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Explore Wisconsin’s mining heritage with a guided underground tour and scenic train ride in Platteville. Discover history and nature combined in one unforgettable day.
Explore Wisconsin’s mining heritage with a guided underground tour and scenic train ride in Platteville. Discover history and nature combined in one unforgettable day.
Book with The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums · Platteville, Wisconsin
Experience a unique blend of history and adventure at The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville, Wisconsin. This private outdoor adventure features a guided tour of an authentic 1845 lead-zinc mine located in the Driftless Area, offering visitors a chance to explore underground tunnels with rich geological and cultural stories. The journey includes a scenic train ride across the museum campus, providing a relaxing way to take in the beautiful landscape and historic buildings. The museums showcase exhibits that highlight the region’s mining heritage, the life of miners, and the natural history of this distinctive area. Ideal for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this experience offers hands-on learning and captivating narratives that connect past and present. Whether you're intrigued by mining technology or simply want to enjoy a quiet, captivating day outdoors, the combination of museum admission, an interactive tour, and a charming train ride makes for an unforgettable Wisconsin adventure.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; moderate walking required with some uneven terrain inside the mine.
Yes, children aged 6 and older are welcome on the guided mine tour, but younger children may find some areas challenging.
The museum campus is mostly accessible, but the underground mine tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces that may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
The guided mine tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, followed by additional time to explore exhibits and ride the train.
The museum has a small café and picnic areas; however, bringing your own snacks is also an option for the outdoor spaces.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during weekends and holidays.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the museum and train, but flash photography is discouraged inside the mine for safety reasons.
Platteville was a major center for lead mining in the 19th century, and this mine represents one of the oldest surviving examples of early American mining technology.
The museum actively promotes preservation of mining history while encouraging sustainable tourism practices that protect local wildlife and habitats.
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.
Book with The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums