Explore a Real 1845 Lead Mine — Guided Tours & Vintage Train Rides in Platteville

Experience Historic Mining in Platteville

The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville, Wisconsin, offer immersive guided mine tours, scenic 1931 Whitcomb train rides, and community events that showcase the region’s lead‑zinc mining heritage. Visitors can explore the historic 1845 Bevans Lead‑Zinc Mine, join seasonal festivals like Heritage Day and Mine Day, or take specialized experiences such as the Haunted Mine Tour and Mini Golf at the Museum.

What visitors can expect

• Guided Mine Tours: Underground tours that trace the Bevans Mine passageways and explain mining methods and local geology.
• Vintage Train Rides: A ride aboard the 1931 Whitcomb mine train across the outdoor museum campus for families and groups.
• Seasonal Events: Community-driven festivals including Heritage Day (July 4th), Mine Day scavenger hunts, and the Miners Ball fundraiser.
• Educational Programs: School field trips and tailored group tours that align with Wisconsin educator standards in social studies and sciences.

Popular experiences and why they matter

• Heritage Day: A daytime festival with antique cars, live music, guided Bevans Mine tours, and family activities that celebrate local culture.
• Land, Place, and Life: A Driftless Walking Tour that combines landscape history with local art and a scenic trout stream.
• Haunted Mine Tour: Candle-lit underground storytelling that merges historical interpretation with theatrical elements for an atmospheric visitor experience.
• Mini Golf at the Museum: A unique fundraiser that blends hands-on history interpretation with playful competition through exhibit spaces.

Practical details for planning a visit

• Museum admission typically includes a guided mine tour and the train ride across the campus. Reservations are required for private guided mine tours and many group bookings.
• Programs are suited for families, school groups, community organizations, and visitors interested in industrial heritage, geology, and regional culture.

Why choose The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums?

• Authentic historic site access to the Bevans Lead‑Zinc Mine (1845) and interpretive displays that connect mining technology, immigrant labor history, and community life.
• A hands-on approach with demonstrations, interpretive walks, and seasonal events that combine education and entertainment.
• Opportunities for private tours, group experiences, and curriculum-aligned school programming that support learning objectives.

Plan a visit

For up-to-date hours, ticket information, and event scheduling, consult the museums’ official visitor channels. Whether booking a private guided mine tour, joining a group train ride, attending heritage festivals like Heritage Day or Mine Day, or signing up for the Haunted Mine Tour, visitors to Platteville can explore a unique slice of Wisconsin’s mining past while enjoying family-friendly programming and community events.

Keywords: Platteville, Bevans Mine, guided mine tour, 1931 Whitcomb train, Haunted Mine Tour, Heritage Day, Mine Day, Mini Golf at the Museum, Driftless Area.