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Queen Mine Tour: Journey into Bisbee's Copper Legacy

4.8 (3075)

Descend into history at the Queen Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, and experience the life of a copper miner firsthand.

Descend into the depths of a former copper mine and experience the life of a miner in Bisbee, Arizona. The Queen Mine Tour offers a unique glimpse into the town's rich mining history, led by retired miners themselves.

A brief summary to Queen Mine Tour

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear closed-toe shoes; high heels are not permitted for safety reasons.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the mine's temperature remains a cool 47 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) year-round.
  • Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as tours tend to sell out.
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to allow time to purchase tickets and get fitted with your gear.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Queen Mine Tour is located just south of Bisbee's Old Town, easily accessible from U.S. Route 80. From Tucson (approximately 90 miles), take Interstate 10 East to Exit 303, then Highway 80 east to Bisbee. After the Mule Tunnel, take the second exit for Historic Old Bisbee. The mine entrance is a short distance ahead on the left. From Douglas (about 25 miles), take Highway 80 West, stay right at the traffic circle, and follow signs to the Historic Old Bisbee Exit. Turn left under the highway; the mine entrance will be on the right. Parking is available at the tour site.

  • Public Transport

    While Bisbee doesn't have extensive public transportation, the Bisbee Bus program offers rides for all purposes. Contact them in advance to arrange a ride to the Queen Mine Tour. Alternatively, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber to reach the mine from anywhere in Bisbee. Uber prices vary, so check the app for current estimates. Bisbee Bus offers curb-to-curb and door-to-door services. Contact Bisbee Bus at (520) 432-6016 for schedules and fare information.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Bisbee's Old Town, the Queen Mine Tour is within walking distance. Head south from the main business district, following Dart Road. The mine tour building is a short walk from the center of town. Walking allows you to enjoy Bisbee's unique architecture and atmosphere. Be aware that Bisbee is known for its hilly terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.

Discover more about Queen Mine Tour

The Queen Mine Tour in Bisbee, Arizona, provides an immersive journey into the heart of a once-thriving copper mine. Operating from 1877 to 1975, the Copper Queen Mine significantly shaped Bisbee's history and economy. Today, visitors can descend 1,500 feet into the mine, equipped with hard hats, slickers and headlamps, and experience the conditions miners faced daily.The tour guides, who are retired miners, share firsthand accounts of mining techniques, dangers, and daily life underground. They recount tales from when the mine was active, offering a personal touch that connects visitors to Bisbee's mining past. The mine maintains a consistent temperature of around 47 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.Bisbee owes much of its early development and character to the Copper Queen Mine. Founded after the discovery of copper ore in 1877, the town quickly became a bustling mining community. The mine produced billions of pounds of copper, along with significant quantities of gold, silver, lead, and zinc, solidifying Bisbee's place as one of the richest mineral sites in the world. The Queen Mine Tour opened as a tourist attraction in 1976, ensuring that Bisbee's mining heritage would continue to be shared with future generations.

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