Ohio Caverns (It’s so shiny)
Most people do not realize that each state is filled with breathtaking views. They travel far and wide to see these places while dropping a pretty penny to get there. Many of these breathtaking views can be found in most people backyards. You just have to be willing to look for it.
The state of Ohio has many unique places. A road trip through Ohio is ideal in order to see them all. The next destination on the list can be found in the southern part of the state.
The Ohio Caverns was discovered in 1897 by a farmhand who was working the land. A sinkhole that measured 50 feet across by 10 feet deep formed. When the farmhand woke up one evening after a rainstorm he found no signs of water in the hole. When the farmer heard of this he hired men to dig into the sinkhole. It was then that the Ohio Caverns system was found.
The Ohio Caverns is about 30 miles from Dayton, Ohio near West Liberty, Ohio. The site is a popular tourist destination for members of the National Caving Association. The Ohio Caverns is the largest cave system that has been found in Ohio.
The caves are unique because 90 percent of the stalactite and stalagmite formations are still very active. The caverns were also home to an aquifer, a river of melted glacier water, but over time the whereabouts of the river has become unknown.
There are many attractions at The Ohio Caverns. The Crystal Sea and Natural Bridge are one of the most well known. The Crystal Sea is an artificial water-retention pool that holds water away from the walking paths. This “sea” is only about 1 inch deep. The Natural Bridge can be found close to the Crystal Sea. The Natural Bridge holds between 10 to 20 crystals columns and is the original floor of the tunnel. This bridge was formed when an excavation caused a team to dig under the crystals causing the creation of the Natural Bridge.
Another major attraction in the Ohio Caverns is Fantasy Land and The Old Town pump. Fantasy Land is full of soda straws, hollow mineral cylindrical tubes, and helicities, a speleothem. Fantasy Land hold more of the straws and helictites then any other area of the caverns. The Old Town Pump is one of the formations found in Fantasy Land. As you can assume, the formation got its name from resembling a hand pump.
If you enjoy traveling underground and exploring whats beyond the surface, The Ohio Caverns is a place to visit. This free trip can create hours of exploration and countless photo opportunities.
