Ohio Caverns is the perfect place for the whole family. Located in West Liberty, Ohio; Ohio Caverns is a destination suitable for kids. I’ve always believed that children are meant to be little explorers, so where better to go explore than a cave?
The Ohio Caverns were discovered in 1897 by a farmhand looking for the reason behind water disappearing into a sinkhole. He began to dig in a soft area of the hillside and found an entrance to the cavern. According to West Liberty History, “Tours were offered the same year the cavern was discovered but they were not guided and you were on your own. By 1922, more passageways were opened, electric lights lit your path and a tour guide led the way. In 1925 the original section was closed and a new section was opened which included more beautiful scenery.”
Before visiting the Ohio Caverns, I had no idea that a cavern and a cave were not synonymous. #homeschoolmomfail. If you want a long explanation as to why, I recommend this link, with the main point being that both caves and caverns are typically caused by the weathering of rock. However, a cave is typically visible on the surface and has an opening where a man can access it (think of Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills, Ohio). In contrast, a cavern forms underground and will also contain stalactites and stalagmites. All caverns are caves, but the reverse is not true!
The Ohio Caverns are known as America’s most colorful caverns because they contain a manganese oxide that makes the inside look purple, iron oxide that makes a rust color, and calcite, which makes the white color and crystals.
Things to know before you go
The pathways through the cavern are narrow and make it difficult to carry little ones. Since they estimate that it takes 500 years to form a stalactite the size of a golf ball, the owners do not want the natural habitat disrupted. This makes complete sense, but it may be hard to keep your Spiderman-wannabe from touching the walls.
If traveling with a baby or toddler, it may be easiest if you take a baby/toddler carrier (we LOVE our Lillebaby). Having them attached to you would help with their eagerness to touch everything.
It’s always 54 degrees in the cavern! We’ve visited in both summer and winter. Winter was nice because it was warmer than walking outside. Summer in the cavern offered natural air conditioning. If you visit in summer, pack a sweatshirt or sweater for everyone, because it did feel chilly after being outside in the hot sun.
Ohio Caverns was formed by water below the earth and there is still standing water throughout the cave. Wear old footwear or shoes that can withstand getting wet. The Ohio Caverns recommend wearing close-toes shoes, and I’d recommend wearing snow boots during the winter months.
Guides do fun little things like turning off all the lights, and they end the tour by playing “Beautiful Ohio
After the tour, be sure to stop by the gift shop! It’s especially fun for kids who love gemstones and rocks. The Caverns also offer a gem mining experience.
The grounds also offer picnic facilities and a small playground. We had a picnic before the tour and then headed into West Liberty afterward for ice cream at Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor. This was some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had! Piatt Castles are also nearby. We enjoyed walking around the grounds of the Mac-a-Cheek Castle.
The Ohio Caverns are a great place to take kids! It makes for an interactive science lesson and garners some hometown pride for our diverse state.
Need to stay overnight? These VRBO listings in West Liberty would be the closest lodging. Want a hotel room? I’d look into staying in Marysville, Ohio.
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