Unique Things to do in Idaho: Idaho’s Mammoth Cave

Idaho, often known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor experiences, harbors an awe-inspiring secret beneath its rugged terrain – Idaho’s Mammoth Cave.

This hidden gem, nestled in the desert landscape of Southern Idaho near the town of Shoshone, isn’t just a geological wonder of a fiery past but a treasure trove of history, adventure, and beauty. As you embark upon a journey through its underground passageway, you will uncover a volcanic legacy going back millions of years while gaining a better understanding of the destructive forces of nature that shape our world. As one of the most fascinating and unique things to do in Idaho, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is a mesmerizing underground landscape that offers a rare glimpse into our planet’s dynamic history.

The Geological Marvel of Idaho’s Mammoth Cave

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is one of the largest lava tube caves open to the public. Formed millions of years ago when the land was rocked by a violent volcanic eruption, rivers of molten lava flowed out of the depths of the earth, filling the valley with lava estimated to have been 600 feet deep. During this time, the outer surface of one of these rivers cooled while the molten lava beneath it flowed on, leaving behind a hollow tube that created this rare and stunning cave.

Over time, many different species of animals began using the cave for shelter, including the extinct short-faced bear, cougars, birds, and bats. The bones of other animals including camels, buffalo, and little horses, have also been found within its dirt floor.

Millennia later, many Shoshone and Bannock tribes used the cave to escape harsh weather conditions and store vital resources. Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is also an ecological wonder of ancient life that contains a rare growth on its walls called cyanobacteria, which are ancient living organisms that date back billions of years when the earth’s climate was vastly different. Today, these organisms, along with other mineral deposits, give the cave an otherworldly appearance, painting its walls with the striking colors of pure silver, gold, and red.

The Man Behind the Discovery

Richard Arthur Olsen, a name synonymous with Idaho’s Mammoth Cave, discovered this hidden wonder in 1954 while bobcat hunting in the area.

“I was with my high school sweetheart Vinita, and I talked her into exploring the cavern with just a single flashlight. As my excitement and imagination grew, expecting to find treasure at any moment. Vinita, scared and unhappy, cried the whole way in and the whole way out.” – Richard Arthur Olsen.

His adventurous spirt and love for history and the outdoors led him to share this marvel with the world. Olsen’s dedication extended beyond the massive cavern having founded the Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of History, each showcasing a vast collection of natural history specimens, fossils, antiques, and cultural artifacts from around the world. As a taxidermist, Olsen was skilled in the art of preserving and displaying wildlife and the majority of the animals on display are the result of his own hard work and dedication. As one of the largest, privately owned museums in the Northwest, the site has been nicknamed the “Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it one of the most unique things to do in Idaho.

A Cold War Shelter that Vowed to Protect the Community

During the Cold War, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave took on a new role as a potential nuclear fallout shelter. It was rated 1,000+ by the Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services, receiving the highest score for nuclear fallout protection. That’s when the Lincoln County Civil Defense director in Shoshone enlisted Olsen’s help to build a platform inside the cave to hold enough food and water for thousands of people in case the unthinkable happened.

Rations of crackers, candy, wafers, toilet paper, water, and carbohydrate supplements were stocked to last over 8,000 people for two weeks. At the time, Olsen was told that if disaster struck, prevailing winds would sweep radioactive fallout to the Lincoln County area within two to three hours after a nuclear blast over the nearby mountain Home Air Force Base, located 75 miles west of Idaho’s Mammoth Cave. While the cave was never used for this purpose, and the supplies for nuclear survivors are long gone, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave remains a potential fallout shelter for nearby residents of Blaine Camas and Lincoln County if needed.

A Peacock Paradise

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave isn’t just about awe-inspiring geological formations; it’s a desert paradise for peacock lovers. Imagine wandering through a dazzling display of free-roaming peacocks, unbothered by human presence. These birds, with their beautiful feathers and majestic strut, bring a burst of color and life to the cave’s surroundings. It’s particularly enchanting in the summer when the area is filled with the flutter of peacock chicks. Watching these adorable youngsters explore their world is a heartwarming sight and a photographer’s dream. The peacocks, strutting around with their splendid tails fanned out, create a lively and picturesque atmosphere that’s simply unforgettable.

But the avian charm of Idaho’s Mammoth Cave doesn’t stop with peacocks. The site is also home to two friendly emus who have become local celebrities. These gentle giants are well-known for stealing the spotlight with their quirky antics. As a visitor, you’ll get a kick out of feeding them grain from your hands, an interaction that’s as thrilling for adults as it is for children. The emus’ curious and approachable nature makes them a hit among guests, adding another layer of joy to this unique thing to do in Idaho.

Visiting Idaho’s Mammoth Cave – Unique Things to Do in Idaho

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is more than just a geological formation; it’s a living museum, a historical archive, and a testament to one man’s passion for nature and history. Its stark beauty, combined with the rich tapestry of stories it holds, makes it a must-visit destination in Southern Idaho, offering a unique and enriching experience for all who venture into its depths.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a unique, family-friendly adventure, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave promises an unforgettable experience. Want to learn more? Visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382 and start planning your Southern Idaho adventure.

Quick Facts About Visiting Idaho’s Mammoth Cave

As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is a seasonal business that is open to the public from May – October each year.

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on the scenic State Highway 75.

There is an established trail, and lanterns are provided. If you have flashlights, they are always good to bring along.

Wearing a light jacket is recommended. The self-guided tour takes about 1/2 hour. You walk about 1/4 mile in and 1/4 mile out.

Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under, and children under 5 years old are free. Admission includes all three attractions – cave tour, Shoshone Bird Museum, and Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History.