Zane Shawnee Caverns facts for kids

The Zane Shawnee Caverns are a system of caves located in Jefferson Township, near Bellefontaine, Ohio. Since 1995, these amazing show caves have been owned by a non-profit group called the United Remnant Band of the Shawnee Nation.

The caverns are close to another cave system, the Ohio Caverns. Both were created thousands of years ago by the same powerful glacier. This glacier also left behind a large ridge of rocks and soil called a moraine, which formed nearby Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio.

History of the Caverns

A Path for the Shawnee

Long ago, the land around the caverns was an important travel route for the Shawnee people. It served as a portage, which is a path for carrying boats and goods between two rivers. This route connected the Great Miami River to rivers that flow into Lake Erie, like the Maumee River.

An Accidental Discovery

For a long time, the caverns were a hidden secret. They were finally discovered in 1892 when a man named John Dunlap had to rescue a boy and his dog after they fell into a sinkhole.

After the discovery, the caves were named the Zane Caverns after the nearby village of Zanesfield. For most of the 20th century, they were privately owned and open for public tours.

A photo of a map of the caverns, which can be seen in the gift shop.

A Return to Shawnee Heritage

In 1996, the caverns and the land around them were purchased by the Shawnee Nation, URB. This group is made up of people who are descendants of the Shawnee. They renamed the site the Zane Shawnee Caverns to honor their heritage.

The Shawnee Nation, URB, continues to operate the caverns for public tours. They have also added new attractions to teach visitors about Native American history and culture.

What to See at the Site

Inside the Caverns

The Zane Shawnee Caverns are home to many rare and beautiful formations. As you walk through the cool passages, you can see:

• Cave Pearls: These are small, round stones that look like pearls. They form when water drips and coats a tiny grain of sand with layers of minerals over many years.
• Cave Claws: These are unique formations that look like claws hanging from the cave walls.

The way the cave is formed shows that it grew in unusual stages over a very long time.

One of the three spots in the caverns where you can see rare cave pearls.

Shawnee Woodland Native American Museum

On the grounds above the caverns, you can visit the Shawnee Woodland Native American Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Native Americans.

One of the main exhibits is about George Drouillard. He was a skilled hunter and interpreter of Shawnee and French descent. He played a very important role in the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806. This journey explored the huge Louisiana Purchase territory all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Southwind Park

Also on the site is "Southwind Park," which offers camping for visitors. The park is also used for events and gatherings hosted by the Shawnee Nation, URB. A small, permanent settlement has also been built there to represent a traditional village.

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