Blue Hole (Castalia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue Hole |
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 Blue Hole
Location in Ohio
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| Location | Castalia, Erie County, Ohio |
| Coordinates | 41°24′21.4″N 82°48′24.7″W / 41.405944°N 82.806861°W |
| Type | anoxic pond |
| Etymology | From the color and the shape of the pond |
| Part of | Castalia Trout Club |
| Primary outflows | Sandusky Bay |
| Basin countries | United States (Ohio) |
| Max. length | 75 feet (23 m) |
| Max. width | 75 feet (23 m) |
| Max. depth | forty-three to forty-five feet (13.1 to 13.7 m) |
The Blue Hole is a special freshwater pond found in Castalia, Erie County, Ohio. For many years, from the 1920s to the 1990s, it was a very popular tourist spot. At its busiest, about 165,000 people visited it every year. Its location near Cedar Point amusement park helped make it famous.
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What Makes the Blue Hole Special?
The Blue Hole got its name from its amazing blue color and round shape. It's about 75 feet (23 meters) wide. People were fascinated by how clear its water was and how it seemed to have no bottom.
How Deep is the Blue Hole?
Even though many people thought the Blue Hole was "bottomless," its depth has been measured. It is actually about 43 to 45 feet (13 to 14 meters) deep.
Water Secrets of the Blue Hole
The water in the Blue Hole stays at a cool temperature of about 48°F (9°C) all year round. This temperature doesn't change, even during floods or dry spells. The pond is fed by an underground stream. This stream sends out a huge amount of water every day into Sandusky Bay, which then flows into Lake Erie.
The water in the Blue Hole contains natural minerals like lime, soda, magnesia, and iron. Because of these minerals and a lack of oxygen, the Blue Hole is an "anoxic" environment. This means it doesn't have enough oxygen to support fish or other aquatic life naturally.
The Land Around the Blue Hole
The area around the Blue Hole is made of limestone rock. Over time, underground water has slowly dissolved parts of this limestone. This process creates what is called "karst topography" and forms sinkholes, which are like natural dips or holes in the ground. The Blue Hole itself is a water-filled sinkhole.
Visiting the Blue Hole Today
There are actually several "blue holes" in the Castalia area. The famous Blue Hole that was once a tourist attraction is now on private land. It is part of the Castalia Trout Club, which is a private fishing club. This means the public cannot visit it anymore.
However, there is another similar blue hole nearby that you can visit. It is owned by the Castalia State Fish Hatchery and is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This other blue hole has become popular for public viewing since the original Blue Hole closed to tourists in the late 1990s. It also has a unique bluish-green color.
Images for kids
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Entrance to Blue Hole
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