When you think of mines, you might picture cramped, dusty caves with narrow, claustrophobic tunnels. However, with a 17-mile lake in the lower portion of its cave, the Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri creates a much bigger and more wonderful space to explore.
Founded in 1860, Bonne Terre Mine was the world's largest lead producer until it shut down in 1962.
It is one of the largest man-made caverns in the world and offers one of the best mine tours in Missouri.
Back in its heyday, the mine was part of the Southeast Missouri District that produced 70 percent of the United States' lead at one point.
This historic mine in Missouri was one of the earliest deep-earth lead mines anywhere. It is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. If you're looking for one of the best Missouri mine tours, you've just found it.
Much of Bonne Terre's mining history has been preserved and even the train depot still remains.
Mining in Missouri boasts a rich history, some of which you can experience at Bonne Terre Mine.
Feel free to take your time enjoying this intriguing lead mine in Missouri by staying at the Bonne Terre Depot Bed and Breakfast. Guests can even stay in the historic train car suites to get a true vintage feel.
Visitors can spend the night at the depot's bed and breakfast. The depot was built in 1909 and renovated in 1989. It offers rooms, great food, and even a reception venue.
Once in the mine, you may choose to take a walking or boat tour or scuba dive into the cave's waters.
For a unique tour in Missouri, check out the Bonne Terre Underground Boat Tour. Sail along the world's largest subterranean lake. The Underground Boat and Walking Tour lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.
The lower portion of the mines forms a one-billion-gallon, seventeen-mile-long lake.
We definitely won't find a more unique mine tour in Missouri.
Scuba divers are able to explore abandoned remnants from the old mines.
Diving tours are available, too. With proof of diving certification, you can choose one of many packages to see this incredible mine from down below.
During the walking tour, you'll get to walk through the tunnels that miners created using only shovels and picks.
Come see "One of America’s Top 10 Greatest Adventures," as listed by National Geographic. A historic mine in Missouri, the Bonne Terre Mine promises a fun adventure.
The Bonne Terre Mine has become a travel destination for people all over the world. In fact, National Geographic named it one of the "Top 10 Diving Resorts" in the world in 2018. Whether walking the mine or taking a dive into its incredible subterranean waters, this is sure to be an adventure you won't soon forget.
What are some of your favorite adventure spots in Missouri? Don't keep it a secret! Share it with us in the comments below.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!