Saturday, October 25 | General (13+) $20, Seniors (65+) $16, Youth (8-12) $12
Descend into the depths of Platteville's haunted mine for a candle-lit journey where chilling folklore meets real mining history. Discover ghostly tales and subterranean secrets on this unique underground adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors but requires basic mobility for walking and mild crouching in confined spaces.
Wildlife
History
Platteville’s mining heritage dates to the 1820s and has shaped the town’s growth for nearly two centuries.
Conservation
The tour operates with care to protect the mine’s delicate natural formations and preserve its historical integrity.
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums
Saturday, October 25 | General (13+) $20, Seniors (65+) $16, Youth (8-12) $12
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville, Wisconsin, preserve and interpret the region’s mining and cultural history. The campus centers on the historic 1845 Bevans Lead‑Zinc Mine and Hoist House and features indoor exhibits, outdoor artifacts, and a vintage 1931 Whitcomb mine train used for public rides. The museums offer guided mine tours, private guided mine tours, group tours, school field trip programs aligned with Wisconsin educator standards, and seasonal public events such as Heritage Day, Mine Day, a Haunted Mine Tour, and the Miners Ball fundraiser.
Visitors can purchase museum admission that includes a guided underground mine tour and a scenic train ride across the museum campus. Special experiences include themed fundraisers like Mini Golf at the Museum and tailored educational programs for classrooms. The museums emphasize hands‑on demonstrations, live music at festivals, and interpretive walks such as the Land, Place, and Life: A Driftless Walking Tour that explores local landscape, history, and culture along a trout stream.
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums partner with the Friends of the Museums and community volunteers to host events and preserve artifacts. Reservations are required for private guided mine tours and group train rides. Programming is designed for families, school groups, and visitors interested in industrial heritage, geology, and regional culture. The museums provide accessible visitor information about hours, tickets, and special events on their official channels.
Docent-led talks and artifact displays connect mining techniques, immigrant labor history, and regional geology for an educational, engaging visitor experience with exhibits on-site.
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Guided tours, events, and fundraisers
Location
Platteville, Wisconsin
In the Driftless Area of Wisconsin
Historic Mine
Bevans Mine — 1845
Original lead-zinc mine on site
Vintage Train
1931 Whitcomb
Scenic museum train rides
Book museum admission, private guided tours, group reservations, or seasonal event tickets to experience Platteville’s mining history firsthand.
Bring a flashlight
Though the mine is candle-lit, a personal flashlight can help navigate darker sections safely.
Wear sturdy footwear
Uneven and damp surfaces inside the mine call for boots or shoes with good grip.
Watch your head
Low ceilings and narrow passages require mindful movement to avoid bumps.
Check the weather
Dress appropriately for cool underground temperatures, typically constant year-round around 50°F (10°C).
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction and protection on uneven mine floors.
Warm layered clothing
Keeps you comfortable in the cool, stable underground temperatures.
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Handheld flashlight
Enhances visibility in dim areas and during candle transitions.
Camera (without flash)
Capture the eerie atmosphere without disturbing the lighting effects.