Olentangy Indian Caverns in Delaware, OH

I hadn’t been to the Olentangy Indian Caverns since a 4th or 5th grade field trip, and remember being impressed. As an adult, the visit was even better.  A friend and I recently took our kiddies, and found there was much more to do than squeezing our bodies through underground rock formations. They had mini-golf, a trail to hike, play areas, and lots of other activities conducive to ages 3 and up. Of course, our main focus was going deep below the earth’s surface, so we bought our tickets ($9/adult, kids 6 & under free).

We descended a set of steep wet stairs into the caverns below with our tour guide. I’ll admit, I was a bit on edge thinking my kids were going to slip and fall on those hard steps, but they made it down just fine. There were about three or four rooms our group of about 20 was guided through. Our guide was full of interesting information about how the caverns were used, how they were found, and the type of rock layers that were visable. I’ll share a little info to whet your appetite: 1.) Native Americans used the caverns to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The caverns stay about 54 degrees year ’round.; 2.) A farmer in the early 1800s discovered the caverns when his ox fell into a big hole. The bones are on display in the small museum visitors see after the cavern tour.; *and* 3.) There are names etched into the rock that have been there since the 1800s. Pretty cool? No?

After we toured the caverns, which took about 45 minutes, a small hike was in order. We stumbled upon a replica of an Iroquois longhouse. Yes, for those who know me, I was giddy over all of the information provided about the longhouse and Native Americans indigenous to the area. Not the kids, though. They were getting restless…what? did my nerdy enjoyment of historical documents bore our 3 and 5 year olds?…and took off up the hill to a miniature version of a town in the 1800s. They loved looking in the windows.

We could have extended our day with miniature golf, but instead we ate lunch, let the kids run around, and allowed for a little shopping time. The visitors’ center is full of little chachkis itty bits love, and that is also where you buy your tickets to tour the caverns and for gem mining. How could I forget to mention gem mining? A little bag of dirt can be purchased for $4.50 and children can pan for their own gems at the mining troughs. I’ll never forget finding *real* gold in my bag as a youngster…I was such a fool back then. heehee.

Olentangy Indian Caverns
1779 Home Road
Delaware, OH 43015
740-548-7917
http://www.olentangyindiancaverns.com/

Want to go into the Earth’s belly? Here are a few tips:

• During various times of year the caverns are open for tours only. Be sure to check their site.
• The stairs are steep, but there are railings. If you have a child that needs to be carried or cannot climb steps without crawling, wait until they are older.
• Wear/bring sweatshirts because it is cool below in the deep downs.
• Wear sturdy shoes. It is also wet below in the deep downs.
• Pack your lunch or snack. There are vending machines, but no “real” food.
• Bathrooms are located at the shelter house.
• Looks as if they also do birthday parties! Call for information.