If ever you should decide to drive out west from New England, there are many obvious "must-sees", but there are also many attractions that are off the beaten path, and are not well known. In my first endeavor toward the wild west, I made sure to pack as many attractions into my week long drive as I possibly could. Though this was not my first stop, it was certainly the most hidden. Niagara Cave in the small town of Harmony, Minnesota is a true gem hidden deep within the cornfields in Amish Country. To get there is a true treasure hunt, and though it may seem futile, once you get there it is certainly worth it.

Taking Route 90W is the most direct route across the northern states from the Northeast. It is mostly straight, long, and fast. About one fifth of the way across the eastern border of Minnesota, you will veer off of Route 90 and begin your journey on small state roads towards the Iowa border. A combination of several roads including routes 43, 52, 16, and ultimately 30 will bring you to this needle in a haystack. For the majority of the time, you will find yourself double guessing your directions, because for miles traveling on a grid of dirt roads, all you see are giant fields of corn with scattered farm houses. You will know that you are getting closer when the farm houses begin to have horse and carriages rather than cars. If you notice the people are dressed in a way that you are not used to, it is a good sign. You have entered Amish territory and you are close to your destination! There is almost a guarantee that you will drive by the entrance several times before realizing it. There is no real sign out front, and the building is hardly visible from the street. Your best clue is to look for the only driveway that is paved. If you see it, turn in and you will see the giant "Niagara Cave" sign out front.

There is one catch to going to this place. The only way to see it is via guided tours, which have a set schedule. If you are going in the summer, you are all set; guided tours will begin about every 15 minutes. If, however, you are traveling off season, make sure to check the website and leave yourself ample time to find the location so you don't miss the tour! We were about ten minutes late, but luckily, the patrons at Niagara Cave are more than accommodating and halted the tour until we could catch up!

We paid the inexpensive tour fee in the gift shop, and were guided to the end of the narrow hallway to the top of a dark and scary looking stairwell that descended into cold darkness. We trekked thirty feet underground and caught up with the rest of the tour, which happened to be just two other people. The tour guide greeted us with the same courtesy as the gift shop employee before picking up right where he left off. He pointed out stalactites and stalagmites, while explaining the difference and giving interesting facts about how they are formed. Every so often we would stop for him to point out one of several fossils that have been dated as far back as 400 million years ago!

Turning a corner, we reach an altar with several rows of white chairs and a cathedral ceiling. (Perhaps ceiling is not the right word to describe the roof of a cave.) The guide explained that over 400 weddings have been performed in this underground chapel. The interesting part about the weddings is that they have been performed for couples of all faiths including Christians, Buddhists, and Mormons!

Towards the end of a fact-filled tour, the guide offers to give us the natural experience of a cave and turns out the lights. With absolutely no sunlight reaching the depths of Niagara Cave, it is complete blackout. It is an experience that only a cave and the deepest of oceans can give you. Though there is absolutely nothing in these caves to fear; being underground in absolute darkness gives you an eery feeling. It is definitely an opportunity not to pass up.

Before returning to the familiar light of day, the tour ends at a magnificent 60 foot, underground waterfall. It is mysterious and a wonder; a sight not to miss. For $10.50, and the chance to see one of the country's top ten caves, it is worth the hassle of finding the place. Not only is Niagara Cave a fun, informative and entertaining place, it helps to break up what is otherwise a very monotonous part of the country. Niagara Cave is most certainly a destination that should be included in any road trip out west.