Queen Mine
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Queen Mine

4.8
·4k reviews·Bisbee, United States

Ride 1,500 ft into a historic copper mine, exploring tunnels with knowledgeable guides and original equipment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Queen Mine

Queen Mine

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride 1,500 ft into a historic copper mine, exploring tunnels with knowledgeable guides and original equipment.

4.8
(4k reviews)

"Awesome experience. Didn’t know quite what to expect but Stephanie and Joey were very informative and had great sense of humor."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Tickets sell out fast! Book ahead online to guarantee your spot. :ticket:

🧥 Bring a Jacket

It's a cool 70°F (21°C) underground year-round. :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Mine Cart Ride

Underground Mine Cart Ride

Entrance to the mine

Ride 1,500 feet into the mountain on a mine cart, experiencing the thrill of underground exploration.

TikTokInstagram
Mining History & Equipment

Mining History & Equipment

Inside the mine tunnels

Learn about Bisbee's rich mining past and see original equipment used by miners.

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Informative & Humorous Guides

Informative & Humorous Guides

Throughout the tour

Engaging guides share fascinating stories and historical facts with a great sense of humor.

TikTokReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead to Avoid Disappointment

Tickets for the Queen Mine Tour sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking online a few days in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid missing out on this popular Bisbee attraction. InstagramReddit

Dress for the Underground

The mine stays a cool 70°F (21°C) year-round, so bring a jacket or sweater. Wear closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch the early buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime with advance booking
Why
Guaranteed spot
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What an amazing time. Highly recommend if you find yourself in arizona.
@arizona.trips
371K likes • 4.5M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Tickets sell out fast! Book ahead online to guarantee your spot. InstagramReddit :ticket:

🧥 Bring a Jacket

It's a cool 70°F (21°C) underground year-round. Instagram :cloud:

The man even lost part of his hearing for this! He was such a cool guy.
@arizona.trips
29.1K likes • 781.9K views
WOULD YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO DO THIS?! 🤯 3 hours south of Phoenix, you can ride 1,500 feet deep into the once abandoned Queen Mine in Bisbee, Arizona. It cost $13 per person and makes a great date. It’s chilly inside so you snuggle up! Book your tour ahead of time to avoid there not being room - can’t recommend this enough! Stay tuned for the rest of our date idea series as we have plenty left to...
wildjoyexperiences
39.8K likes • 1.5M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Closed-toe shoes are a must for walking on uneven mine floors. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💰 Affordable Fun

One of the cheapest date ideas and activities in Arizona! TikTok+1

WOULD YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO DO THIS?! 🤯 DAY #18 of SPOOKY ADVENTURES: Ride 1,500 feet deep into the once abandoned Queen Mine in Bisbee, Arizona. It cost $13 per person and makes a great date. It’s chilly inside so you snuggle up! Book your tour ahead of time to avoid there not being room - can’t recommend this enough! Stay tuned for the rest of our 31 days of Spooky Adventures series as we ha...
wildjoyexperiences
50.2K likes • 1.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Tickets sell out fast! Book ahead online to guarantee your spot. InstagramReddit :ticket:

🧥 Bring a Jacket

It's a cool 70°F (21°C) underground year-round. Instagram :cloud:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Closed-toe shoes are a must for walking on uneven mine floors. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💰 Affordable Fun

One of the cheapest date ideas and activities in Arizona! TikTok+1

💎 Souvenir Rocks

You might even score some cool rocks to take home! Reddit :gem:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Queen Mine Tour for its informative and entertaining guides, unique underground experience, and affordability. Many highlight the thrill of the mine cart ride and the historical insights gained. While generally well-received, some note that younger children might find it less engaging, and booking tickets in advance is crucial due to high demand.

"The queen Mine Tour was really enjoyable! It was pretty accessible to most parties, and the employees were very accommodating if anyone had any difficulties with the space of the mines. The tour itself was very informative if you're interested in the mining process and the history of the town. The visitor center has lots of gift/ souvenir options. It is within walking distance of the town. I drove an electric vehicle and was able to charge it at one of the Chargepoints in town while I enjoyed sightseeing and this tour."

NoCue

"Very historical and educational mine history tour. You ride an over 100 yard old train 1,500 feet into the mine. Several stops in the mine on the tour to discuss ore, mine history and techniques. It is necessary to wear a vest, hard hat and light. Nice, straight forward presentation. Gift shop has a great selection, with a lot of different rocks and other collectibles."

Dennis Pohle

"This mine tour was so much fun! They give you a hard hat, vest, and a light. The train ride is really cool too! Our guide definitely knew what he was talking about and answered our groups questions. The cave we toured through is wide open. As someone with claustrophobia, I felt safe and comfortable. I would definitely recommend!"

