bonne terre mines tours

Bonne Terre Mine Tours - West End Diving

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Find your next adventure at the world’s largest freshwater dive resort.

The historic Bonne Terre mine offers guided underground boat and walking tours and is open 7 days a week from mid-May to early September. Winter hours are limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. A 45-minute walking tour takes you through the section of the mine that was dug out by hand with shovels and pickaxes in the 1800s. During the boat tour, you will see the largest parts of the mine and see what it is like to float on the beautiful crystal clear subterranean lake. The walking tour is included in the purchase of a boat tour ticket, and group rates are available for groups sizes over 20 people. 

For those who know how to scuba dive, feel free to enjoy a breathtaking dive in the Billion Gallon Lake inside the mine. You will find consistent diving conditions year-round, which makes trip planning very flexible. There are 24 different diving trails that average 40 to 60-foot depths. Be sure to bring a GoPro to capture out of this world underwater photography during your trip. This is a unique full-service diving resort that you have to see to believe.  

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Bonne Terre Mine Tours - West End Diving

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Bonne Terre Mine Tours - West End Diving - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Bonne Terre Mine Tours - West End Diving

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Bonne Terre Mine Tours - West End Diving - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Exploration America

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Visiting Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri

Caves Historical Midwest Oddities

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Driving through Missouri you can’t miss the advertisements for Bonne Terre Mine – featured as the worlds largest subterranean lake – I was all in! A 150 year old underground billion gallon lake in the Midwest you can view on a boat ride? Strange enough for me to explore this cave in Missouri!

If you’ve poked around here at Exploration America at all you might have observed my fascination for caves and road trips in the USA! I can’t even tell you where it all began, except that growing up we did not travel – there was no such thing as a vacation for us. Except once – we took a 2 night cruise from Tampa to Key West – it was the highlight of my childhood.

Ever since I went to college and into my adult life I’ve chased adventures everywhere I can find them! So naturally, being a cave enthusiast, I had visiting the Bonne Terre mine in Missouri on my bucket list – I was just waiting for the right timing and the right road trip to take me through the area!

The actual tour of Bonne Terre Mine is a combined boat and walking tour with stairs so you’ll need to ensure you can physically handle the stairs and walk through the mine. It is not a strenuous walk however so if you can make it down the stairs and into a boat you will be ok. As with most caves, the mine is a constant 65-degrees temperature year-round.

My daughter was around age 6 or 7 when we took the last tour of the day at Bonne Terre mine as we stopped for a much needed break from the road!

If you’re taking younger kids, there is nothing scary, but I do recommend making sure they go potty and are well fed before you head down into the mines! Crying and screaming kids in a cave is a nightmare for everyone – trust me – I have experience with this!

The History of Bonne Terre Mine

I wish I wasn’t so tired from driving all day as we were driving from Chicago to Louisiana but the beginning of the walking tour leads you through their old mule entrance which was pretty awesome! You can see in the photo above some of the historic tools and equipment that they used in the mines when they were in use.

Bonne Terre Mine is a five level underground cavern created beginning in 1862 by the St. Joe Lead Company, of which produced 70% of lead in the United States at the time! They had to actually pump spring water out of the caves so they could safely mine. Today, the pumps of course have long been shut off causing the mine to flood – creating the world’s largest subterranean lake and the perfect hotspot for divers!

The lower three levels of the mine system form a seventeen mile long lake rich in history and exploration for tens of thousands of visitors each year. If you really want to dive deep into the history of the Bonne Terre Mine I recommend starting at this report here.  

Features on the Walking & Boat Tour

Once you pass through the former mule entrance, you’ll descend to 200 feet underground – taking a 65-step staircase (in and out). The walking portion of the tour is roughly a third of a mile long until you reach the dock of the Billion Gallon Lake (which is also where scuba divers begin their descent!)

Definitely a first for me out of the 40+ caves I have toured, there is an underground garden in the mine! YES – they are actually growing plants down there made possible by the addition of “grow lights”. It was pretty surreal and fascinating.

