Even though the end of the world or World War III hasn’t happened yet, it’s been something that many Americans have planned for by creating underground shelters for decades. That includes former President John F. Kennedy, who at the time of his presidency was inspired by the Cuban Missile Crisis to build a fallout safe house for himself and a couple of thousand other citizens if an attack ever happened, and what place would be better for that than at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?
JFK believed that the bottom of this national monument would be invulnerable to any form of an attack, so he found a nice little nook 220 feet below the surface to build his 200ft x 400ft x 70ft room surrounded by 65 million years old walls.
In preparation for a large-scale bomb attack, Kennedy made sure to stock up the cave with lots of food that would be able to take care of up to 2,000 people for a month. Thanks to the super dry, zero underground humidity climate, these edibles are still usable to this day. Because of these conditions, no other form of life (rats and pests included) can survive living at this depth to ruin the stash either.
As for amenities, the lounge area has a television, record player, beds, and a library to ensure the comfort of those who were stuck the 22 stories under the Earth. In addition to that, this special suite even has running water, but only because several hundreds of gallons are brought down to the cave by hand.
These days, the Grand Canyon Caverns shelter is a popular tourist spot that welcomes lots of travelers each year to come and explore the depths of this subsurface room. In fact, for $1,000 a night, up to six people can rent one of the deepest, darkest, quietest hotel room in the world. Book the underground suite for an overnight adventure, which includes two queen beds and a fold-down futon. It also has a fully functioning RV-style bathroom, kitchenette, microwave, and small refrigerator. Just be aware that during tour hours, there is limited privacy and lots of curious visitors will stop by to get a look at the room for themselves!
Your Cavern Suite stay can be enhanced with a catered dinner and/or breakfast option. There’s even a secret Cavern Grotto dining experience. Reservations are required at this hidden gem, but it’s worth it to experience one of the most unique dining spots in the United States!
For booking and tour info, head to the official website for the Grand Canyon Caverns.
