Explore Ohio’s first show caverns on the Historic Cavern Tour in West Liberty. Join a guided 50-minute journey with a shuttle ride, a stair descent, and stories from the early 1900s that bring history alive underground.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to navigate stairs and walk moderate distances on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Ohio Caverns were first publicly explored between 1897 and 1925, making them Ohio’s oldest show caverns with a rich past tied to early American tourism.
Conservation
Ohio Caverns promotes responsible tourism by protecting fragile formations and educating visitors on preserving underground ecosystems.
Ohio Caverns
Explore Ohio’s first show caverns on the Historic Cavern Tour in West Liberty. Join a guided 50-minute journey with a shuttle ride, a stair descent, and stories from the early 1900s that bring history alive underground.
Ohio Caverns, located in West Liberty, Ohio, operates guided cave tours through some of the state’s most colorful and extensive cavern passages. The site offers a range of experiences from a fifty-minute Historic Cavern Tour—featuring a shuttle ride to the original entrance, a descent of 44 steps, and interpretive commentary on discoveries made between 1897 and 1925—to the Natural Wonder Cavern Tour that enters through a sinkhole and showcases vivid formations along a winding route. The Winter Cavern Tour highlights the Crystal King stalactite and other spectacular features during the serene off-season, while the Extended Winter Tour combines highlights from the Historic and Natural Wonder routes plus exclusive sections inaccessible in summer. Visitors seeking an in-depth day can book the Combo Tour to experience both Historic and Natural Wonder tours in a single visit. Knowledgeable guides lead each tour, providing geological context and historical insights about the caverns’ formation and human use. The location also offers scenic valley views and a park area ideal for pre- or post-tour relaxation. Safety protocols, clear walkways, and guided routes support accessibility for a wide range of visitors. As a regional destination in West Liberty, Ohio, the caverns deliver educational opportunities for school groups, families, and geology enthusiasts, emphasizing the natural history and distinctive mineral formations that make Ohio Caverns a noteworthy underground attraction.
Tour schedules vary seasonally, with special winter programming and exclusive sections accessible during colder months. Information on hours, ticketing, accessibility, and group reservations is available through Ohio Caverns' official channels.
Location
West Liberty, Ohio
Central Ohio caverns destination
Tour Length
Most tours 50 min
Guided cavern exploration
Unique Feature
Crystal King stalactite
Ohio’s largest colorful formations
Tours Offered
5 distinct tours
Historic to Extended Winter options
Reserve tickets for the Historic, Natural Wonder, Winter, Combo, or Extended Winter tours and experience Ohio’s most colorful caverns in West Liberty.
Wear comfortable shoes
Ensure your footwear has good traction for the stair descent and cavern floors.
Bring a light jacket
Cavern temperatures stay cool year-round, so a light jacket is recommended.
Use handrails on stairs
Use handrails carefully when descending and ascending the 44 steps for safety.
Book in advance
Slots for private tours fill quickly, so reserving your spot ahead guarantees availability.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides good grip and support on the cavern’s steps and walkways.
Light jacket or fleece
Helps maintain comfort in the cavern’s consistently cool temperatures.
all
Compact flashlight
Useful for additional lighting, though tours are well-lit.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated before and after your tour, especially on hotter days.
summer