Then the tour heads down into the once active copper mine, which has been closed since 1943. The trip is in open mining cars and is very exciting. You will travel down into the mine's tunnels. The tour goes approximately 1,800 feet into the 10 level mine. Along the way, you will learn about the drilling and blasting that occurred to get the copper ore out of the rocks and on their way up to the smelter.
Former miners host the hour-long tour.
These miners will explain the workings of the copper mine and answer your questions. The tours are available everyday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Queen Mine Tour recommends bringing a sweater or jacket, since temperatures can hover around 46 degrees. Visitors should also be aware of the narrow 8 foot by 6-foot tunnel that the mine cars travel through can cause claustrophobia. The Queen Mine Tour encourages visitors to call and make a reservation in advance.