On the way to the boat dock you’ll see remnants of the mine’s past history like this ore cart and rail still sitting there looking like it was left to use for work the next day. You’ll be able to see where miners dug with pick and shovel in the 1860s and envision the work conditions they had to endure.

Compared to the typical show cave tours I’ve been on, you’ll immediately notice a different feel to this cave tour as it’s history is deep in industrial usage. But don’t let that deter you, the cave has had plenty of time to create some beautiful calcium deposits and waterfall areas to enjoy.

While I don’t focus on it in this post, you might notice above a row of yellow scuba tanks on the dock. In addition to walking and boat tours, people come from all over the world to dive more than 100 feet down into the mines making it the largest fresh water scuba diving venue in the world!

The water is a chilly 58 degrees but is well illuminated from above and for divers, tours are accompanied by two guides in groups of nine for safety. It’s even been visited by the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau!

Once you arrive at the boat docks you will be required to put on a life vest before boarding the pontoon boat which really only lasts for about 10 minutes.

While floating around the massive limestone pillars in a large unbelievably sized room you’ll easily be able to look down the side of the boat through the crystal clear water to view old mining equipment like an ore cart and abandoned tools. It was absolutely fascinating.

Overhead you’ll see abandoned wooden catwalks up to 100 feet above the lake! Unlike most caves you can tour in the Midwest, they actually have a fish left in the mine that our tour guide fed while we were there! She was great and let me daughter throw the food in which was pretty special!

Just a heads up that since you are constantly moving (at a slow pace) in a boat, taking pictures will be difficult even though the mine is well lit. You can see above the massive pillars holding up the mine ceiling. It was definitely a unique and awe-inspiring visit to Bonne Terre mine!

If you get the chance, I highly recommend staying nearby at unique locations like the Cave House in Stone Park , or sleep inside an old box car or the historic train depot at Bonne Terre!

Looking for other things to do in Missouri or other caves? Check out the posts below!

About Crystal

I'm the product of a family who never travelled and now I can't get enough! Please leave a comment or send me a message with some of your favorite lesser known places to visit - my bucket list in the USA is always expanding! My passion for travel motivated me to drag along my husband and 3 kids until now they are as eager as I am to hit the road! What should we visit near you?

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National Geographic calls Bonne Terre Mine: “One of America’s Top 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 Route 67.

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Bonne Terre Mine

Review Highlights

“ Brenton did a fun and enlightening tour to the underground phenomenon. ” in 3 reviews

“ After a 1/2 mile walking tour we were introduced to Bonnie, the lake's sole occupant, then we boarded a pontoon boat to explore the underground lake . ” in 2 reviews

“ Then jump on a pontoon boat and go deeper in the mine. ” in 2 reviews

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185 Park Ave

Bonne Terre, MO 63628

Serving Bonne Terre Area

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Specializing in: - Tourist Information & Attractions - Diving Instruction - Sports Instruction - Sporting Goods - Diving Equipment & Supplies …

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Looking for a Fun thing to do? Especially in this heat? Head to Bonne Terre Mines... it is a Cool 62 degrees all year around!! The Tour Guides are very knowledgeable and make the tour fun! It is Amazing how the miners back in the day worked underground. Now this is a walking tour with many steps. So if you can not do that then this is not for you.

See all photos from Jennifer M. for Bonne Terre Mine

Great place to visit! We had a great time and my 4 year old thought it was super cool! We will let other know how cool it is! The guide did a great job and was very welcoming.

Just had an awesome tour with Brenton. We will be back with the kids. So much detail on all the mining techniques and the minerals. Great boat tour and discussion on the movie and Red Bull event filmed here.they even have a garden.

One of the shafts

My family wasn't excited to visit the mine at first, but once we were there everyone thought it was cool. Levi gave a great tour filled with interesting information. It was really fun to take the short boat ride on the lake inside the mine. This was a really fun stop. We loved it!

just finished a weekend with Steve at Bonne Terre. excellent and challenging diving and a very helpful and fun crew.

Super cool!!! Our kids had a blast and learned a bunch! The boat tour was so much better than the walking tour. It was a little scary but we loved it.

