There’s A Giant Salt Mine Hiding Underneath This Small Texas Town

Most of us couldn't care less where salt comes from when we're sprinkling it on our food. Turns out, everyone's favorite table seasoning has deep roots planted right here in a tiny, unassuming East Texas town. See for yourself:

Nothing appears out of the ordinary when strolling down Main Street in this tiny East Texas community.

Home to just over 3,000 people, Grand Saline has everything you'd expect from a small town: historic buildings, friendly locals, and slow-paced living. That normalcy is exactly what makes its big secret so shocking.

A giant salt dome sits underneath Grand Saline, plunging over 16,000 feet into the earth.

It's been in use since the Civil War and is expected to last another 20,000 years.

This is The Salt Palace, a one-room museum dedicated to the town's primary industry.

It was first constructed in 1936 and has been rebuilt in the same location three different times.

Inside, you'll find old-fashioned salt shakers, historic photos of the mine, and tons more memorabilia.

Unfortunately, underground tours are not currently available.

Yes, the walls are completely made of salt! No visit is complete without an obligatory licking picture.

If that doesn't sound remotely appealing, you can take home a complimentary souvenir salt crystal instead. A much less sour memory indeed!

Get a taste of this unique historic landmark at 100 W. Garland St., Grand Saline, TX.

Admission is free and hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Did you know about the salt mine underneath Grand Saline? Have you ever been to The Salt Palace? Let us know!

For more small towns in Texas with big secrets, check out 11 Tiny Towns In Texas Where HUGE Things Happened.