STRATACA – A salt mine adventure

While we were on vacation in the US we went with some of our friends to a salt mine.  This salt mine is considered one of the 7 wonders of Kansas.  It is called STRATACA.  We had a blast.  Our friends, Heide and Alicia took us there.  After registering, we were briefed on safety, and then we entered the elevator.  We went down 650 feet under the ground, and it was total darkness in the elevator.  It was a blast.

A Elevator Model

At the bottom, we explored around the various exhibits about salt and salt mining.  We saw the old machinery and large chunks of salt.  We learned about salt, how it is used and mined.  We rode a underground train that the miners used to use.  We also took another tram-type ride where we were able to pick up pieces of salt as souvenirs.   We saw the old boxes that had previously had dynamite in them. 

Different Sizes of Salt

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The saying is, “what goes down into the mine, stays in the mine” meaning cars, trash, and all kinds of things stay underground.  The funny thing is that the salt mine atmosphere causes some things to rust badly and other things to be well preserved. 

We learned a lot and it was a lot of fun.  I would recommend it to anyone that might want to check it out.  Even my mother who doesn’t like heights or depths enjoyed herself. 

On the train ride

Instead of making concrete to drive on, and hauling down sand, which would take time and money they just use ground up salt and call it salt-crete.

Waiting for the elevator

Some more salt