If you've ever heard of a place in Ohio called the Devil's Bathtub you should know that it really does exist—and it's actually really beautiful. Within the Hocking Hills State Park, you can find this natural wonder along the Old Man's Cave area hiking trails. While you can't swim in it, it's an impressive sight to see. Take a look:
You can start your journey at the visitor's center and take the Buckeye Trail.
You can also find the Devil's Bathtub between the Upper Falls and the A-Frame Bridge.
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Close to the bathtub, you'll encounter some small caves along the way.
After heavy rainfall, you can hear the bathtub before you see it. It flows into a bowl-shaped basin, forming a captivating whirlpool.
While legend has it that the pool extends deep into the depths of Hades, it's actually no more than a few feet deep.
To see (and hear) the Devil's Bathtub in action, watch this short video:
Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many caves to explore. (Be sure to check out this list of cave adventures.) Few people know about the Olentangy Indian Caverns in Delaware, Ohio, however. The Columbus Caves are a little-known natural wonder that’s fun to explore. When you need some adventure in your life or a unique day trip destination, strap on your hiking boots and take some time to check them out.
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History and geology blend at this unique attraction, which features caverns once used by the Wyandotte Indians.
You'll find this one-of-a-kind attraction along Home Road in Delaware. It's one of the most fascinating caves in Ohio.
Formed by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, these caverns were formed millions of years ago.
It is believed that the Wyandotte Indians once used the caverns as shelter from the weather and their enemies. You can understand why when you're inside these sturdy and protected landforms.
Along the way, you'll pass through winding, lighted passageways that lead into several spacious rooms.
Please note: For more information about cave tours visit the website.
Within the caverns, you'll encounter "Council Rock," where the council met and the flat rock on the floor functioned as a work bench.
Above ground, you'll also find plenty of other things to see and do. You can even play miniature golf for $3 a person, which is another fun family or group activity to do.
You'll also find a treasure hunt maze, gem mining, Frontier Town, a gift shop, and more. There are plenty of activities to make this a day trip or event the central destination of a weekend getaway.
If you bring kids, you'll definitely want to check out the Animal Encounter, which features 50,000 square feet of friendly animals to pet and feed.
Note: The cost is just $4 per person and the exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's always fascinating to interact with and see animals up close and you'll be amazed at the variety of creatures here.
Have you ever explored these little-known caverns before? If so, we’d love to hear what your experience was like! Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing about your firsthand experiences with these unique destinations.
For more cave adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article outlining the most amazing Ohio cave adventures.
Visit The Christmas Cave At White Gravel Mines, A Unique Christmas Cave In Ohio This Season
The Christmas Cave at White Gravel Mines in Minford, Ohio, offers a unique mile-long illuminated display with biblical scenes, attracting thousands of visitors each holiday season.
Ohio has a truly unique Christmas attraction that's different from all the other light displays throughout the state. The Christmas Cave at White Gravel Mines in Minford features unique illuminations, thousands of lights, and biblical scenes depicting the birth of Christ via a mile-long system of passageways within the mines. It's a beautiful Christmas attraction the whole family will love, and this Christmas Cave in Ohio is one of the most unusual places to make memories each holiday season. It's no mystery why over 33,000 people visit the Christmas Cave in Ohio each season!
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Please note: Though this annual attraction opens every Friday and Saturday between Black Friday and the holidays; dates for each year's season vary. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check out the White Gravel Mines website.
While admission to this Christmas Cave in Ohio is free, a $1 per person donation is appreciated at the entrance to the cave, but in the spirit of Christmas, no one will ever be turned away! All proceeds are used for improvements and additions to the organizer's positive community events.
There are alternative routes to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, but their special accessibility hours vary. Be sure to check for these dates and times in advance before you plan a trip!
Inside, you'll start your self-guided tour in the village of Bethlehem.
The display is about a mile long and takes a little less than an hour to walk through, depending on how often you stop to observe the scenes.
Along the way, you'll see several Christmas trees and decorations...
...and 15 biblical scenes depicting the story of the birth of Christ.
Next to each scene, you'll find written information about the story of Christ's birth.
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There's something new and magical to see at every turn. (And there are benches placed throughout the mines to stop and rest if you need to.)
There's even a display that honors and explains the inspiration for The Christmas Cave, which was Rudd's Christmas Farm in Blue Creek, Ohio. (This attraction ended in 1999, but you might remember it from Christmases past.)
At select times on Saturdays, you'll even get to observe some live Christmas caroling in the cave's small theater. (An informational video plays in between performances.)
At the end of your tour, you'll find a small gift shop, where you can purchase ornaments and other small souvenirs.
If you were impressed with your subterranean tour, you should consider making a donation to the cave! They ask humbly for a donation of $1 per person, so be sure to bring some cash or change with you!
The Christmas Cave in Ohio is located at 4007 White Gravel McDaniel Rd., Minford, OH, 45653. It is open every Friday and Saturday for five weekends during the holiday season between 4 and 10 p.m. (For more information about this unique attraction and to keep it on your radar, connect with the gravel mine on White Gravel Mines's Facebook page.) Have you been here before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!