Ohio Caverns
Explore breathtaking limestone caverns with stunning formations and a rich history. Discover nature's underground artistry on guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Ohio Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore breathtaking limestone caverns with stunning formations and a rich history. Discover nature's underground artistry on guided tours.
"The Ohio Caverns were so cool!! Definitely one of the coolest places I've ever been!"
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 54°F year-round. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be damp and uneven. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Wonders Tour Formations
Various chambers
Witness breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique mineral formations sculpted over millennia.
Historic Tour Discovery
Designated historical areas
Learn about the cavern's discovery and early exploration, seeing remnants of its past.
Gem Mining Activity
Above ground
A fun, interactive experience for kids (and adults!) to sift through and discover hidden gems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Stay Comfortable
Tour Options & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 54°F year-round. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be damp and uneven. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your best camera for stunning shots. While phones work, a dedicated camera captures more detail.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water bottles are allowed inside the cave. It's a good idea to bring one, especially for longer tours. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 54°F year-round. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be damp and uneven. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your best camera for stunning shots. While phones work, a dedicated camera captures more detail.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water bottles are allowed inside the cave. It's a good idea to bring one, especially for longer tours. :droplet:
💡 Consider Both Tours
Many visitors recommend the combo tour for a comprehensive experience of history and natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural formations and the engaging, knowledgeable tour guides at Ohio Caverns. Many recommend the combo tour for a comprehensive experience. Some find the ticket price a bit high and note that colors might not be as vibrant as expected, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and memorable underground adventure.
"My biggest concern on going to this place was if I would be too "fluffy" to get through the passage. I am also a bit claustrophobic. These two things made me very nervous.
I can tell you that it is very possible to do even as a very pear shaped 280 LB person. There are the 60 stairs at the end, but they are concrete, with solid handrails and the step rise is reasonable. So if you struggle, position yourself to the back of the line, and you will have less pressure to move quickly.
I found the tour guides patient and funny. I focused on taking pictures to get through it mentally. The place is lovely overall.
I do find the ticket price a bit high, but I find every ticket price high lately. To be fair, it is in line with the many other attractions and museums etc. The place does allow water bottles in the cave, I wish I had realized that upfront and I was very parched at the end. If I could do it over, I would take my nicer camera. I took an older one just in case."
Eleanor M
"We were staying at Indian Lake State Park and didn’t have many plans. Saw something for the caverns so decided to make the trip down and check them out. I’m glad we did. We did both the Historic and Natural Wonders tours. If you just want to see stalagmites and stalactites the natural wonders tour is perfect. If you like history and want to learn a little more about the area and discovery of the caverns then do the combo tour, I’m glad we did both.
The caverns are 54 degrees year round. It’s been in the 90’s for the past week. I took a sweatshirt on the first tour but ended up being hot so left it in the car for the second tour.
The colors are really neat and have some really cool designs. The formations are always pretty as they are always so different from place to place."
Julie Stewart
"Took my family here for the first time and we all had an amazing time. Our tour guide Dan was very knowledgeable and did a good job on the tour. My kids also enjoyed the gem mining activity. The place was nice and clean, and they really did a good job preserving the cavern."
Emil Antonio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ohio Caverns is located in West Liberty, Ohio. It's best accessed by car, offering ample parking. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Columbus or Dayton.
Yes, there are campgrounds near Ohio Caverns, including those at Indian Lake State Park, offering a great option for a longer stay.
Lodging options near Ohio Caverns include hotels in nearby towns like Bellefontaine or Springfield, as well as cabins and vacation rentals.
Absolutely! Ohio Caverns makes for an excellent day trip from many parts of Ohio, offering a unique underground adventure.
Ohio Caverns is situated in West Liberty, Ohio, offering a unique natural attraction in the western part of the state.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but visitors find them comparable to other attractions. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your preferred tour time.
Ohio Caverns is typically open seven days a week, with tours departing regularly. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Keep an eye out for potential discounts or coupons, especially if you're planning a visit during the off-season or looking for package deals.
Yes, water bottles are permitted inside the caverns, which is helpful for staying hydrated during the tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside Ohio Caverns remains a constant 54°F (12°C) year-round, making it a cool escape in summer and a warmer option in winter.
Tours at Ohio Caverns typically last about an hour, providing a comprehensive exploration of the cave's wonders.
While most passages are manageable, there are stairs, including a significant set at the end. Visitors who are concerned about mobility or claustrophobia should communicate with their guide.
You can expect to see a variety of stunning formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones, showcasing nature's artistry. 
Yes, Ohio Caverns has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos from your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining options within the caverns are limited, there are often snack bars or concessions available on-site. It's also wise to pack snacks or plan for meals in nearby towns.
Generally, it's best to consume food outside the cavern to maintain its pristine environment. Water is usually permitted.
Nearby towns like West Liberty and Bellefontaine offer various dining choices, from casual eateries to local restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Ohio Caverns, allowing you to capture the stunning underground scenery.
Every chamber offers unique photo opportunities. Focus on capturing the intricate details of the formations and the dramatic lighting.
It's advisable to check with your tour guide about flash photography, as it can sometimes disturb the delicate cave environment or other visitors.
While smartphones capture good images, a dedicated camera with good low-light capabilities will yield the best results for the cavern's unique lighting.
Typically, tripods or extensive professional equipment might be restricted to ensure smooth tour flow and safety. Always confirm with staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Guides are known for being engaging and patient, making the tour enjoyable for younger visitors. While there are stairs, the guides are accommodating, and the overall experience is designed to be accessible and memorable for the whole family. Remember to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks can also help save money, as on-site concessions might be pricier. If you're camping, staying at nearby campgrounds near Ohio Caverns like those at Indian Lake State Park can significantly reduce accommodation costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Be sure to check with your guide about flash photography policies, as it can sometimes be restricted. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to have more freedom to compose your shots without rushing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Wonders
These formations are the result of millions of years of water seeping through the limestone bedrock, dissolving minerals and depositing them over time. The constant temperature of 54°F (12°C) and high humidity within the caverns are crucial for their continued growth and preservation. It's a reminder of the slow, persistent power of geological processes. The "dripping" nature of the cave, as mentioned by some visitors, is a sign of its active formation.
When exploring, take a moment to appreciate the subtle details – the delicate draperies, the rippling flowstones, and the intricate patterns etched into the rock. The guides often share fascinating facts about how these formations are named and the conditions under which they form, adding an educational layer to the visual spectacle.
A Glimpse into History
Evidence of this early exploration can still be seen, with old mining light hooks and names carved into the walls by those who worked to make the caverns accessible. The tour highlights the evolution from a hidden natural wonder to a public attraction, showcasing how the site has been preserved and enhanced over the decades. It provides context for the more visually stunning Natural Wonders tour by explaining the human element behind its accessibility.
This historical perspective adds depth to the visit, allowing you to appreciate not just the natural beauty but also the human endeavor involved in sharing this subterranean world with the public. It’s a fascinating look at how a local discovery became a significant tourist destination.
Navigating the Caverns: Accessibility & Comfort
Footwear is also an important consideration. The pathways can be damp and uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction are highly recommended.
For those who might be a bit apprehensive about navigating the passages, focusing on photography can be a helpful distraction. Bringing your nicer camera is often suggested, as the unique lighting and formations provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit