“One of America's "10 greatest adventures!"”
One of the world’s largest man-made caverns, founded in 1860 as one of history’s earliest deep-earth lead mines. This was the world’s largest producer of lead ore until it was closed in 1962. The mine has five levels. Not suitable for service animals. The two upper levels are lighted and used for one-hour, guided walking tours along the old mule trails, showing were miners dug with pick and shovel in the 1860s. (Tour includes a 65-step staircase, in and out.) The mine is a constant 65-degrees, year-round; never affected by the weather. The lower three levels form a one billion gallon, seventeen-mile long lake, illuminated by more than 500,000 watts of stadium lighting above the water’s surface. Boat tours are available on the crystal clear water, with spectacular views of the abandoned shafts and equipment below. The mine is home to the largest fresh water scuba diving venue in the world. (Diving reservations are required.) The clear, 58-degree water, illuminated from above, affords divers visibility more than 100 feet down. Diving is conducted in groups of nine, always accompanied by two guides. Located one hour south of St. Louis, off of Route 67.
This place was superb. I would recommend that you go on the weekend though, as that is when the divers go and they turn on the underwater lights.
A little expensive but the kids loved it
Do not be fooled when you pull up! It seems underwhelming from the parking lot but its Awesome inside! Super cool tour and very interesting.
I have visited this place in the past and it truly is amazing to see.
This place is amazingly beautiful! The cave is huge and the water are crystal clear. The cave sculpture is stunning. The tour was really amazing. It's one of the most unforgettable caving tours I've ever had. It was like I'm dreaming because of it's breathtaking views. The guides were also great. I highly recommend the tour.
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Bonne Terre Mine
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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