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Niter Ice Cave

A lava tube cooled to form this long tunnel that stays chilly even at the height of summer.

Grace, Idaho

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About

An opening of an ice cave made from molten rock was mentioned in 1898 when a settler family used it to store milk and butter. The entire cave was formed by lava some 500,000 years ago. 

Today, Niter Ice Cave is mostly a roadside attraction. It's located about a hundred yards from the main road, and a painted sign announces its location. You can usually find a few icicles forming where water drips down from the top of the cave.

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Know Before You Go

The steps tend to be wet or icy, use caution when entering the cave.

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Published

February 1, 2024

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Caves Geological Oddities Ice Ice Caves

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