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's a large cave carved into sandstone rock. You can find it about 5 miles north of Kanab, right along U.S. Route 89. Today, Moqui Cave is a fascinating museum. It holds many cool collections, from ancient artifacts to dinosaur tracks!
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "Moqui" comes from an old word. Some people believe it refers to an ancient tribe. This tribe might have lived in the same area as the Anasazi and Hopi people long ago.
The name is also linked to "moqui marbles." These are strange, round rocks found in the Navajo Sandstone. They look like marbles and are formed naturally. For the cave, the name mostly connects to old stories about the Moqui people.
A Look Back: Cave History
Moqui Cave has a long and interesting past.
Ancient Shelter
Long ago, the Anasazi people used this cave. They might have used it as a safe place to live. It could also have been a spot to store their food. Archeologists have found clues about their lives here.
Secret Gatherings
Later, in the 1800s, white settlers found the cave. In the 1920s, during a time when alcohol was not allowed, the cave became a "speakeasy." This was a secret place where people could gather and have fun.
A Museum is Born
In 1951, Laura and Garth Chamberlain bought the cave. They opened it as a tavern and dance hall the next year. Over time, it became a popular spot for visitors. It slowly changed into the tourist attraction and museum we know today.
Amazing Collections
The Moqui Cave museum has many cool things to see.
Rocks and Fossils
You can explore a large collection of rocks. Some of these rocks even glow under special lights! There are also fossils here. Fossils are the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Ancient Life
The museum displays pottery and spear points. These items show how early people lived. You can also see art and tools made by American Indian groups. One of the most exciting exhibits is the dinosaur tracks. Scientists believe these tracks are over 140 million years old!
Ancestral Puebloan Displays
There are special exhibits about the Anasazi people. These displays teach you about their history and culture. You can also learn about the Ancestral Puebloan people. They were another group who lived in this area long ago.
The Old Saloon
If you visit the saloon area, you'll see history. The original mosaic bar-top is still there. The bar stools from the old tavern days are also in place. Behind the bar, you can find many "moqui marbles" of different sizes.
Where is Moqui Cave?
The cave is located along U.S. Route 89. It's about 5 miles north of Kanab. The cave goes about 200 feet deep into a Navajo Sandstone rock formation. This formation is at the bottom of Three Lakes Canyon.
Not a Natural Cave
It's interesting 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 created by people. It was not formed by nature.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva de Moqui para niños
