With Prehistoric Artifacts, This Small Town Museum In Virginia Is A True Hidden Gem

When you think of prehistoric artifacts, you probably envision the Museum of National History in Washington, D.C. Yet fewer people realize there's actually a small-town museum right here in Virginia boasting a fascinating collection of these ancient artifacts. The Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltville promises to capture your fascination and imagination. Here's more on why you should plan a trip to this hidden gem in Southwestern Virginia.

Welcome to the Museum of the Middle Appalachians! Tucked away in the beautiful town of Saltville, this interactive museum will take you on a fascinating journey through time — starting with the Ice Age!

The museum is home to thirteen fascinating exhibits. As you make your way through them, you'll begin to understand that each significant cultural and geologic event in this region has ties to salt.

As you might have guessed from the name, Saltville is home to several salt marshes. Since 1780, salt has been continuously mined from the area.

Saltville was once part of a region covered by a vast sea. When the climate changed and the sea evaporated, large deposits of salt and gypsum were buried within the limestone and shale layers.

You'll be delighted to discover full-size casts of a mastodon, woolly mammoth skull, and a giant beaver, all of which have been uncovered in Saltville.

Salt played a crucial role prior to European settlement, too, when species from the last Ice Age would gather essential nutrients from the marshes.

It won't be long before you realize that Saltville is positively brimming with cultural and geological treasures.

Plus, the current admission price is just $5 for adults and $3 for kids. If you have a spare hour or two, this museum promises to be worth your while!

Have you ever visited the Museum of the Middle Appalachians? If so, feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!

For a detailed overview of what you can expect when you visit the Museum of the Middle Appalachians, watch the video below: