6 Montana Smiths: Hole in the Rock-NOT

While doing research on area attractions, I notice that there was a place called Hole in the Rock. I pondered what a great opportunity it would be for our boys to visit the infamous Hole in the Rock that was made passable by undaunted pioneers who were called to move to the San Juan area. So I was excited when the map showed it was only 5 miles south of Moab. However, it turned out to not be the famous pioneer landmark, but a quirky little home that was literally a Hole in the Rock. It is a total tourist trap and so NOT worth the price of the tour, but there were some fun sights outside. Here is a little history and some photos. . .

"Travelers along U.S. Highway 191 in Southwestern Utah are amazed to discover this historic 5,000 square foot home which began taking shape almost a century ago by the Christensen family. What began as a small alcove for the young Christensen boys to sleep in at night grew into a man-made engineering marvel 20years in the making. A fireplace with a 65 foot chimney, 14 rooms arranged around huge pillars and a deep bathtub built into the rock delight visitors who visit this most unusual home in the dessert. Original furnishings, Albert's paintings, Gladys's doll collection and many of the tools used to create this home remind you of the past.

In a 12 year period Albert excavated 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone from the rock. During this time he completed his famous painting Sermon on the Mount and his sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the face of the rock above his home."

If you look closely at the photo above, you can see this very creepy looking stuffed donkey by the window. Apparently this donkey was used to haul out the rock after the blasting. And, yes, by the way, it is a creepy as it looks!!!