Civil Defense Caves

Each year when we go to Saint Anthony for our annual sand getaway I try to find something of interest to do as a side trip. We have been to Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Tetons, Bear World, and taken numerous sightseeing drives. This year we went to an area in the desert abundant with lava tubes. One of the larger tubes is known as the Civil Defense Cave, though no one knows for sure why. When you first come upon it, it is hardly noticeable and as you walk up to it, it is fairly unspectacular. But then, as you reach the entrance, you realize just how incredible this cave really is, not to mention cold. The day we visited the cave it was 86 degrees as we descended toward the entrance, as we stood at the entrance we could actually see our breath. We also realized just how massive this thing is! If you click on the last picture to enlarge it you will see Dave and Cody venturing into the cavern. Shelby and I opted to wait on the outside where it was a little warmer and brighter. (We didn't have the right shoes on :( )