One of Idaho’s best-kept secrets is the fact that we’re secretly home to some of the greatest wonders in the country, if not the entire world. From the largest river gorge in North America to a waterfall that’s higher than Niagara Falls, it’s a little-known fact just how amazing the Gem State is. For instance, few people realize the largest volcanic cave in the world is hiding in middle-of-nowhere Idaho. Known as the Mammoth Cave, this awe-inspiring natural wonder is a must for any adventurer.
Hiding out near the small town of Shoshone, Idaho is a natural wonder that every Idahoan should see at least once. The Mammoth Cave is true to its name. After all, it's considered the largest volcanic cave open to the public in the entire world.
Located eight miles north of town on the side of Highway 75, the Mammoth Cave looks more like a quirky roadside attraction rather than a record-breaking natural wonder. However, it isn't long before you realize just how impressive this cave is.
Describing itself as "The Biggest Show Under The Earth", any traveler would be remiss to drive past this place without taking a look. The cave is open to visitors 9:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week. Rates are just $10 for adults, $5 for ages 16 and under, and free for ages 6 and under.
The massive cave came into existence millions of years ago when a violent volcanic eruption occurred in the area. Rivers of lava flowed from the depths of the earth, filling a valley 600-feet deep with lava. One of the rivers got blocked off as lava continued to flow around it, leaving a hollow tube that would become the cave.
Thousands of years went by. Both wildlife and Stone Age-era humans would use the cave for shelter. It's where ancient humans commonly preserved their meats because of the cave's cool temperature.
It wasn't until 1954 that somebody (a man named Richard Olsen) gained a title to the cave and opened it for the world to see. People have traveled from all over to see it since. The government even asked Olsen in the 1960s if they could use the cave as a defensive shelter during the Cold War.
Although not an ice cave, the Mammoth Cave maintains a chilly temperature of 41 degrees year-round. At a quarter-mile long, trekking through the cave is simply an incredible experience.
Afterward, be sure to check out the adjoined Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History. The quaint museum is housed in a structure that was built out of lava rock over the course of 30 years, and the artifacts it contains are just as unique.
Inside the museum is thousands of eccentric items including stuffed animals, fossils, and historic artifacts from around the world. It may be a little quirky, but it's a perfectly weird addition to this little-known natural wonder. See it for yourself and explore one of Idaho's most bizarre yet impressive attractions!
Have you seen the largest volcanic cave in the world? It’s hard to believe more people don’t know just how impressive this cave is! Check out our list of The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho for more stunning destinations to add to your bucket list.
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