Courtney Ingerson

What People Like

Engaging and humorous guides
Unique mine cart ride
Affordable ticket prices

What People Dislike

Tickets sell out fast
May bore very young children

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Queen Mine is located in the heart of Bisbee, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car, and there is parking available nearby. Many visitors find Bisbee to be a charming town to explore on foot once they arrive. TikTok+1

Yes, the Queen Mine makes for an excellent day trip! It's about a 3-hour drive south of Phoenix and a little over 2 hours from Tucson, making it a feasible excursion for a full day of exploration. TikTokInstagram

After your mine adventure, wander through Bisbee's historic streets, explore local art galleries, and enjoy the unique shops and eateries. Lowell, a historic district, is also nearby and worth a visit. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are very affordable, often around $13-$16 per person, making it a great value for an immersive experience. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to check their official website. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Tickets sell out quickly, especially for popular tour times. It's highly recommended to purchase your tickets online a few days in advance to secure your spot. InstagramReddit

The Queen Mine typically operates daily, with tours starting at various times throughout the day. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date tour schedule. Reddit

While the tour is generally suitable for all ages, younger children might find it less engaging. The experience is often geared more towards adults and older children who can appreciate the history and adventure. Reddit

Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions when purchasing your tickets online or contact the Queen Mine directly for information on cancellations or rescheduling. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Bring a light jacket or sweater as the mine maintains a consistent, cool temperature of around 70°F (21°C) year-round. Instagram

You'll be provided with a hard hat, a headlamp for illumination, and a safety vest to ensure your visibility and protection during the underground tour. TikTokReddit+1

The Queen Mine Tour typically lasts about an hour, offering a comprehensive yet concise exploration of the mine's history and features. Reddit

The mine tunnels can be narrow in places, and you'll be underground for an hour. If you have severe claustrophobia, it might be challenging. However, many visitors find the experience manageable due to the open nature of the main tunnels and the engaging guides. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the mine, but be mindful of your surroundings and the safety of others. Your provided headlamp will be essential for lighting your shots. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Queen Mine itself doesn't typically have a full restaurant. However, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Bisbee offers a wide array of dining options just a short walk away. Reddit

Bisbee boasts many charming eateries. Popular choices include spots for pizza, burgers, and pastries. Explore the historic downtown for diverse culinary experiences. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The entrance area with the mine carts and the illuminated tunnels offer great photo opportunities. Capture the unique atmosphere of being deep underground. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it is quite dark, which is why you're provided with a headlamp. This can create dramatic lighting for your photos, but you may need to adjust your camera settings accordingly or use a tripod if possible. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Queen Mine Tour is an exciting adventure for families, offering a unique glimpse into history and geology. Kids often love the mine cart ride and the novelty of wearing hard hats and using headlamps. TikTokReddit The guides' humor also helps keep younger visitors engaged. However, it's worth noting that the cool temperature and confined spaces might be less appealing to very young children, so consider their temperament. Reddit

Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, and ensure children wear closed-toe shoes. The gift shop also offers cool rocks, which can be a fun souvenir for kids. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Queen Mine Tour is an incredibly affordable activity, often cited as one of the cheapest date ideas or excursions in Arizona. TikTok+1 With ticket prices typically in the $13-$16 range, it offers significant value for an hour-long immersive experience. This makes it a perfect option for travelers looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing unique experiences.

Pairing the mine tour with exploring Bisbee's free attractions, like its charming streets and art galleries, makes for a very budget-friendly day. Many local eateries also offer reasonably priced meals, allowing you to enjoy the town without breaking the bank. TikTok

💑 Couples

The Queen Mine Tour is frequently highlighted as a unique and affordable date idea. TikTokInstagram The shared adventure of riding into the mine and learning about its history creates a memorable experience for couples. The cool underground temperature also provides a cozy excuse to snuggle up! Instagram

After the tour, couples can enjoy exploring the romantic and artistic streets of Bisbee, discovering hidden cafes, and browsing local shops. The town's historic charm and bohemian vibe make it an ideal setting for a romantic getaway or a fun day trip. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Underground Ride

One of the most unique aspects of the Queen Mine Tour is the journey into the earth itself. Visitors board a specially designed mine cart, straddling the seat like a motorcycle, and are taken approximately 1,500 feet into the mountain. TikTokInstagram This immersive experience allows you to feel the rumble of the cart and the cool, damp air of the underground. It’s a thrilling start to understanding the daily life of a miner. TikTok

This ride isn't just for show; it's a practical way to access the deeper parts of the mine that were once worked. The guides often share anecdotes about the early days of this transportation method, adding a layer of historical context to the adventure. TikTok It’s a stark contrast to modern travel and offers a tangible connection to the past. TikTok

A Glimpse into Mining History

The Queen Mine, operational from 1915, played a significant role in Bisbee's development, primarily extracting copper. TikTok+1 The tour provides a fascinating look at the hardships and innovations of mining life. You'll see original equipment, learn about drilling techniques, and understand the sheer physical labor involved. TikTok+1

Guides like Stephanie, Joey, Steve, and others are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. Reddit They bring the history to life, explaining the dangers miners faced, including potential collapses and the constant threat of dust inhalation. TikTok Some tours even offer a chance to see unique geological formations or historical 'features' within the mine, making each visit potentially different. Reddit

Bisbee: More Than Just a Mine

While the Queen Mine is a major draw, Bisbee itself is a destination worth exploring. This historic copper-mining town is known for its vibrant arts scene, unique architecture, and quirky charm. TikTok+1 After descending into the earth, take time to wander through the steep, winding streets, browse independent boutiques, and admire the colorful buildings clinging to the hillsides.

Don't miss exploring the Lowell district, a historic area with a distinct character, or visiting the many art galleries showcasing local talent. TikTok Bisbee also offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, ensuring you can refuel after your underground adventure. TikTok The town's atmosphere is a significant part of the overall experience, complementing the historical immersion of the mine tour. TikTok

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