Moqui Cave, Lake Powell Travel Guide

Moqui Cave is a unique and captivating roadside attraction located on Highway 89, about 5.5 miles north of Kanab, Utah. This isn't your typical cave; it's a blend of natural history museum, a glimpse into local history, and a Southwestern gift shop.Originally, the cave was used by Anasazi people as a shelter or food store. In the 1920s, it served as a speakeasy during Prohibition. In 1951, Garth and Laura Chamberlain purchased the cave, transforming it into a dance hall and bar. Live bands played on weekends, and it became a popular spot for locals and even visiting Hollywood stars filming Westerns in the area.When the Chamberlains ceased the concerts, Moqui Cave transitioned into a museum. Garth Chamberlain, with his background in Geology, Archaeology, and Paleontology, began displaying his extensive collections. Today, you can explore exhibits featuring Native American artifacts, including pottery, arrowheads, and tools. Dinosaur enthusiasts will be thrilled by the collection of dinosaur tracks, estimated to be over 140 million years old. One of the highlights is the fluorescent mineral display, one of the largest in the U.S., showcasing minerals that glow under ultraviolet light.Don't miss the original bar, complete with its mosaic bar-top and tree-stump stools, a relic from its dance hall days. The museum also displays records and photographs relating to the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the United Order. The Chamberlain family has owned and operated Moqui Cave for over 50 years. A visit to Moqui Cave offers a cool respite from the Utah heat, with temperatures inside remaining below 65 degrees.