Not too long ago, a lot of Wisconsinites worked in the coal mine. Wisconsin is full of minerals for use in all sorts of industries. Immigrants and pioneers headed out to our state to mine. But what used to be a country landscape dotted with mines is no more. Many of the mines were destroyed. But there are still some mines in existence, and there is one you can actually still explore. This is an awesome activity because you can truly see what it was like to live back in those days. This experience is one at the Rollo and Jamison Museums in Platteville, Wisconsin.
Platteville, Wisconsin is home to the 1845 Bevans Mine, which you can actually explore.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
This was the place to mine zinc from the early 1800s into the 20th century.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
But while it is now defunct, you can go on an old mining car and see what it was like.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
There are even some exhibits that depict life and work in these mines.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
This isn’t just some cheesy exhibit–it’s a hard hat only area, a non-negotiable for going on this realistic tour.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
Train rides are only open weather-permitting–but there are so many other great exhibits here, showing how life was in Wisconsin 200 years ago, that are open year-round.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
Thirsty for more Wisconsin history? Check out these historical sites in our state.
The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum/Facebook
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