Ohio is home to more than 400 caves and caverns, yet few are open to the public. You can enjoy these 13, however, and get awestruck at their beauty and otherworldliness. 

Rock House Hocking Hills State Park – OH 56, Logan, 740-385-6842 Rock House is the only full cave in Hocking Hills State Park, and the only one to feature naturally-made Gothic-Arched windows. It’s stellar main archway will leave you breathless. The drive from Cleveland is about three hours, then take the Rock House Hiking Trail. Photo via christian.trapp/Instagram Credit: See1,Do1,Teach1/FlickrCC
Rock House Hocking Hills State Park – OH 56, Logan, 740-385-6842 Rock House is the only full cave in Hocking Hills State Park, and the only one to feature naturally-made Gothic-Arched windows. It’s stellar main archway will leave you breathless. The drive from Cleveland is about three hours, then take the Rock House Hiking Trail. Photo via christian.trapp/Instagram Credit: daveynin/FlickrCC
Crystal Cave 978 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, 419-285-2811 What you need to know is there’s a winery here, Heineman’s Winery, that’s been around since the late 1800s. But before you drink all the wine, do go down to Crystal Cave and look at the celestine crystals. They’re magical. The ride from Cleveland takes about two hours and includes a ferry to South Bass Island. Credit: Photo via Hope Moore/FlickrCC
Crystal Cave 978 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, 419-285-2811 What you need to know is there’s a winery here, Heineman’s Winery, that’s been around since the late 1800s. But before you drink all the wine, do go down to Crystal Cave and look at the celestine crystals. They’re magical. The ride from Cleveland takes about two hours and includes a ferry to South Bass Island. Photo via jolnoc/Instagram Credit: Photo by jolnoc/Instagram
Ohio Caverns 2210 E. State Route 245, West Liberty, 937-465-4017 At the Ohio Caverns, explorers traverse more than 100 feet underground through two miles of colorful and Mars-like rock formations. The cavern remains a cool 54 degrees all year round so do remember to bring a jacket. The drive is about three hours away from Cleveland. Photo via OhioCaverns/Instagram
Ohio Caverns 2210 E. State Route 245, West Liberty, 937-465-4017 At the Ohio Caverns, explorers traverse more than 100 feet underground through two miles of colorful and Mars-like rock formations. The cavern remains a cool 54 degrees all year round so do remember to bring a jacket. The drive is about three hours away from Cleveland. Photo via Ohio Caverns/Facebook
Ash Cave Hocking Hills State Park – OH 56, Logan, 740-385-6842 This is the place to get lost. Take the dog and your lover and go get caught up in the majesty of this overhanging cave. The worse the weather, the fewer tourists you’ll have to deal with along the trail. Part of the Hocking Hills State Park system, the drive from Cleveland is about three hours. Then take the Ash Cave Hiking Trail. Credit: Mike/FlickrCC
Ash Cave Hocking Hills State Park – OH 56, Logan, 740-385-6842 This is the place to get lost. Take the dog and your lover and go get caught up in the majesty of this overhanging cave. The worse the weather, the fewer tourists you’ll have to deal with along the trail. Part of the Hocking Hills State Park system, the drive from Cleveland is about three hours. Then take the Ash Cave Hiking Trail. Credit: Mike/FlickrCC
Seneca Caverns 15248 E Township Rd. 178, Bellevue, 419-483-6711 The Seneca Caverns won’t be open again until May 6, but the glorious space, with it’s seven explorable levels, is still very much worth the mention. There’s an underground river to see, after all. The drive is about one hour and 20 minutes away from Cleveland. Photo via Facebook
Seneca Caverns 15248 E Township Rd. 178, Bellevue, 419-483-6711 The Seneca Caverns won’t be open again until May 6, but the glorious space, with it’s seven explorable levels, is still very much worth the mention. There’s an underground river to see, after all. The drive is about one hour and 20 minutes away from Cleveland. Photo via jessestrother/Instagram
Deer Lick Cave Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Deer Lick Cave Loop, Brecksville, 216-635-3200 While Deer Lick Cave is not a true cave, it’s actually just a sandstone rock overhang, it’s close enough in our eyes. As the name gives away, deer do like to come here and lick the salty rocks, and you’ll probably see other animals, too. About 20 minutes out of Cleveland, all you have to do is then is hike the Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail and you’re there. Credit: daveynin/FlickrCC
Deer Lick Cave Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Deer Lick Cave Loop, Brecksville, 216-635-3200 While Deer Lick Cave is not a true cave, it’s actually just a sandstone rock overhang, it’s close enough in our eyes. As the name gives away, deer do like to come here and lick the salty rocks, and you’ll probably see other animals, too. About 20 minutes out of Cleveland, all you have to do is then is hike the Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail and you’re there. Photo via danmerk23/Instagram Credit: Photo via danmerk23/Instagram
