Ohio Caverns - Open All Year — Attraction in Bellefontaine

A friend and I decided to go to the Ohio Caverns for her birthday. GPS on the way there was EASYYYYY (coming from Findlay), and GPS reception lagged right when we needed it, but then there are large signs to the caverns which provide even better direction (thank you!). Arriving, you turn into what may be a privately-owned driveway, but with an Ohio cavern archway which helped. Another sign after the driveway showed that visitors are to continue behind the house which then turns into a park scene with a gift shop on the left. Signs pointed toward the gift shop to purchase tour tickets. The tour fee was $24/ adult, $12/ child. You can buy them online or at the register in front of the gift shop. Tickets are color-coded to identify which tour group is going. There is no ticket to bring home as a souvenir for scrapbooking (unfortunately). Entry fee is ridiculous, but I guess if the costs of upkeep of the area and paying employees is what contributes to the fee then so be it because the money is being well spent keeping up the place. Park closing state 4pm, but the tour guide clarified that 4p was the start time of last tour. The gift shop, bathrooms, and park were very clean and presentable. I have been to many parks like other people and this is by far the cleanest and nicest smelling public bathroom I have ever been to. The walking trail from the exit back to the parking lot and gift shop could use more benches for those who need a rest. The entrance was straight from the gift shop, so maybe this is a winter entrance (Nov.). What would make so much sense is if entry to the cave started at the end of the park and ended into the gift shop (similar to roller coaster rides or like in Disney). Instead, you are waiting at the gift shop and you enter through the gift shop and end up at the park. Well, my friend and I took so much time at the gift shop that we did not have time to purchase what was in our baskets so we asked somebody behind the counter to hold them for us to purchase after the tour. We missed the beginning explanation of the tour because of being in the gift shop (there was a long checkout line) but no videography or touching allowed. The cavern is definitely remarkable, there were about 10 people total in this tour, one employee in the front giving information and the one employee in the back answering questions. At the end of the tour, pictures were offered , but we declined. The whole tour was a quick 50 minutes but it is definitely worth going to and experiencing yourself! At one point they turn off the lights (which I'm hoping one day will be LED) so we can experience how dark being down there is. There was a small boy with us with light up shoes so it was quite a comical experience. I 'caved' and bought about $42 worth of souvenirs (two bags of hematite for my kids, 1 small slab of which 100% no relation to the cavern, but hey, I bought what I wanted. I'm glad I didn't bring my kids because $12/pp isn't worth it if their long-term memory isn't yet established. But with the souvenirs I brought home, they were very happy to play with stacks of hematite.

More like 4.5 stars because the entry fee is too high. I would've liked some more time taking better pictures too, because being with a group meant to stay with the group. Would be cooler for a self-paced guided tour option ($30), and tour rate 20$ for adults and free 12 and under. Lowering the price would let me want to come back many times with different friends being only an hour away. Suggest to offer a lowered rate for Ohio/local residents ($10), and patronage programs for those who come back and bring new visitors/friends. The gift shop is awesome but I would've liked to buy a book about the rocks and minerals being sold (if there were, I didn't see). There's nothing else close to the caverns (food/lodging). We did go to the Dragonfly Winery 15 min. to snack before...

So much fun! I didn't realize this was a day-trip style drive (about 2.5-3hrs from my area in the north, with one bathroom break), and the scenery once you're off 75 is pastoral and gorgeous. Plan on stopping for local eggs and farm stands!

Parking at the caverns is easy; we were contending with several school groups and their transportation, and still snagged a great spot. From the parking lot, you walk to the gift shop, check in at the desk, and wait with your group. You enter the cavern through a door in the shop.

Our cave guide was spectacular - she genuinely seemed excited to give us and our kids a tour, and was exceptionally knowledgeable about the caves. I wish I could remember her name, she deserves heaps of praise and a pay raise. She had a great sense of humor and was interactive with the kids and families, too. Her safety warnings and instructions were informational in tone, not scary, which I appreciated. :) She also told us when good spots for photos were coming up, and gave us lots of time for pictures. Certain features within the cave are highlighted with electric lighting.

