I recently went in search of interesting (inexpensive) daytrips in Ohio. Then I found one of the most famous gems of the kingdom of the underworld, in the Olentangy Indian caves.
Researched by both the history and the geology of this site, I pick the path of the gentle Saturday morning in April. with my 13 year old son in the passenger seat. A scenic drive along the Olentangy River Road just north of Columbus brought us to a pull-out and a small parking lot nestled in the woods.
Greeted by an unfrequented wooden Indian guarding the door of a rustic-looking shop full of gift t-shirts and geological ornaments, we reasonably paid our expensive admission and received a map of the cave from a jolly chap. An old fake engine sat on the road to the entrance of the cave, which inside was nothing more than a small, very old building on the side of the hill.
The comforting smell of must and history hit us the moment screen, door. Boxes and Native American crafts lined the walls, reverently conveying the history of the land’s former inhabitants. Alone in a small building, we briefly went through the exhibits before turning our attention to a sign indicating the entrance to a cave hidden beneath a nondescript door.
Looking out over the stairs, the summery atmosphere of the place gave way at once to one of travel and eeriness—in a strangely arousing way. Descending steeply down two flights of narrow stairs surrounded by stone-laden walls — and my son and I shall at last stand inside the cave. The two of us navigate the twists and turns in the cold and shadowy underground. As it was at the time of the morning his guide and the visitors had dispersed, so that the silence was broken only by the sound of the wind, our footsteps, and the occasional trickle of water.
I breathed deeply the smell of moist rocks and earthy moss, after walking 40 minutes in length; the interruption of time at marked points of historical significance. The Wyandotte Indians used the cave for shelter and for tribal ceremonies. “Leatherlips” is said to have died in the entrance hall, and the floor of the tomb is thought to be deep in the incorporeal area of the cave.
We toured the ‘Council Chamber’, squeezed through ‘The Miserable Fat Man’, and marveled at the ‘Cathedral Hall’ – among others. Although the first white settler known to have discovered the cave was J.W. Adams in 1821 happened upon a deep sculpture made in 1884 by a man named “M. Wells.” From the fossils on the walls to the dark cave, with the ceiling protruding, natural wonders surrounded us.
After waiting a few moments to catch everyone up, we went up a flight of stairs and found ourselves back on the surface and inside a small brick building. We are not ready to leave (and at the request of my son) we visited the gift shop again to buy a bag of earth. and gems to be cut.
The waterfall water poured into our machine “prey” as my son and I enjoyed several minutes in the discovery of one multi-colored stone after another peeking through the gravel. With our newly found treasures in hand, we decided to jump back in the car and explore the rest of the land before heading home. A short drive shows a small recreation of the village boundary, a replica of an Iroquois longhouse, a miniature golf course, and some amenities.
That day at the Olentangy Indian Caverns we experienced a mother/daughter bond and a unique and interesting (yet cheap) adventure. Some tips for visiting: comfortable-shoes”>comfortable shoes and a jacket (even in summer), as the cave is cold 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. While the cave is illuminated, it helps to bring a small lamp to illuminate the dark (and ambient) corners. Please visit their website at http://www.olentangyindiancaverns.com for current hours, admission fees, contact information, and accessibility. and more. Enjoy!
Source: http://olentangyindiancaverns.com/index-1.html