Indian Trail Caverns and Sheriden Cave 722 State Hwy 568, Vanlue, 419-387-7773 Located on the corner of Wyandot, Seneca and Hancock counties, the spot was once home to prehistoric animals like giant beavers and moose. But now you and the whole family can explore the tunnels and passageways underneath the Earth’s surface. The drive from Cleveland is about two hours. Photo via /Facebook
Indian Trail Caverns and Sheriden Cave 722 State Hwy 568, Vanlue, 419-387-7773 Located on the corner of Wyandot, Seneca and Hancock counties, the spot was once home to prehistoric animals like giant beavers and moose. But now you and the whole family can explore the tunnels and passageways underneath the Earth’s surface. The drive from Cleveland is about two hours. Photo via /Facebook
Perry’s Cave 979 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, 419-285-2283 One of the coolest aspects of Perry’s Cave, and it stays at a cool 50 degrees all year, is the underground lake that actually rises and falls with the tides of Lake Erie. The ride from Cleveland takes about two hours and includes a ferry to South Bass Island. Photo via breakfastwithnick/Instagram Credit: Photo via breakfastwithnick/Instagram
Olentangy Indian Caverns 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, 740-548-7917 These damp limestone caverns were millions of years in the making, and are believed to have been a meeting place for ancient Native Americans. Now, from April through October, you can explore its echo chambers and cathedrals. The cave is 54 degrees daily, so bring a coat. The drive is about two hours away from Cleveland, Credit: Larry Syverson/FlickrCC
Olentangy Indian Caverns 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, 740-548-7917 These damp limestone caverns were millions of years in the making, and are believed to have been a meeting place for ancient Native Americans. Now, from April through October, you can explore its echo chambers and cathedrals. The cave is 54 degrees daily, so bring a coat. The drive is about two hours away from Cleveland, Credit: James St. John
Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve Laurel Township, 614-265-6561 Yes, you have to have a permit to explore this area, but that’s easily accessed through the Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve’s website. The 14-acre space is home to a large crop of recess caves, perfect for those looking to commune with nature. Expect the drive from Cleveland to take about three hours. Photo via hockinghillsadventuretrek/Instagram Credit: hockinghillsadventuretrek/Instagram
Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve Laurel Township, 614-265-6561 Yes, you have to have a permit to explore this area, but that’s easily accessed through the Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve’s website. The 14-acre space is home to a large crop of recess caves, perfect for those looking to commune with nature. Expect the drive from Cleveland to take about three hours. Credit: Ohio DNR
Zane Shawnee Caverns 7092 OH-540, Bellefontaine, 937-592-9592 Owned by the United Remnant Band of the Shawnee Nation, the Zane Shawnee Caverns space includes not only the show cave, but also a museum and campground. Expect concerts and powwows during the warmer months. The drive from Cleveland is a little less than three hours. Photo via sterlingcreativedesign/Instagram
Lewisburg Haunted Cave 4392 Swishers Mill Rd, Lewisburg, So many of the other caves on this list are sweet and serene, but Lewisburg Haunted Cave might have you believing in ghosts. Only open in September and October, this bat-filled limestone cave is 80 feet below the ground and has the potential to scare the crap out of you. The drive from Cleveland will take you three hours and 30 minutes. Only visit if you dare. Photo via Facebook
Old Man’s Cave Hocking Hills State Park – 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, 740-385-6517 Hocking Hills State Park has quite a few caves and caverns accessible to the public. Old Man’s Cave, named after an actual hermit who used to live here, is one of the most popular and guests can spend hours exploring every nook and cranny. The drive is about three hours away from Cleveland, then take the Grandma Gatewood Trail. Credit: Scott/FlickrCC
Old Man’s Cave State Route 664, Logan Old Man’s Cave is part of Hocking Hills, a Southern Ohio hiking attraction. This natural Ohio cave is cool and peaceful, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Stay a weekend at one of the available cabins, or take a day trip to enjoy this winter wonderland. Photo via @CJVonderhaar/Instagram

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