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For tourists searching for a small-town getaway, a cosmopolitan experience, or a complete escape to nature, Ohio state is an excellent place to go. In addition to having some top cultural attractions in the state, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dayton also have fantastic shopping and a wide range of other things to do. For the finest of Amish Country, tourists can head out into the countryside. Alternatively, they can visit one of the summer fun towns and spend the day at an amusement park. The lakes and woodlands are appealing locations to explore Ohio's greatest outdoor experiences from spring to fall, many of which may be found in the state and national parks. Additionally, the state is home to the world’s largest geode, which can be found in Ohio Crystal Cave. Tourists shall not miss seeing this magical place. Therefore, here is an overview of it.

Related: This County Is Home To The Largest Amish Community In Ohio

Get To Know The Astonishing Ohio Crystal Cave

In 1987 while excavating a well for Heineman Winery, workers stumbled across the Crystal Cave by mistake. The magnificent cave was first utilized to gather crystals that were sold for use in making fireworks. As a result of this collection, the grotto got bigger to reach its current size. Between 1920 and 1933, the Crystal Cave was the only remedy for preserving the Heineman Winery because, before the Prohibition era, Put-in-Bay nestled several vineyards that produced their own delicious wines, but within these years, 17 vineyards on the island shuttered as a result of Prohibition and the Volstead Act. The Heineman Winery was fortunate to have Norman Heineman's business acumen leading the way. He saved his business by making the Crystal Cave accessible to the public and selling entrance tickets along with unpasteurized grape juice. Nowadays, the splendid Crystal Cave has stunning Celestine crystals up to 3 feet (91.44 cm) wide and is home to the biggest geode in the whole globe. Moreover, strontium sulfate, a blue mineral known as celestite, coats the walls. These bewitching crystals have a length range of 8 to 18 inches (20.32 to 45.72 cm).

  • Location: 978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456, The United States of America

Related: 10 North American Destinations For Vineyards & Wineries

Tour The Fabulous Crystal Cave

As tourists are getting prepared for the tour, they will be gathered in groups of twenty and queued up to descend lengthy stairs into the amazing cave, which is 40 feet (12.19 m) below the ground. The main chamber will be occupied by one group at a time, and they will be asked to avoid touching the marvelous walls because the fragile mineral growths inside the cave cannot stand having their surfaces repeatedly touched by people. This bewitching tour is not to be missed by any visitor who is capable of descending steps to discover this fantastic cave lined with crystals.

  • Opening time: The cave is open from May to September. During this period, tourists are welcomed Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Entrance fee: Adults have to pay $8 to enter the cave, while it is $4 per child from 6 to 12 years old and free for younger ages.

Pass By Heineman Winery’s Vivid Vineyards And Learn About Its History

After the breathtaking cave tour and given that they are on the same site, guests can go on a vineyard tour at Heineman Winery and hear about the production of wine, and then they can pass by the tasting room. There, they can sip some mouth-watering wines and buy bottles to take them home. During this tour, tourists will get to know more information about the beginning of this marvelous place and its founder. Heineman Winery was founded in 1888 by German immigrant Gustav Heineman from Baden. In this splendid European area, grapes are grown, and from there, Heineman arrived with extensive winemaking skills to the islands in Lake Erie, where he found that the land was perfect for producing wine. Due to ideal soil conditions and a prolonged growth season brought on by Lake Erie's warming impact, the grapes in this area are of extraordinary quality. It is a haven for winemakers!

All varieties of wine are produced by Heineman Winery on the island using local grapes like the Labrusca grape. They produce every variety of wine, including the Pink Cat or Pink Catawba, which is their most well-known. The lovely wine garden and gift store of the Heineman Winery are open at the same hours as the Crystal Cave. After spending an exceptional time in the beautiful Put-in-Bay, tourists can enjoy wine with cheese platters at home.

  • Recommended wine: For white wine lovers Island Chablis and Niagara are recommended; as for red wine fans, it is advised to try Cedar Wood Red.
  • Offer: Tourists will get a %20 discount on their bills if they buy 15 bottles of wine or more.