This is an exceptionally well preserved meteor (impact) crater, although not the largest in the world as sometimes claimed. The crater was formed approximately 50,000 years ago by an explosion estimated to be the equivalent of 2.5 megatons of TNT, or 150 times the force of the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. The meteorite itself was estimated to be 150 feet across and weighed approximately 300,000 tons. Although most of the meteorite itself vaporized upon impact, large chunks of nickel-iron remnants have been found in the surrounding area. The site is privately owned, and includes a well-done visitor center with a number of interpretive exhibits and short trails to viewpoints.
This is in private property, so there's an entrance fee, but it does include a hike around the crater's rim. I did not do the hike because it was 100 degrees! But crater is great! The whole experience is nice! There's a visitor center, a movie, etc.. and the crater has various levels of decks/overlooks. Really great!
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