Ultimate Guide to Adventure Mine, Michigan (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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There are only a handful of family experiences that can remain etched in your memory for a long time. Adventure Mine in Michigan is one such attraction that every member of your family will enjoy, and you will go back with loads of happy moments. It is only a 30-minute drive from the Porcupine Wilderness State Park and it offers four guided underground tours that promise to increase your adrenaline rush.
Adventure Mine, Michigan
The guided tours in Adventure Mine range from basic walking tours that all can undertake to a more daring tour for the truly adventurous at heart. The mine allows you to take a quick look into the lives and work of the miners of the 1900s.
History of Adventure Mine
The history of Adventure Mine is incomplete without a reference to the prehistoric miners. However, their identity is still debated by many. Early mining attempts by the Europeans resulted in the discovery and establishment of the Adventure Mine in 1848. The Adventure Mining Company was established in 1850 by Thomas Howe and C.G. Husset.
The company began with a capital investment of USD 200,000. In the 1st year of its operation, 12,000 lbs of copper were mined, but the company launched a tribute system since the investors saw little profit. It was a unique system wherein individuals were allowed to mine independently and paid a small percentage of their earnings to the company.
Since Adventure Mine had both copper and silver, speculations were rife that a significant portion of the silver was concealed and taken by the tribute miners. Additionally, it was found that waste rock was being left behind in the shafts by the miners, which contributed to the deteriorating condition of the mines.
Adventure Consolidated Copper Company was formed in 1898 with the culmination of the Hilton-Ohio Mine, Knowlton Mine & the Adventure Mine. Although a considerable amount was invested here, being one of the most promising mines in the area, the mine failed to live up to all the hype, and it was a real disappointment to the investors.
Production stopped in 1908 due to the low price of copper, but it was restarted for a short time during World War I. The production at the mines came to a complete standstill in 1917, and the mine was closed down in 1920.
The concept of Adventure Mine tours began in the 1970s albeit in an irregular manner. The mine was purchased by Jack & Margaret Neph in 1972 and tours were offered from 1973 to the mid-1980s. Their son, John, and his wife conducted tours from the late 1990s to 2003. The present owners of the Adventure Mining Company purchased the mine in 2004 and have operated the tours since 2005.
Geological Cave Formations in Adventure Mine
The mine is not known for its geological formations but is rich in copper and silver. The best part is that the visitors can purchase the copper as a memorable souvenir. You can visit the store at the mine for some beautiful copper nuggets.
Wildlife in Adventure Mine
Adventure Mine is home to several bats, including the brown bats. You can view them when you enter the mines on one of the tours conducted by the Adventure Mining Company.
Is Adventure Mine Haunted?
Adventure Mine is not haunted, and tours are held regularly, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
How Big is Adventure Mine?
The length of Adventure Mine is around 6.6 miles.
Adventure Mine Tours
When you have arrived in Adventure Mine, you will feel that you have taken a step back in time. This place in Michigan has a fascinating history that you would want to explore. You can choose any tour option, and seats are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Trammer’s Tour and the Prospector’s Tour are similar, but the former lasts only 45 to 60 minutes. These tours allow the visitors to view the large rooms where the copper and silver were removed. One would be able to see the copper still in place within the mine walls. Both these tours are free from any age restrictions.
The Miner’s Tour is for those who are adventurous at heart. You will get an opportunity to rappel down a mine shaft in total darkness, crawl down the stiff slopes, and hike through some of the oldest yet interesting parts of the mine. You finish the tour by crossing a 10 ft slide or a 30 ft swing. The tour comprises real adventure and is only open to participants who are in good health and can walk on uneven terrain.
The Captain’s Tour is the most difficult, and it requires reservations. It is an in-depth, hands-on tour that spreads over 5 to 6 hours and covers both the 1st and 2nd levels of the Adventure Mine. The participants must be in good physical condition and should walk for at least 2 miles on uneven terrain.
They should be able to carry a sack of safety equipment not weighing less than 10 lb and should be comfortable with a 40-minute walk or climb to the nearest mine exit.
The participants will view portions of the mine that still look the same as they did in the 1900s with rail, timbers, and carts. The tour includes a pasty lunch and is the longest of all tours.
Adventure Mine Tour Prices and Discounts
There are three main tours, and the details of each are given below –
1) Prospector’s Tour – the duration of the tour is 1.5 hours, and the last tour is at 4:30 pm ET. The entry fees are USD 29 for adults and USD 14.50 for a child. Children between 0 to 5 years are admitted free. There are no minimum age requirements.
2) Miner’s Tour – the duration of the tour is 2 to 3 hours, and the last tour starts at 3:00 pm ET. The tour price is USD 68 per adult, and one must be a minimum of 12 years of age.
3) The Captain’s Tour is much longer and can last up to 6 hours. It is offered only on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 am. Prior reservations are mandatory for this tour. The price for this tour is USD 135, which includes a traditional pasty lunch. Anyone who is 13 years old or above can sign up for this tour.
Another tour called the Trammer’s Tour is open to all and is of only one-hour duration.
Is Adventure Mine Cold?
The temperature in the Mine is 45 degrees F, and it remains constant irrespective of the outside temperature. You may carry a light jacket to beat the cold sensation in the mine.
What to Wear?
The trails are rough in patches, so we suggest you wear closed-toe footwear and appropriate dresses.
Adventure Mine Hours
The season begins on Memorial Day and continues through mid-October. During the season, the mine is open from:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sunday – 11 am to 6 pm. After Labor Day, the mine is closed every Wednesday.
What to Do at Adventure Mine (Beside Tours)
After you are done with the tour of the mine, you can check out the long stretches of hiking and mountain biking trails that are free to use. You can hike here or ride through the forest by the old foundations and the early prospect pits.
If you are adventurous, you can race to the top of Adventure Bluff on one of the most challenging single-track trails in the Midwest. There is also an onsite store that you can visit to buy unique copper nuggets that have been mined at Adventure Mine.
Best Time to Visit Adventure Mine
The best time to visit Adventure Mine would be the summer months, and you may avoid coming here during winter as the weather gets very chilly. The tours are offered every day of the year regardless of the weather. There is no danger of the mine getting flooded during the rainy season.
How to Get to Adventure Mine
You need to drive on Highway 38 in the west direction, one mile from where it splits from Highway 26. Now turn south on the Plank Road at Adventure Mine sign and then take south again onto the dirt road and this will lead you to the mine.
Hotels near Adventure Mine
There are several decent accommodation properties near Adventure Mine that visitors can check out.
Visiting Adventure Mine
Do you need more information before visiting Adventure Mine? Call (906) 883-3371 or email Adventure Mine Tours for an information packet.
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