Butterfly Ridge In Hocking Hills Is An Enchanted Place For Beautiful, Native Butterflies - Chelsea Wiley

Butterfly Ridge is a butterfly conservation center focusing on the health and well-being of butterflies native to southeastern Ohio.

Nestled within the serene landscapes of southeastern Ohio lies a haven of natural wonder – Butterfly Ridge. This enchanting butterfly conservation center is a tribute to the delicate beauty of these winged creatures that call the region home.

Butterfly Ridge opened its magical gates to visitors in July 2017, and since then, it has been an oasis of fascination and discovery. The roots of the garden run deep, spanning generations, as it graces a 21-acre property that has been well-loved by the same family since 1863.

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Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or a family adventure, Butterfly Ridge is ready to welcome you every day of the week except Tuesday. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can immerse yourself in the wonders of this butterfly sanctuary, while on Sundays, the gates open at 9 a.m., offering you an early start to your day of exploration.

If you’re curious about the inner workings of this sanctuary, guided tours are available daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Alternatively, if you prefer to set your own pace, you can venture along the one-mile trail at your leisure, soaking in the beauty of nature’s masterpiece.

For a mere $5, you gain admission to Butterfly Ridge and all its treasures. As you wander the grounds, you’ll discover not only the captivating butterfly garden but also a prairie that dances with wildflowers, a whimsical treehouse that seems to touch the sky, and a Nature Center & Gift Shop that offers a piece of this paradise to take home with you.

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It’s no wonder that Butterfly Ridge seamlessly fits into any Hocking Hills itinerary, offering a unique and tranquil respite. In fact, this haven is just a short 5-minute drive from Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and less than 10 minutes away from Hocking Hills State Park.

While the stars of the show are undoubtedly the butterflies, moths, and pollinators that grace this sanctuary, the surrounding area is alive with the bustling energy of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just spot deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and a vibrant array of birds as they go about their daily routines.

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Butterfly Ridge is located at 17864 OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149. For more information about the butterfly conservation center, please visit their website at butterfly-ridge.com.

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What Happened to Ohio’s Famed Bottomless Blue Hole? - Chelsea Wiley

Nestled in the quaint town of Castalia lies a natural wonder that once captivated thousands of visitors each year—the Castalia Blue Hole.

This geological marvel, with its strikingly vibrant blue water and mysterious allure, became a beloved tourist destination throughout much of the 20th century. Though the Blue Hole has been closed to the public for nearly three decades, its history and the legends surrounding it continue to intrigue those who long for a glimpse into Ohio’s unique natural heritage.

The Castalia Blue Hole is a freshwater cenote, a type of water-filled sinkhole that forms in regions with limestone bedrock.

[ castalia blue hole]Ohio Postcard Collection
What makes the Blue Hole so special is its remarkable clarity and mesmerizing blue hue, which gave it an almost otherworldly appearance. The water, which remains a cool 48°F year-round, is fed by an underground stream that discharges an astonishing 7 million gallons of water daily. This constant flow not only keeps the Blue Hole crystal clear but also creates the illusion that it is “bottomless,” though it has been measured to be around 45 feet deep.

The Blue Hole first caught the attention of the public in the 1920s when it was opened as a tourist attraction.

[ castalia blue hole entrance]Ohio Postcard Collection
Located just 7 miles southwest of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, it became a popular stop for travelers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the amusement park. At its peak, the Blue Hole drew in about 165,000 visitors annually, all eager to witness the seemingly magical waters and the surrounding natural beauty. For decades, families flocked to the site, purchasing souvenirs and taking home memories of a place that felt both serene and mysterious.

Despite its popularity, the Blue Hole’s days as a tourist attraction were numbered.

[ castalia blue hole]Ohio Postcard Collection
By 1990, the site was closed to the public, largely due to declining attendance and the costs associated with upgrading the facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Today, the Blue Hole is privately owned by the Castalia Trout Club, and the site is off-limits to visitors, its once-bustling souvenir hut now standing quietly as a relic of the past.

However, for those eager to experience a piece of this natural wonder, there’s still hope.

[ castalia state fish hatchery]Photo by Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Just a short distance away lies the Castalia State Fish Hatchery, home to another Blue Hole, which is fed by the same underground stream. Unlike the original, this site is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to see the brilliant blue waters up close. Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the hatchery’s Blue Hole may not carry the same legendary status as its predecessor, but it remains a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

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