7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In Ohio
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April Dray
Author
While you might be familiar with the Seven Wonders of the World, you should know that Ohio has its own set of Seven Wonders.
From rare ecosystems to unusual land formations, Ohio is full of beautiful places to explore that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in the world. The following are what we consider to be the Seven Wonders of Ohio—and we think you should travel the state to see them all.
Timothy A. Price and Nichole/Wikimedia Commons
This 1,348-foot-long and three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County continues to marvel locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most impressive earthworks in North America, constructed in the shape of a snake. It was built around 1000 A.D. by the Fort Ancient culture and likely used as a place of ceremony. Capturing the whole thing in a photo is difficult, but absolutely amazing when possible.
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Hocking Hills State Park is arguably Ohio's most beloved state park, where waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound. Old Man's Cave has an interesting history and origin to its name. Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe,) is buried under a cave ledge in the area. Popular, must-see landmarks along the Old Man’s Cave area trails include Cedar Falls (pictured), Old Man’s Cave (pictured), Upper and Lower Falls, the Sphinx Head, Ash Cave and the Devil’s Bathtub.
April Dray/Only In Your State
Within the Hocking Hills State Park area in Logan is the beloved Rock House, where visitors can freely explore this unique cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Evidence shows that the homey Rock House was often used for shelter by past visitors, Native Americans and even bootleggers, robbers and horse thieves.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible, beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park. Wooden pathways and stairs lead the way to Brandywine Falls—which you can hear before you see. Softer layers of rock below the falls include Bedford and Cleveland shales, which were formed from mud found on the sea floor that covered the area 350-400 million years ago.
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Few people are aware that Kelleys Island is home to the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world. The Glacial Grooves Memorial measures 400 feet long and 35 feet wide.
Close to Toledo you'll find what's considered to be Ohio's rarest ecosystem (and one of the world's rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.
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West Liberty is home to "America's Most Colorful Caverns" that are sure to make you feel like you're exploring another planet. Within the Ohio Caverns is one of the world's largest and most perfectly formed stalactites. Crystal King (pictured) is nearly five feet long, weighing an estimated 400 pounds, and is estimated to be more than 200,000 years old.
Have you seen any of these? Are there any other places that you think should be considered one of the Seven Wonders of Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
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