Widow Jane Mine
Explore the historic, partially flooded Widow Jane Mine, a unique dolostone quarry offering a glimpse into underground mining history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Museum access
Widow Jane Mine
Best Time
Museum access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic, partially flooded Widow Jane Mine, a unique dolostone quarry offering a glimpse into underground mining history.
"A pretty cool place...unlike anything I have seen before."
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The mine floor can be muddy and wet. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for a comfortable visit.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Enhance your exploration of the mine's darker areas with a reliable flashlight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Flooded Mine Chambers
Main mine area
Explore the vast, water-filled chambers of this historic dolostone mine, offering a unique underground experience.
Miner's Tombstones
Hillside above the mine
Discover the poignant tombstones of miners who tragically lost their lives in the mine's history.
Century House Museum
Adjacent to the mine
Step back in time at the adjacent museum, especially recommended for Sundays when it's open.
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Planning Your Visit
Mine Access & Safety
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for recommendations for stuff to do in and around Rosendale.
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The mine floor can be muddy and wet. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for a comfortable visit.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Enhance your exploration of the mine's darker areas with a reliable flashlight.
ISO: information on Rosendale's ice caves.
Widow Jane Mine
📅 Check for Events
Concerts are sometimes held here. Check the website to avoid conflicts and ensure access.
💰 Donate to Support
A small donation helps maintain this unique historical site for future visitors.
I found the cave where the yao guai scene from the show was filmed!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The mine floor can be muddy and wet. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for a comfortable visit.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Enhance your exploration of the mine's darker areas with a reliable flashlight.
📅 Check for Events
Concerts are sometimes held here. Check the website to avoid conflicts and ensure access.
💰 Donate to Support
A small donation helps maintain this unique historical site for future visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Widow Jane Mine a unique and fascinating historical site, appreciating the scale of its flooded chambers and the poignant miner's tombstones. While some wished for deeper exploration, the accessible parts offer a compelling glimpse into mining history. The option to visit the adjacent Century House Museum on Sundays and the site's occasional use for concerts add to its appeal.
"The Widow Jane Mine is a fascinating place to explore. The mine is a large drift mine consisting of passageways and rooms that were left behind by dolostone miners many years ago. Most of the passages are underwater today, but the parts you can see are interesting.
Accessing the mine is easy. Just park in the parking lot by the Century House Museum. From the parking lot follow the signs to the mine. The path is a loose stone dust path and is fairly flat. At the end of it you will see the mine.
Once you get into the mine it is easy and safe to walk around in. Most of the mine is filled with water but the rooms you do see are large and you can get a feel for what it is like to work in a mine. Be sure to walk around the outsides of the mine as there are interesting sites to see. If you go up the hill, you will find 8 tombstones, for the miners who died in the mine.
Occasionally concerts are held at the mine and you should check the website ahead of time before going to make sure it is not being used. Sometimes, you will see folding chairs in the mine from the concerts. On Sundays the Century House Museum is open and this place is worth a look. This is definitely a cool place to see."
Ryan Mazierski
"It’s neat to see but I had envisioned that you could go into the cave more. I highly recommend going on a Sunday when the museum is open.
I found the cemetery the most fascinating but I wish the graves were cared for more.
I truly appreciate that they allow this area to be open to the public and I gladly donated to keep them going!"
Amy Luke
"One of a kind experience visiting the mine and the reason it draws repeated visitors to the place. Beautiful hiking trails is another bonus to visit the site."
Mike Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is straightforward. Park at the lot by the Century House Museum and follow the signs. The path to the mine is a relatively flat, loose stone dust trail.
Yes, there is a parking lot available by the Century House Museum, which serves as the starting point for accessing the mine.
While specific public transport details are scarce, the mine is located in Rosendale, NY. If arriving by public transport to the general area, a taxi or ride-share would likely be needed for the final leg.
Yes, the area around the mine offers beautiful hiking trails, making it a great spot for combining exploration with nature walks.
Follow the clearly marked signs from the Century House Museum parking lot. The path is well-maintained and leads directly to the mine entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the mine itself is generally free, but donations are highly encouraged to support its upkeep. Check the website for any special event ticketing.
The mine is typically accessible year-round. However, it's advisable to check the official website for any temporary closures or event schedules that might affect access.
While not strictly an admission fee, a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult is common to help maintain the site.
Concerts are occasionally held within the mine. It's best to check the event schedule beforehand, as these events may limit general access.
The Century House Museum is typically only open on Sundays. Plan your visit accordingly if you wish to see both attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, the accessible parts of the mine are considered safe for exploration. Visitors can walk around the dry areas, though caution is advised due to the water.
You can see large, historic dolostone mine chambers. Much of the mine is flooded, but the visible parts give a sense of its past.
A significant portion of the mine's passages and rooms are underwater today, but the accessible dry areas are still quite impressive.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. Self-guided exploration is the norm, with signage and marked paths to guide visitors.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear like muck boots is recommended due to potential mud and water. Comfortable clothing is also advisable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mine is located in Rosendale, NY, which has local eateries. The Century House Museum is adjacent, but primarily a historical site, not a dining venue.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best practice to consume food and drinks outside the mine to preserve its historical integrity.
The Century House Museum is a historical site and does not typically feature a restaurant. Dining options are available in the nearby town of Rosendale.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the mine. The unique underground environment offers great opportunities for striking photos.
The entrance to the mine, the flooded chambers, and the miner's tombstones on the hill offer compelling photographic subjects.
A flashlight is essential for illuminating darker areas. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the chambers.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone.
Expect low-light conditions inside the mine, with natural light only at the entrance. Artificial light sources are crucial for good photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with the Century House Museum on a Sunday for a more comprehensive historical experience. The nearby grounds also offer space for kids to move around. Remember that while generally safe, adult supervision is always recommended in an environment like a mine. A small donation is appreciated to help maintain the site for future family adventures.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
Don't miss the miner's tombstones located on the hill above the mine, a somber but important historical marker. Visiting on a Sunday allows you to also explore the Century House Museum, which provides broader context about the region's past. The opportunity to see a space that occasionally hosts underground concerts adds another layer of intrigue to its historical significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Widow Jane Mine
Evidence of the mine's history is still visible today. Visitors can explore the accessible dry sections, gaining a tangible sense of the scale of the mining operations. The surrounding grounds also hold historical significance, including a small cemetery with tombstones of miners who perished in the mine. This poignant reminder of the human cost of mining adds another layer to the visitor experience.
Occasionally, the mine's unique acoustics and atmosphere are leveraged for special events, most notably concerts. These events can accommodate up to 200 people, transforming the underground space into an unusual performance venue. This dual role as a historical site and an event space highlights the mine's enduring appeal and its connection to the local community.
Exploring the Mine Safely
Beyond footwear, bringing a flashlight is crucial. The mine's interior is dark, and a reliable light source will significantly enhance your ability to see the formations, understand the scale of the chambers, and navigate safely. While the mine is not actively worked, it's always wise to stick to marked paths and avoid venturing into unexplored or unstable-looking areas. The mine can also host concerts, so checking the schedule beforehand is recommended to ensure unimpeded access.
For those interested in the historical context, the adjacent Century House Museum (open Sundays) provides further insight into the region's past, including the mining industry. A small donation is often requested to help with the maintenance of the mine and its grounds, ensuring this unique historical site remains accessible for years to come.
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