Ohio Caverns

Hidden underneath the rolling farmland of eastern Ohio is America's most colorful cavern - Ohio Caverns. At a cool 54 degrees year round, Ohio Caverns is a lovely place to beat the heat while learning about the geology of the state. They offer a variety of tours as well as provide above ground 'mining' for younger crowds. 
The cavern was discovered by a young farm hand who would notice how a low spot in the land, after a heavy rain, would drain the water faster than other areas on the farm. To find out how it all came together, I recommend taking the historic tour.

What makes a cavern different from a cave? 
One important feature - caverns have no natural entrances. 

How are caverns formed?
Glacial melt would cut rivers underground, ground water seeps through the soil gathering minerals from rocks, slowly stalactites build up over thousands of years.

What is the difference between stalactite and stalagmite?
Stalactites form from the upper rocks - holding 'tight' to the ceiling.
Stalagmites build up from the dripping stalactites overhead - being brave and showing their 'might' and courage to stand under a stalactite.

We took the natural wonders tour - it was getting ready to leave just as we arrived! The tour takes you through about a mile of the most stunning display of rocks and formations, the interesting mineral content in the surrounding rocks makes this the most colorful cavern in the US. Being an easy day trip from anywhere in Ohio, I recommend checking it out.