Queen Mine Tour Reviews
The Queen Mine Tour was definitely the highlight of our visit to Bisbee, Arizona. This review will help you decide whether the tour is worth your time.
We went to Bisbee in the afternoon after spending the morning at Kartchner Caverns. It was an easy drive from Benson, and the weather was perfect. We took the scenic routes past the houses built into the mountainside. As we passed through downtown, we noticed the cute shops and boutiques. Just ahead we found the Queen Mine Tour and decided to check it out.
Since we arrived later in the afternoon, we were surprised to learn that we could still take the last tour of the day. We headed inside and purchased our tickets.
Queen Mine Location and History
The Queen Mine is located at the far southeast corner of Bisbee, Arizona. The address is 478 Dart Road. After passing through the downtown area, the parking lot is on the right side of the road and up the hill.
The history of the mine dates back to the later 1870’s when Lt. Dunn, a member of the Army Post of Fort Huachuca discovered an unusual rock on a walk after dinner. This discovery led to copper claims being staked and the mine’s development. Today the Copper Queen Mine is open for tours and plays an important role in Bisbee’s tourism.
The Queen Mine Tour Highlights
The tour began with a safety briefing where the tour guide handed out helmets, safety vests, and portable lights. We then walked outside to find that we were going to ride on a mine car train. This was the same type of car that the miners used during the heyday.
We sat with our legs straddling the car and off we went into the mine. It felt a bit like riding a bicycle, except the train does all the work. Although it was dark inside, the mine lighting and our flashlights made it easy to see our surroundings. After a few hundred feet, the tour guide paused to ask if anyone was feeling uncomfortable. This gave those who were claustrophobic a chance to exit before continuing deeper into the mine.
The tour had two separate stops where we exited the mine car. At each stop, the guide did an excellent job of explaining how the machinery and equipment worked. We even got a lesson in how dynamite was used in the mine. The final stop was in the largest area of the mine on the tour. The room was quite large and was fascinating.
See other Attractions are in Southern Arizona.
What to Expect on the Tour
There are several things that you can expect on the tour. In addition to reserving tickets online, you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour time. That allows plenty of time to browse the gift shop.
- Expect the tour to last about one hour
- Expect the underground mine to be dark and cold. Lights are provided, but warm clothing is recommended. The day we visited, the mine was 58 degrees.
- Expect to wear a helmet and safety gear.
- Wear closed toed shoes. Sandals or high heels are not allowed.
- The mine train can be uncomfortable. Get a good seat where you have the most leg room.
- One stop includes climbing 36 steps.
Reviews of the Queen Mine Tour
The Queen Mine Tour was definitely worth it! Our tickets were only $16 per person which was very affordable. The time we spent there was not only educational but fun. All of our friends highly recommended the mine tour. Everyone we talked to said it was the highlight of their day trip to Bisbee.