Moqui Cave

By Dixie Brunner

At first glance, travelers might surmise that Moqui Cave is a unique attraction, but a visit will quickly resolve any doubt! Moqui Cave, located just five miles north of Kanab on Highway 89, is a museum of artifacts, fossils and history, depicting life in southern Utah spanning the centuries. The cave’s history is as interesting as the artifacts contained within. A cool room in the back once housed a fully- operational tavern, where those wanting to imbibe could hide their “devil’s brew” from prohibitionists. Laura and Garth Chamberlain purchased the cave in 1951, rescuing it from years of nonuse. Putting a distinctively memorable dinosaur entryway on the front, the cave attracted curious travelers to investigate the unusual museum. The Chamberlains, along with their five children who helped operate the cave, worked hard at making Moqui Cave a first class tourist attraction. That same goal is continued today by Garth’s son and daughter-in-law, Lex and Lee Anne Chamberlain. A new cliff dwelling facade welcomes tourists to take a historical tour into the museum, with host Lex providing fascinating historical commentary. Your imagination will be piqued when you enter the cool sandstone cave and see the large collection of dinosaur tracks that once inhabited the area. The cave also boasts one of the largest fluorescent and fossil mineral displays in the country. Exhibits include more than 1,000 arrowheads, ceremonial points, jugs, pots, bowls and working tools of the Anasazi-Navajo for the “Ancient Ones” from centuries ago. Moqui Cave also has a gift store in a side sandstone chamber which features items for purchase including Indian arts and crafts, kachina dolls, rugs, pottery and turquoise. During the summer season, hours are 9 a.m to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Bus tours are welcome. For more information on Moqui Cave, call (435) 644-8525 or log on to their website at www.moquicave.com.

 

 

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