Caverns, animals, and more at Olentangy Indian Caverns

Get out of the house during nice weather and spend a couple of hours at Olentangy Indian Caverns just north of Columbus. If it’s your first time there, you’ll wonder why you’ve never gone before, because it’s a day of fun!

The main feature of the attraction are the Caverns that were formed millions of years ago by an underground river. The caverns consist of winding passages and spacious underground rooms that have been determined to have been used by the Wyandotte Indians as a haven from the weather and from their enemies, the Delaware Indians. The levels are 55 ft, 75 ft, and 105 ft deep and stay at 54 degrees year round (bring a jacket). Artifacts and arrowheads found in the caverns are on display in the museum. Tours are $6.95 – $9.95; children 2 and under are free.

Even if you don’t explore the caverns, there’s plenty to do, including outdoor play structures and lawn games, gem mining ($6.99-$24.99), mini golf ($3), treasure hunt maze ($5), and the highlight for my kids is the huge Animal Encounters Petting Zoo (just $4 per person). They loved feeding the friendly animals and frolicking with them inside the enclosure. You can also explore the nature trails, check out the gift shop, and bring a picnic to eat in the shelter house.