Escape Rooms Near Columbus, Ohio
Columbus has escape rooms. But if you've done the downtown options and want something with more atmosphere, more privacy, and more of a story — Crooked Cottage is 25 minutes north in Delaware, Ohio, and it's worth the drive.
What Makes Crooked Cottage Different
Most escape rooms near Columbus operate out of commercial spaces — strip malls, office buildings, converted retail. Crooked Cottage is housed in a real historic building in downtown Delaware, Ohio. The atmosphere isn't manufactured. The character is built in.
Every booking is private. That means your group gets the entire room to itself — no strangers, no shared time slots, no staff hovering over you. The facility is unstaffed during your session, which makes the immersion complete. You're not playing an escape room. You're in one.
We also run five distinct themed rooms under one roof, which means larger groups can split across multiple rooms or return for a completely different experience. With capacity for up to 38 players across all five rooms, Crooked Cottage handles everything from date nights to corporate events.
A Real Building With Real History
Crooked Cottage started as the home of Raven's Cauldron, an occult and crystal shop that opened in September 2019. As the experience grew, the building transformed — room by room — into one of central Ohio's most distinctive escape room complexes. The building is owned outright, the rooms are built with intention, and everything about the place reflects years of care rather than a franchise playbook.
When you book here, you're supporting an independent business with deep roots in Delaware, Ohio — not a national chain.
The Rooms
Five themed rooms, each with its own story, atmosphere, and challenge level. All available for private bookings.
Crabtree Manor
A Victorian murder mystery set in a manor full of dark secrets. Our most atmospheric room — and our most popular.
Up to 12 players
View roomHouse in the Woods
An isolated cabin. A mystery that needs solving. A clock that won't stop. Tense, immersive, and deeply satisfying.
Up to 8 players
View roomJoyce's Dollhouse
A paranormal investigation inside a haunted dollhouse. Strange, beautiful, and genuinely unsettling.
Up to 6 players
View roomMayan Temple
Ancient puzzles, hidden chambers, and a race against a curse. Adventure-forward and endlessly replayable.
Up to 6 players
View roomWizarding University
Our newest room opens July 2026. Something extraordinary is being built — booking opens soon.
Up to 6 players
How Far Is Crooked Cottage from Columbus?
Delaware, Ohio sits just 25 minutes north of Columbus via US-23. From most Columbus neighborhoods, the drive is straightforward with no highway confusion.
| From | Approximate Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Columbus | 25–30 minutes | US-23 North |
| Westerville | 15–20 minutes | US-23 North |
| Dublin / Bridge Park | 30–35 minutes | US-33 to US-23 |
| Polaris / Lewis Center | 15–20 minutes | US-23 North |
| New Albany | 25–30 minutes | SR-161 to US-23 |
| Easton | 25–30 minutes | SR-161 to US-23 |
| Marysville | 20–25 minutes | US-36 East |
Pricing
Starting at $43.00 per person for 2 players, $39.00 per person for 3–4 players, and $35.00 per person for 5 or more players.
Corporate rate: $34.40 per person (20% off for team building events)
Gift cards are available for any occasion. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crooked Cottage really only 25 minutes from Columbus?
Yes — Delaware, Ohio is about 25 miles north of Columbus via US-23. From Westerville or Polaris you're looking at 15–20 minutes. It's an easy drive and parking is free.
What makes Crooked Cottage different from Columbus escape rooms?
Private bookings, a real historic building, and five rooms with genuine atmosphere. You won't share your session with strangers, and the facility is unstaffed during your experience — so the immersion is complete. It's a different kind of escape room than you'll find in a commercial space downtown.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Online booking required. We do not accept walk-ins. Book in advance at the link above to reserve your time slot.
Is the escape room private?
Your group is private. We never put you with strangers. Every booking is exclusive to your group — no one else will be added to your session regardless of room capacity.
Do you offer anything for birthdays or special events?
Birthday bookings include an exclusive swag bag for the guest of honor — a $50 value curated by our partner shop Raven's Cauldron, built around their zodiac sign. Learn more about birthday parties.
Is there anything else to do in Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware has a great independent dining scene and is home to Raven's Cauldron, our partner curiosity and crystal shop. It's worth making a full evening of the trip — dinner before, Raven's Cauldron after, or vice versa.