Quaint little place. Easy to find. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful scenery. Tours every hour limited to about 20 people. Get there early to sign up.

I took my 3 kids ages 4, 8 and 10. They all had a great time. Dakota was our tour guide. He was super knowledgeable and friendly. The mine and lake were pretty amazing to see. I would highly recommend.

Really cool experience! Hidden gem just outside of STL. The largest underground lake is hidden in Bonne Terre, MO! Dakotah was an awesome tour guide!

We decided on a staycation this year and one of the places we visited was Bonne Terre Mine. It was very cool and I would recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for something a little different. It was 100° on the day we went so the 65° mine/cave felt amazing! We had a small tour group of only eight people so the tour felt really personal. The mine is slowwwwwly becoming a cave, so there are small stalactites and the very beginnings of stalagmites. The walking portion of the tour was interesting and informative. A lot more to see than I was expecting. There are a lot of cement steps leading down to the mine (and back up) so wear comfortable shoes. I also suggest taking a light jacket or sweatshirt. The pontoon boat tour was SO relaxing and beautiful. I could have stayed in the boat for hours. The water is crystal clear blue. AMAZING. There are restrooms a few buildings down from where to buy your tickets and I suggest using them before your tour begins. They sell bottled water and soft drinks, hoodies, tshirts, and other various things in the gift shop. All in all, a neat place to see. Highly recommend.

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Become a deep earth explorer at Bonne Terre Mine

Enjoy the eclipse and visit an underground wonder the very same day. bonne terre is in the zone of totality, so you'll get the best view of the eclipse and the unique experience of the billion gallon underground lake of bonne terre mine. click on the button above to make your reservation.

"Unearth Adventure Beneath the Surface: Explore Bonne Terre

Welcome to a world.....

Welcome to a world unlike any other—where history meets adventure in the depths of Bonne Terre Mine. Nestled in the heart of Missouri, this hidden gem offers a scuba diving experience unlike anything you've ever imagined.

Underground Passages

Descend into the darkness and discover a labyrinth of underground passages, illuminated only by the Illumination of the above lighting. Explore forgotten caverns adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites, remnants of a time long past. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters, which reveal a stunning array of geological formations and ancient artifacts.

A Journey Back In Time

But Bonne Terre Mine isn't just a dive—it's a journey back in time. Dive alongside remnants of the mine's industrial past, from abandoned mining equipment to rusted railway tracks frozen in time. Feel the weight of history as you navigate through chambers once bustling with activity, now silent and serene beneath the earth's surface.

Educational As It Is Exhilarating.

Whether you're an experienced diver seeking a new challenge or a novice looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure, Bonne Terre Mine has something for everyone. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you safely through the depths, ensuring an experience that's as educational as it is exhilarating.

Equipment Gift Certificates

Mine tour gift certificates, learn scuba, blue world visits the mine.

Check out the video of their visit

Bonne Terre Mine

Deep earth explorer at bonne terre mine.

Visit the home of the billion-gallon underground lake - one of the Midwest 's most unique attractions.

It's a haven for scuba divers and non-divers alike.

You can experience this 150-year-old mine, which is also a National Historic Site on our walking and boat tours.

And, you can even stay in a historic train depot, a caboose or box car while you visit Bonne Terre.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Bonne Terre Mine and unlock the mysteries of the underground world. Your next great diving adventure starts here—book your dive today!

Bonne Terre Mine Boat & Walking Tour

Take a combined boat and walking tour through the Bonne Terre Mine - a five level underground world created by St. Joe Lead Company from 1862 to 1963. It is now the home to the world's largest subterranean lake! The guided tour will descend to 200 feet below the earth where you will learn about the history of mining in Southern Missouri - once the largest deposit of lead on the planet. See the equipment and learn about mining life. 

The walking portion of the tour covers about one third mile to the dock of the Billion Gallon Lake where our scuba divers start their descents into the crystal clear water. You will board the pontoon boat for a 10-minute excursion around the limestone pillars in the largest rooms of the mine. Features of the tour are the No. 1 elevator, submerged ore carts, wrapped pillars, and ancient abandoned overhead wooden catwalks suspended 50-100 feet above the lake. 

