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.
Bonne Terre Mine/Facebook
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.
Bonne Terre Mine/Facebook
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.
Bonne Terre Mine/Facebook
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.
Bonne Terre Mine/Facebook
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.

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Once in the mine, you may choose to take a walking or boat tour or scuba dive into the cave's waters.
sdmeyer/TripAdvisor
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.
Bonne Terre Mines/Facebook
We definitely won't find a more unique mine tour in Missouri.
Scuba divers are able to explore abandoned remnants from the old mines.
Bonne Terre Mine/Facebook
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.
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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.

 

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Attractions In Missouri

Christina Arrascaeta | August 11, 2022

Where can I hike to a cave in Missouri?

Many cave enthusiasts know that Missouri has some of the best caves and rock formations in the Midwest. Missouri is the “Cave State” and is home to over 6,000 caves.

While Meramec Caverns is the most popular destination for having some of the world’s largest and most interesting rock formations, other notable caves include:

  • Bluff Dweller's Cave
  • Fantastic Caverns
  • Marvel Cave

What are the best outdoor activities in Missouri?

We can never really get bored in Missouri, can we? After all, Missouri is a treasure trove of great outdoor activities to suit just about anyone, including:

  • Stare up in wonder at the Bouldering at Elephant Rock State Park.
  • Take to the Colosseum Trail in Camdenton, Missouri.
  • The state’s vast forests make ziplining a breeze.
  • Don’t forget places that are great for kids, like Branson Butterfly Palace and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

What are the most unique things to do in Missouri?

Travelers and residents have plenty of unique things to do in Missouri. From listening to country music in famous Branson and seeing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to taking in a casino night on a riverboat and hiking the gorgeous Prairie State Park, Missouri is a playground of fun entertainment.

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185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA