Arizona still has a few hundred active mines, but the industry's heyday is nothing more than a distant memory. Our state's mining history is far too rich to let fade into oblivion, which is exactly why tours like this one exist. Copper Queen Mine, where some of the largest copper amounts in the world were found, lets curious visitors descend 1,500 feet underground into its depths. The tour guides are all former mineworkers, so rest assured you're in for an authentic experience.
With a population of just over 5,000, Bisbee is a charming town deeply rooted in Arizona's rich mining history.
Although the town has been a hub for artists and other counterculture types since the 1960s, its origins are far more rustic. Before shuttering in 1975, the mines beneath Bisbee's Mule Mountains produced nearly $6.1 billion (a pre-inflation figure!) of metals—the copper ore, in particular, was among the largest amounts extracted anywhere in the world.
Copper Queen Mine, so named because of the unfathomable riches discovered within it, was operated by the Phelps Dodge Corporation.
Chuck Eads, mayor of Bisbee when Copper Queen shut down, had a vision of keeping the town's mining origins alive and relevant by offering public tours of the underground shafts. Working with Phelps Dodge, Eads was able to make that dream a reality in 1976, just one year after the closure.
Visitors from all over the world flock to Bisbee for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Donning a hardhat, headlamp, and yellow slicker, you'll hop on an authentic mine trolley and head into the abyss. Tours are given seven days a week, departing from the Queen Mine Tour building immediately south of Old Bisbee’s business district.
All of the tour guides are former Phelps Dodge employees, so you'll hear a firsthand account of what it was like to work in the mine.
Descending 1,500 feet below the surface, the trolley squeezes through corridors that seem to get narrower with each passing minute. If you're claustrophobic, consider keeping your eyes closed during this part of the adventure.
Upon arriving down in the mine, there's so much to see.
Not much has changed, even after all these years. Apart from clearing out fallen rock and re-timbering the old workings, the mine remains in largely original condition.
Pictured here is where miners would "clock in" for their shift.
The bell was used to give various signals to the other workers, and their corresponding meanings are listed on the chart. This would be a good point to ask your tour guide some questions—surely they have at least one story where things went awry and the "danger" signal had to be sounded.
Workers had to use this elevator to navigate the mine.
Surely it was less rusted during Copper Queen's heyday—we hope—but it still gives off horror movie vibes.
You'll also have the opportunity to see lots of neat mining equipment and other old relics.
Believe it or not, this is the toilet workers had to use while underground.
On your way out, peruse all the rare and amazing treasures in the gift shop.
Whether you want a piece of real Arizona petrified wood or the most eye-popping quartzite you've ever seen, it's impossible to leave empty-handed.
The tour costs $14 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 6-12. Kids under age 5 are not permitted underground. Reservations are required, and you can make them online. Visit the mine's website or Facebook page to learn more and/or book your spot.
Have you ever taken a tour of Copper Queen Mine? If so, let us know all about the experience!
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