While we do accept walk-up guests, we get very busy in the summer months, so prepaid reservations are recommended, particularly if your group is larger than four people. And, we do require reservations for groups of six or more.

The tour is 45-55 minutes depending on the group size and includes a 1/3 mile walk and a staircase with 65 steps in and out.

Bonne Terre Mine VIDEOS

Top secret swimming holes, tpf travel plus, kmov st. louis, 3 minute post card, trip advisor's travelers' choice.

Trip Advisor awards the Travelers' Choice Award to experiences with great reviews. Bonne Terre Mine Scuba is one of those winners.

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Slideshow: Bonne Terre Mines' Magical Mystery Tour

by Byron Kerman

July 25, 2012

Photograph Courtesy of Bonne Terre Mine

Photograph courtesy of Bonne Terre Mine

Photograph by Byron Kerman

Slowly dripping water leaves behind mineral deposits that look like melted marshmallows.

Cobalt deposits are pink in darkness, but would turn "cobalt blue" in sunlight.

An underground garden, with whimsical decorations, lives under artificial light, with watering by volunteers.

About an hour south of here, St. Louisans can experience something so odd, so otherworldly, so dreamlike, that it's hard to fathom how readily accessible it is, how easy it is to slip from sunlight and normality down into subterranean darkness and wonder.

The Bonne Terre Mine tour is a guided walking and boat tour through what once was one of the world's largest lead mines.

These are not like the nearby Meramec Caverns , where the ancient ceilings and walls bristle busily with stalactites and stalagmites. There are a few baby-sized formations just beginning to peep forth from the rock at Bonne Terre, but the overwhelming decoration is none—just carved halls of stone, and a peaceful, sepulchral hollowness between them.

 Well, that and the pillars. This five-level mine didn't cave in thanks to the room-and-pillar mining technique . Great pillars of unmolsted stone, some hundreds of feet high, dot the mine. Each one is a monolith of ungodly mass and size. But really, you can only apprehend part of their size, because most of them are at least partly submerged.

Those who know the Bonne Terre Mine probably know its fame as the site for some of the most bizarre scuba-diving one can enjoy on the planet. After the area was “mined-out” in the '60s, the pumps that kept groundwater from rising up were turned off. The water began to rise, and Doug and Catherine Goergens bought the old mine and, improbably, turned it into the largest freshwater scuba-diving attraction in the world.

Divers who descend into the dark water see abandoned mining equipment like carts and tracks, shovels and axes, and jackhammers. A former elevator shaft rises from the murk, its metal slats criss-crossing like an oil derrick. What used to be underground offices, break rooms, lockers, etc. remain as in a ghost town. A peculiar effect causes particles of oxidized metal called “smoke” to hang in the still water like wispy ghosts, in fact. It's trippy.

The groundwater is clear as a bell, and when Jacques Cousteau dove Bonne  Terre in  '83, he went gaga, filiming for three days rather than the one he'd budgeted, said Goergens.

You can read a cool article on what it's like to dive the eerie caverns of Bonne Terre here .

Those who chose to stay above the water still come away with an otherworldly, magical feeling that lingers in memory after coming back above ground. In particular, the pontoon-boat ride that winds around the pillars and through the great halls of stone in the dimness is sensational.

It's hard to express in words, but if Kubla Khan built his pleasure dome in St. Francois County, it might look something like this. The endless series of caves and pillars, and the vast underground lake can start to seem like monumental metaphors for the “measureless” caves and pools of the subconscious. On my boat ride through the mines, a small child was overheard asking a parent, “is this real?”

Perhaps. It was just as unreal, though. It looks and feels like nothing else so much as a dimly-wandered dream.

Here's a fascinating video about the mines from the History Channel's Life After People , or check out the slideshow below. During the summer, boat and walking tours are offered every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Boat/walking tours are $27 all ages; walking tours are $20 adults, $12 kids. For more info, go here .

P.O. BOX 191606 St. Louis, MO 63119 314-918-3000

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