 minutes.

Winter Tour: Includes highlights of the Natural Wonder and Historic Tours. The tour is approximately 50 minutes long.

Tree Tour: A self-guided tour of the grounds around the Ohio Caverns.

Zane Shawnee Caverns and South Wind Park

Zane Shawnee Caverns is an amazing experience with fantastic shapes within the caverns. The owners of this park are the Remnant Band of the Shawnee Nation. There is the Shawnee Woodland Native American Museum and Pioneer Village on the same site.

If visitors are lucky to be in the area at certain times of the year, they are able to see some events that take place in the caverns, including powwows and festivals.

South Wind Park is a popular camping spot geared toward RV and camper guests.

Caves in Southeast Ohio

A photo from inside the cave at Rock House Hocking Hills. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park

Rock House is unique within the Hocking Hills region, it is one of 7 hiking trails in the area. It is the only true cave in the park. It has a tunnel-like corridor and is up a 15-foot cliff.

This House of Rock has a 25-foot ceiling and the main corridor is 200 feet long and around 20-30 feet wide. It is formed from Black Hand Sandstone.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

This is a stunning place to visit if you are in the area. Rockbridge is a true highlight of this area’s beauty. It gets its name from the rock formation that spans across the area and is in use as a bridge.

This is a wonderful place to go hiking and to also explore the local flowers, trees, and wildlife. There is also a rock in the formation of an overhang cave, the “Rock Shelter”

Ash Cave

Ash Cave is in the stunning Hocking Hills State Park. It is the largest recess cave located east of the Mississippi River! Ash Cave is open all year round, and is a must-see for visitors to the Hocking Hills area! Even in the cold of winter, it truly is a sight to behold!

Old Man’s Cave

The actual cave located at Old Man’s Cave is not what you could consider as grand as others we’ve mentioned, but it is still definitely worth a visit! The small cave is located on-site and was once lived in by brothers Pat & Nathaniel Rayon, who arrived in the area in 1795.

  • Address: State Route 664, Logan, Ohio 43138
  • Check out our article about Old Man’s Cave!

Let’s Visit Caves in Ohio!

There are so many amazing caves in the Midwest! Even outside of Ohio, you can find some beautiful sites! I have fond childhood memories of visiting caves in springfield mo!

Do you have a favorite cave to visit, or maybe know of some we didn’t include? Drop us a comment below and share your experience!

If you love discovering historical places in Ohio, check out our article Covered Bridges in Ohio. National Parks in Ohio also includes historical places to visit. Maybe you would like to escape with your partner to a Romantic Getaway for the weekend?

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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