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Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour | Seneca Caverns

Embark on a captivating journey through the wondrous past of Seneca County, Ohio, with the Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour! The next stop on the journey is: Seneca Caverns (15248 East Township Road 178, Bellevue, OH 44811, Stop #17)

Imagine two curious boys, Peter and Henry, chasing a rabbit down a hole and stumbling upon a hidden world. That’s the legendary tale of how Seneca Caverns, Ohio, was discovered in 1872. While whispers of the cave existed earlier, the official discovery sparked excitement. Armed with just candles and lanterns, early explorers ventured into the unknown, their imaginations painting vivid pictures of the vast caverns below.

Despite initial attempts to open the cave to the public, it wasn’t until a young lawyer, Don Bell, stepped in. Inspired by his love of geology, Bell meticulously explored the cave and discovered new passageways leading to an underground river. With his family and a dedicated crew of workers, Don Bell embarked on a mission to share this natural wonder. They spent years clearing paths, building steps, and installing lighting, all while preserving the cave’s natural beauty. Their dedication resulted in the grand opening of Seneca Caverns in 1933. 

Opening Guide Staff-1933 | Left to Right: Walter Baughman, Irvin Peltier, Harold Page

Today, Seneca Caverns, nicknamed “The Caviest Cave in the USA,” welcomes visitors on a journey through geological history. It’s a testament to human curiosity, perseverance, and our deep respect for the natural world. You can explore the cave with a guided tour during their season that runs from May until September/Mid-October. Hours include:

  • May & Sept-Mid Oct: Sat & Sun, 10 am-5 pm (last tour 4 pm)
  • Summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day): Daily, 9 am-7 pm (last tour 6 pm)
  • Closed Nov-April

At the start of your journey you’ll descend a staircase into the unknown, ducking under rocks as the mystery of the cave slowly reveals itself. As you descend the staircase you may notice the temperature getting cooler, 54 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact, as the cave is consistently the same. You may be welcomed into the cave by a “cave kiss” or a drop of water from the ceiling of the cave. However as your journey begins, you’ll quickly realize this is an experience unlike any other in the area. Officially designated as a Registered Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Seneca Caverns in Bellevue is one of Ohio’s largest underground caves, and a geological wonder to behold.

The cave is formed from a karst, or a landform consisting of dissolving limestone, dolomite, or gypsum, which creates sinkholes and caves. On your journey in the cave, you may come across some stalactites in their initial stage of development. Stalactites at this size are called “soda straws” because they are hollow and very fragile. While you won’t see any stalagmites or massive stalactites, the soda straws stand as a reminder of the wonder of science taking place all around us. The cave consists of seven levels descending into the earth. At the lowest level, 110 feet below the surface, sits the “Ole Mist’ry River ”, which is a part of the water table. The water in the river is naturally potable and consistently 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit. 

 

Check out their Facebook page for special events that are offered such as After Hours Lantern Tours and Gemstone Discovery Days. After you have explored the cave, you can take a peek into the olden days by gem mining with the Seneca Mining Company.  With all the fun of exploring the cave, don’t forget to check out the wide selection of options at the gift shop. So what are you waiting for? Get out and explore the underground adventure that is Seneca Caverns! Learn more here. 

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