at Missouri Mines State Historic Site
Tours
The museum galleries can be examined at your own pace, or you may choose to have a docent provide more detailed and personalized interpretation.
Tour guides interpret the outside structures of the facility (weather dependent); the state’s mining history; mining equipment; and the historic, social and economic impacts of mining on the local communities. After the formal guided tour, an optional 12-minute video highlighting the mining and milling processes may be shown. The mineral gallery is self-guided, and offers an introduction to Missouri's rocks and ores, with fine mineral specimens from worldwide localities. Tours last about 45 minutes, including the video.
Schools, organizations and other large groups should schedule their visit in advance (see reservation information below). Group and individual tours can be customized in advance to address specific interests. Optional topics include mining history and locations, mining equipment and processes, life in the mining community, impacts of the mining communities on the local area, and the mineral exhibits and related studies (earth science, geology and mineralogy).
Tour Reservations:
Tours can be reserved online on our reservation website or by visiting the site. Guided tours for groups of 15 or more require an advanced reservation of at least two weeks.
For more information, contact the site at 573-431-6226.
Audio/Visual Interpretation
As an introduction to southeast Missouri lead mining, you may elect to view a 12-minute video – an edited version of a 1950s movie illustrating vintage area mining and milling activities. The theater is located within the historic miner's shower room!
Museum Fees:
Fees include tax. Qualified tax-exempt organizations MUST provide a copy of a tax exempt certificate at the time of payment.
Adults (18 and older): $5
Youth (ages 6-17): $3
Child (ages 0-5): free*
Group Rates:
Adults (18 and older): $4
Youth (ages 6-17): $3
Child (ages 0-5): free*
School K-12 Rates:
Museum admission and programs are free to K-12 student groups and their teachers/leaders (including homeschoolers).
Adults (18 and older): free
Youth (ages 6-17): free
Child (ages 0-5): free
*Children under the age of 6 are admitted free with a paid adult.
Special Events
Missouri Mines State Historic Site also hosts special events designed to enhance the site's mining history and mineral resources interpretive themes. Events conducted annually include: the Missouri Mines Rock Swap in early June; an Old Mine Open House honoring retired miners and other lead company workers, usually in mid-September; and Fall Rocks, an October evening of family fun and mineral resources education. Click here for dates and details of scheduled events.