I could write a whole essay about the interior of the caves themselves. We visited at the end of April, and took the Winter Tour.

The first couple of areas you go into are interesting, the middle is impressive and photo-worthy, but nothing is as stunning as the last 30-40% you walk through. There's a "waterfall" you can see from the front as well as the back, impressive crystal formations on the ceilings and floors, a rainbow of coloration from the minerals in the rock walls, and moments that made my notoriously-hard-to-impress teen boys go, "Oh, WOW."

Within the cave itself, there's two "look down" moments and one "lights-out" moment. If you get vertigo or feel funny looking down, skip the first "look down" moment. The floor throughout the cavern is uneven, and I definitely felt my stomach flip looking down! The lights-off moment is absolutely pitch black, so grab a neighbor to steady yourself if you need it. In general, I feel if you have difficulty negotiating or tolerating small spaces or tight fits, this cave tour may not be a good choice. The cave path is narrow, and at various points you may have to duck down because the ceiling is low. I can understand how someone may feel claustrophobic at points, but there are also large open areas within the cave that are easy to negotiate. The cave itself feels "safe" - one of the first questions my kids asked was if any rocks ever fell down. I won't ruin the joke, but the short answer is, "No."

Pace yourself at the end of the cavern, as there's a LOT of steps to get up and out. Nobody rushed us, but if you need to take a break it's best to hang towards the back of the group.

Restrooms on site are clean and accessible. The water smells like sulfur and iron, but that's neither here nor there. There's pavilion seating with picnic tables, but we ended up in a neighboring town for BBQ lunch. Most of the seating was taken up by school groups, so plan accordingly.

Parents with younger kids, the gift shop is full of stuff they're going to want to grab and touch. Polished rocks, magnets, tiny things like that. Ask at the register about the four-cave "trail" in Ohio and get the card for your stamp and (eventual) free T-shirt.

Overall, worth the ticket price and then some. I spent a great day with my family, and I could repeat the tour without feeling like I was seeing the same thing twice. Great staff,...

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ohio Caverns and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of stalactites and stalagmites up close. Let me tell you, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking. Here's a review capturing the wonder and amazement of the Ohio Caverns:

The Ohio Caverns is a natural wonder that truly takes your breath away. As you step into the caverns, you're immediately transported to a mesmerizing underground world filled with stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The sight is truly awe-inspiring and leaves you in awe of nature's artistic prowess.

The stalactites, which hang from the ceiling, are a sight to behold. These mineral formations, formed over thousands of years, descend gracefully from above like icicles made of stone. Each stalactite is unique, with various shapes and sizes, and they create a captivating canopy that seems to defy gravity.

As you explore further into the caverns, you're greeted by the equally magnificent stalagmites. These formations rise up from the cave floor, reaching towards the heavens. The stalagmites are sturdy and solid, showcasing nature's patient craftsmanship. The interplay between the stalactites and stalagmites creates a surreal landscape that feels like something out of a fantasy.

The colors and textures found within the Ohio Caverns are truly remarkable. The minerals that have accumulated over centuries have created an array of hues, ranging from sparkling white and translucent to rich earthy tones. The lighting within the caverns accentuates the natural beauty, casting shadows and highlighting the intricate details of each formation.

The guided tour of the Ohio Caverns is informative and engaging. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the geological processes that have shaped these underground wonders. They explain the delicate balance required to preserve the caverns and ensure that visitors can enjoy their splendor for generations to come.

The Ohio Caverns also offer other attractions, such as an underground river and crystal-clear pools, adding to the enchantment of the experience. The feeling of being surrounded by such ancient natural wonders is humbling and leaves you with a deep appreciation for the Earth's geological history.

Visiting the Ohio Caverns is a truly memorable experience that leaves you with a sense of wonder and reverence for the beauty and power of nature. The stalactites and stalagmites found within these caverns are an extraordinary display of time and nature's artistic brilliance. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a geology buff, or simply seeking a unique and awe-inspiring adventure, the Ohio Caverns is a must-visit destination that will leave you amazed...