Utah’s first human residents lived in cliff dwellings and caves. The Anasazi lived here as early as 1000 BC, and of course, dinosaurs roamed this land much earlier than that – as early as 225 million years ago. Luckily, Utahns have plenty of fossils, bones and artifacts that allow us to learn more about the rich history of the Beehive State. Take a look at this unique roadside attraction that lets you get up close to dinosaur tracks and Native American artifacts.
Travel along Route 89 just a few miles north of Kanab, and you can’t miss this sign on the side of the road.
Chuck B./tripadvisor
Pull over and you’ll see this sandstone cave. You won’t believe what you find inside.
Moqui Cave/Facebook
The cave was purchased in 1951 by the Chamberlain family, who set up a bar and dance hall. They eventually turned the cave into a museum.
MoquiCave/Facebook
The original bar, with its unique bar stools, still sits inside.
Patrick D./tripadvisor
Check out the bar top! You can’t get a drink here now, but you can admire the unique characteristics of the craftsmanship.
brenda1227/tripadvisor
The cave now serves as a museum, and it’s full of little treasures that are rich in history.
Timothy Y./tripadvisor
Take a look at the large collection of dinosaur tracks here - remnants of some of Kanab’s oldest residents.
Monkebones/tripadvisor
You’ll also find more than 1,000 Anasazi-Navajo artifacts, including arrowheads, tools and pottery.
brenda1227/tripadvisor
These pieces truly take you back to a time when native peoples worked and lived here. Archaeologists believe that the Anasazi used this cave for food storage as long ago as AD 500. The cave maintains a temperature of 60 degrees, year-round.
IslandPrincess09/tripadvisor
The museum has some cool pioneer artifacts. This old 40-70 Winchester was found near Kanab Creek. This model was first manufactured in 1894.
Fallon F./tripadvisor
White settlers began attempting to found towns in this area in the mid 1850s. Moqui Cave has several odds and ends from the pioneer era.
makilot/tripadvisor
For a truly unique experience, step into the dark room that’s full of fluorescent rocks and minerals.
Monkebones/tripadvisor
The little gift shop is a great place to find some unique gifts.
Gadaboututah/tripadvisor
You can find native pottery, turquoise jewelry and other hand-crafted, locally-made gifts.
Szafirek/tripadvisor
Lex and Lee Anne own and operate Moqui Cave now, continuing the tradition of Lex’s father, Garth.
Randal A/tripadvisor Visit Moqui Cave Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Have you visited Moqui Cave? What’s your favorite thing inside?
Chuck B./tripadvisor
Moqui Cave/Facebook
MoquiCave/Facebook
Patrick D./tripadvisor
brenda1227/tripadvisor
Timothy Y./tripadvisor
Monkebones/tripadvisor
IslandPrincess09/tripadvisor
Fallon F./tripadvisor
makilot/tripadvisor
Gadaboututah/tripadvisor
Szafirek/tripadvisor
Randal A/tripadvisor
Visit Moqui Cave Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Want to explore a little more? Take a look at these 7 Bizarre Utah Roadside Attractions.
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