We invite you to participate in a most enjoyable, exciting, and historically educational experience by touring and learning the geological aspect of the BONNE TERRE MINES National Historic Site, “The Worlds Largest Man Made Caverns”, and one of history’s earliest “Deep Earth” Lead Mines. BONNE TERRE MINES is a leisurely one hour drive south from St. Louis, just off Highway 67 in the center of the Historic Mining Town of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and remains 62 degrees year-round. BONNE TERRE MINES was one of the earliest lead mines in Missouri, and was the worlds largest producer of lead ore. Mining at Bonne Terre began in 1860, and continued until 1962. The mine covers an underground area larger than the town of Bonne Terre, and consists of five levels. The lower three levels form a seventeen mile long illuminated Underground “Billion Gallon Lake” which was filmed and dived by Jacques Cousteau, and is home of the worlds largest inland SCUBA diving resort. Boat Tours are available on the “Billion Gallon Lake”. The two upper levels of the Mine are lighted and used for one hour guided Walking Tours along the old Mule Trails. BONNE TERRE MINES has been featured in publications such as the ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH, WASHINGTON POST, NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, PEOPLE MAGAZINE, LOS ANGELES TIMES, CHICAGO SUN TIMES, SKIN DIVER MAGAZINE, and Jr. High geography text books. The MINE has been the subject of local, national, and international TV shows, and is featured in JACQUES COUSTEAU MISSISSIPPI RIVER ADVENTURE, DISCOVER CHANNEL, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, CBS THIS MORNING, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LEARNING CHANNEL, and many others.
TYPES OF TOURS: 1. WALKING TOURS...A one hour guided walking tour through the first and second levels of the Mine along the old Mule Trail, showing were miners dug with pick and shovel in the 1800’s, the earliest shaft dug in 1864, Huge Pillar Rooms, Grand Canyon, Billion Gallon Lake, Trout Pond, Underground Flower Gardens, Beautiful Calcite Falls, and Ancient Abandoned Mining Tools, and Rail Systems. ADULTS $12.00 UNDER 11 $6.00. 2. BOAT TOURS...(Includes Walking Tour) A guided tour by boat, of the BILLION GALLON LAKE with its crystal clear water, and spectacular view of the largest parts of the Mine, No.1 Elevator, Submerged Ore Carts, Wrapped Pillars, and Ancient Abandoned Overhead Wooden Cat Walks suspended 50-100 feet above the LAKE. ALL AGES $17.50..Offered on weekends only unless by special arrangement 3. SCUBA DIVING…”DIVE TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH”. BONNE TERRE MINE is the world’s largest fresh water diving resort. Diving conditions remain constant with over 100+ foot visibility and 58 degree water temperatures year-round!! Diving is conducted in groups of 9 divers by 2 dive guides on one of 24 different dive trails, illuminated from above the water with over 500,000 watts of stadium lighting…SCUBA DIVING on Weekends only by prepaid reservations You must be a certified diver…Contact: WEST END DIVING at 314-209-7200 | More Info: Bonne Terre Mines