My Corner Online

Shawnee Saltpeter Cave

We visited Saltpeter Cave on June 6, 2001 located at 3747 IL-127 Murphysboro, Illinois. It is under new ownership and is now Shawnee Cave Amphitheater and only open for special events with concerts in the cave. We had camped for cubscouts at Lake Murphysboro and as we were driving down Highway 127 we saw a sign and pulled in. The gate was open, but I do not remember there being a single sole around. We explored and were a little intimidated grabbing the paddle boats, not knowing if they were safe or if we were allowed to use them, but all turned out well and we had a great time in the boats.

I understand that the place has had annual concerts from the 1950's through the 1970's.

My husband, oldest son, and youngest son, took one paddle boat and, below, my middle son and I were in another boat, while another mom, Susan, and her two sons were in a third boats.