Moqui Cave facts for kids
Moqui Cave entrance
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| Location | Kanab, Utah |
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| Type | museum |
| Owner | Chamberlain family |
Moqui Cave is a unique place in southern Utah, United States. It is a large space dug out of sandstone. You can find it about 5 miles north of Kanab, right along U.S. Route 89. Today, it is a fun museum and a popular spot for visitors.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "Moqui" comes from an old word. Some people thought it referred to an ancient tribe. This tribe was believed to live in the Anasazi-Hopi areas long ago.
The name "Moqui" was also used for strange, round rocks called "moqui marbles." These rocks are found in the Navajo Sandstone Formation. For the cave, the name is more about old stories than the rocks or the Hopi people.
A Look Back in Time
Early Uses of Moqui Cave
Archaeological digs show that Anasazi people used Moqui Cave a long time ago. They might have used it as a shelter. It could also have been a place to store food.
White settlers found the cave again in the 1800s. Later, in the 1920s, it had a secret use. During a time called Prohibition, it was a hidden place for people to gather.
Moqui Cave Becomes a Museum
In 1951, Laura and Garth Chamberlain bought the cave. They opened it as a tavern and dance hall in 1952. Over time, it grew into a popular tourist spot and museum. The Chamberlain family still owns it today.
What You Can See Inside
Moqui Cave is now a museum with many interesting things. You can explore different collections.
Amazing Rock and Fossil Displays
The museum has a large collection of rocks. Some of these rocks are called fluorescent minerals. They glow under special lights! You can also see fossils here. These include ancient dinosaur tracks. Scientists believe these tracks are over 140 million years old.
Ancient Artifacts and Art
You can learn about early people who lived in the area. The museum displays American Indian artifacts. These include pottery and spear points. There are also exhibits about the Anasazi people. You can learn about the Ancestral Puebloan people too.
The Historic Saloon
Inside the museum, you can still see parts of the old tavern. The original mosaic bar-top is there. The bar stools from the 1950s are also still in place. Behind the bar, you can find many "moqui marbles." These are the round rocks that share the cave's name.
Where is Moqui Cave?
Moqui Cave is located along U.S. Route 89. It is about 5 miles north of Kanab. The cave goes about 200 feet deep. It is dug into a Navajo Sandstone formation. This formation is at the bottom of Three Lakes Canyon.
It is important to know that Moqui Cave is not a natural cave. It was actually a sand mine. People dug out the sand to make glass. While the area has real Native American history, the cave itself was made by people.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva de Moqui para niños
