The Olentangy Indian Caverns, in Delaware, Ohio, are a fascinating place. A huge network of caverns were carved out of the limestone rock by underground rivers, over thousands of years. Half a dozen large rooms and passageways are open to the public, and many more are off-limits. Among these is the underground Olentangy river and lake, which has not been fully explored. In addition to these, the Indian Caverns contain miles of passageways which are completely unexplored.
The Wyandotte Indians may have used the Olentangy Caverns as a protection from their enemies, and certainly from the elements. The caverns maintain a temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest summers, and the coldest winters. Today, the Cave House building, which contain the museum and gift shop, serves as the entrance to the Indian Caverns. A cement staircase takes you down 55 feet into the earth, to the caves below. In the Caverns are the “Echo Chamber”, the “Crystal Room”, Stalactites & Stalagmites, and the “Cathedral Hall”, which is more than a hundred feet below the earth’s surface, and contains a 50 foot tower, which was at one time a waterfall. A map of the Caverns can be found here.
The park where the Olentangy Indian Caverns are located is a 42-acre property, with pleasant walking trails through wooded land. There is also a recreation of an Iroquois Long House, where the tribe would have spent much of their time.
During the Summer Months, guided tours of the caverns are offered, but while open the rest of the year, it is self-guided. The caverns are open 9:30 am–5:00 pm, seven days a week. For a full schedule and admission prices, visit OlentangyIndianCaverns.com.
The Indian Caverns are located at 1779 Home Road, Delaware, OH 43015.
Photo Credit: Dug Song.
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