Olentangy Indian Caverns, Delaware, Ohio

The Olentangy Indian Caverns is a great place to see, especially on a hot day with the temperature averaging around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Formed centuries ago, history shows the first white man recorded as entering the grotto was J.M. Adams in 1821.

The story goes he was with a wagon train heading west in 1821 and one of his oxen meandered off. Adams found the ox dead at the entrance of the grotto. He entered into the grotto and carved his name and the date into the wall.

You'll find a lot of history on the Native American tribes that originally inhabited central Ohio. These include the Iroquois (Wyandotte nation), and the Algonquin (Shawnee, Delaware, and Miami nations.) Ohio was part of the Northwest Territory that was considered Indian country until 1795.

The grotto became a refuge to the Wyandottes' for shelter from weather and their enemies. Once inside the caverns you'll find the Council Room where it's believed the Wyandotte created arrows and other implements from stone into the 1800's. Artifacts have been found to back this up.

Chief Leatherlips, chief of the Wyandotte, was killed by his own people and found at the cavern entrance according to a book written by Grace Goulder, "This Is Ohio." A monument of Chief Leatherlips exists in Dublin not far from the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

Entrance into the caverns is through the Cave House where you'll descend 105 feet. You'll see the Council Room, Battleship Rock, Lover's Bench, Crystal Room, Bell Tower, and much more in tour.

Before or after your tour, there are more fun things to do. You can play miniature golf at their 18 hold course which is based on the Native American theme. Gem Mining is set up and a lot of fun for the kids.

They feature a gift shop and Frontier Land which is set up in the old west theme. You'll also find a Museum, Petting Zoo, a Rock Wall to climb, volleyball court, playground, horseshoes, and more games.

They offer services for park rentals, family reunions, birthday parties, wedding receptions, corporate events, and more.

They are located at 1779 Home Road, Delaware, Ohio. It's Northwest of Columbus, you can take 315 or 23 to Home Road, go west on Home Road.

Hours of operation are 9:30AM to 5PM daily from April 1 through October 31.

For additional information, please visit their Web site.