THE OHIO CAVERNS--
Described as the state's largest cave

The conventional, 50 minute tour of the caverns covers one mile where you will be treated to countless stalactites, stalagmites, columns and crystals as you weave your way through elevations ranging from 30 feet to 103 feet below the surface.

It also is distinguished from other Ohio caves, all of similar origin, by this marvelous display of formations; alive and growing by the deposit of minerals from inexorably dripping water.  The oldest crystal, the age estimated by current environmental conditions, is 250,000 years of age.

Patrons enter the cave by a newly constructed, serpentine walkway designed to help handicapped folks negotiate the descent to the entryway.  The distance below the surface varies because of changes in the surface elevation.

The walk through the cave is paved and virtually level except for the robust climb up a concrete stairs to the exit.  There are, however, many passages much too narrow to accommodate a wheel chair.

The largest "room" in the cave covers nearly 1/2 acre.

Depending on your point of view regarding critters, one highlight for me was the noticeable population of brown bats flying silently, hither and yon, obviously disturbed by our noisy passage but politely behaved regardless of our intrusion.

As in all such formations the temperature is a constant 54 degrees making a sweater a welcome garment regardless of the 90+ degree surface temperature that day.

Our knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide Jim provided a jolting experience in absolute darkness by having us stand perfectly still--while he turned off the lights.  You truly cannot see your hand in front of your face.

His helper John (below) boosted our experience by spot-illumination of unique, formations and helping us carefully avoid any contact with the cave's priceless geology.

_________________________________
The cave is located on Ohio route 245 southeast of Bellfontaine and quite close to the Piatt Castles (See that story in our September 2010 blog).  Remember to click on the smaller images for a larger view.