The Olentangy Indian Caverns are a series of caves, natural passages and rooms occupying three different levels. The caverns were formed millions of years ago by an underground river that cut through the limestone rock. They were used by the

Wyandotte Indians The Wyandot people, or Wyandotte and Waⁿdát, are Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands. The Wyandot are Iroquoian Indigenous peoples of North America who emerged as a confederacy of tribes around the north shore of Lake Ontario w ...

as a refuge from the weather and from their enemies the

Delaware Indians The Lenape (, , or Lenape , del, Lënapeyok) also called the Leni Lenape, Lenni Lenape and Delaware people, are an indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, who live in the United States and Canada. Their historical territory inclu ...

. Artifacts found in the caverns indicate that it was used by the Wyandotte as late as 1810. The Olentangy Indian Caverns are located at 1779 Home Road,

Delaware, Ohio Delaware is a city in and the county seat of Delaware County, Ohio, United States. Delaware was founded in 1808 and was incorporated in 1816. It is located near the center of Ohio, is about north of Columbus, and is part of the Columbus, Ohio ...

and are open seasonally for tours.

Recreation

On the property, a petting zoo,

minigolf Miniature golf, also known as minigolf, mini-putt, crazy golf, or putt-putt, is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. The aim of the game is to score the lowest number of points. It is played ...

course, treasure maze, and mock gem mine are offered, as well as a

gift shop A gift shop or souvenir shop is a store primarily selling souvenirs, memorabilia, and other items relating to a particular topic or theme. The items sold often include coffee mugs, stuffed animals, toys, t-shirts, postcards, handmade collec ...

. A covered picnic area can also be rented out. There is also a museum, which houses artifacts found in and around the caverns.

History

The caverns were formed millions of years ago by dissolution of limestone from an underground river. The caverns are believed to have been used by the

. The Caverns were rediscovered in 1821 by J.M. Adams, a nearby camper, who was a member of a wagon train. He carved his initials in the entrance, where they can still be seen today. The caverns include many openings and passages, and have not been fully explored.

References

External links

Olentangy Indian Caverns
- official site {{coord, 40.192153, -83.062308, format=dms, display=title, type:landmark_region:US-OH Caves of Ohio Landforms of Delaware County, Ohio Show caves in the United States Tourist attractions in Delaware County, Ohio Delaware, Ohio