Escape Rooms Near Ohio State University
Columbus has plenty of things to do on a Tuesday night. But if you and your crew want something genuinely immersive — something that's not a bar, not a restaurant, not another night on High Street — Crooked Cottage is 20 miles north in Delaware, Ohio and worth every minute of the drive. Five private escape rooms in a real historic Victorian building, and an experience that actually gives you something to talk about the next day.
The House in the Woods — Our OSU Recommendation
The House in the Woods is an atmospheric mystery set in an isolated cabin where something went very wrong. Your group has 60 minutes to piece together what happened — and the room doesn't make it easy. It's tense, story-driven, and the kind of experience that works equally well for a friend group of four or a larger crew looking for a night that isn't predictable.
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. Up to 8 players per session, book online, show up ready.
Book the House in the WoodsAll Five Rooms
The House in the Woods is our top pick for groups coming from campus, but all five rooms are available for private booking year-round — each completely different in atmosphere and challenge.
House in the Woods
An isolated cabin. A mystery that needs solving. Atmospheric, tense, and built around a story that doesn't fully resolve until your group does the work.
Up to 8 players
View roomCrabtree Manor
A Victorian murder mystery with a real full-size casket and a century of buried secrets. Our largest room — great for bigger groups coming from campus.
Up to 12 players
View roomJoyce's Dollhouse
A paranormal investigation built around real unexplained events in this building. A real name was found sealed inside the wall during renovation. Scare level 6/10.
Up to 6 players
View roomMayan Temple
An Indiana Jones-style adventure. Break into an ancient temple, steal the treasure, and escape before time runs out. Green lasers, atmospheric fog, physical puzzles.
Up to 6 players
View roomWizarding University
Opening July 2026. A magical academy experience with potions, wands, crystals, and more electronics than any room we've built.
Up to 6 players
Join the waitlistPricing
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.
Gift cards available — a solid gift for anyone who'd rather have an experience than another thing. Learn more.
Planning a birthday? Every birthday booking includes an exclusive swag bag for the guest of honor — a $50 value curated by our partner shop Raven's Cauldron around their zodiac sign. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Crooked Cottage from Ohio State?
About 20 miles north of campus via US-23 — roughly 25 minutes depending on traffic. Free parking directly at the building in downtown Delaware when you arrive.
Is it worth the drive from campus?
If you want a private, immersive experience that's genuinely different from anything on or near campus — yes. Every room is a private booking in a real historic Victorian building, and the experience holds up for groups who take escape rooms seriously and groups who've never done one before.
Are bookings 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 accept walk-ins?
Online booking required. We do not accept walk-ins. Book in advance at the link above to reserve your time slot.
Can we book multiple rooms for a larger group?
Yes — we can accommodate up to 38 players across all five rooms simultaneously. Reach out before booking and we'll help coordinate the best setup for your group.
Is there anything to do in Delaware after our session?
Downtown Delaware has solid independent dining worth exploring after your session. Raven's Cauldron — our partner crystal and gift shop at 6 N Sandusky St — is a short walk away and worth a visit.