Giant Dome - Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico - The World's Largest Stalagmite

Located within the "Hall of Giants'' in the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the largest stalagmite ever discovered - the so-called Giant Dome. It measures a full 16 feet in diameter and stands 62 feet high next to two smaller columns known as the Twin Domes.

The Giant Dome is made of limestone. It was formed over the course of 60 million years by mineral-bearing water dripping from the 285-foot ceiling of the Big Room. Because it is tilted at an angle, many say the Giant Dome resembles Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. Others have likened the enormous mineral projection to a pedestal of coral.

The Giant Dome can be visited from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm. The rest of the year, access is suspended at 3:30pm. And like the rest of Carlsbad Caverns, no admittance is allowed on Christmas Day.

The cost of entrance is $6 for adults and free for those 15 years old and under. Passes are valid for three days from the date of issue. The address of Carlsbad Caverns National Park is 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220.