Queen Mine Tour — Attraction in Bisbee

This is one of the most popular attractions in Bisbee, and I can see why!

Open seven days a week, The Queen Mine Tours allows you to ride a train inside the mountains of Bisbee and learn about how the miners conducted their work. The minimum age requirement to go on the tour is 6-years old, anybody younger than that will not be permitted.

This attraction can be dangerous for young kids to explore with the dark atmosphere, tight spaces, & literal rock hard walls. Even some adults would feel claustrophobic & unsafe. Fortunately, the staff are aware of this and make it known that if anyone needs to leave the tour, they are welcomed to do so.

My ticket was ordered online, and then when I approached the ticket booth to confirm my spot, I was given a consent form to sign and a blue metal tag to signify that I was in the blue group for that day. Someone will announce when your group is ready to board, and from there, they will hand you a vest, helmet and flashlight.

What I didn't expect when entering the mines was that I would have to GET OFF of the train and walk around. I was under the impression that we'd be riding the whole tour, but I guess in hindsight, that doesn't make much sense (Imagine the aching in your legs from sitting so long!) The train ride goes on in the beginning of the tour, but then you'll be instructed to step off and roam with your tour guide to specific areas that they will teach you about. You're encouraged to ask many questions by your guide too.

I'm all for learning new things, so this tour is fun for people who want to gain a better understanding of the town they're visiting (or you're just really into rocks). I also give bonus points for the tour guide getting the rest of the group to sing "Happy Birthday" to me when he found out it was my birthday. Being sung to by a group of strangers underground is more exciting than it sounds. I also got myself a sweater at their gift shop as a birthday gift.

If you're interested in visiting Bisbee, then this MUST be on your to-do list. How can it not be? The mountains are right there, in your line of sight all day. Why not hitch a ride on The Queen Mine Tour and have a closer look? Just make sure not to wear open toe...

We had a friend in from out of town and decided to take the tour.

The staff were friendly. The guide had a sort of flat dry sense of humor that went over well, he was informative and knowledgeable!

Safety was always a priority. They give you many chances to back our if you're uncomfortable at any point and even said they would refund you if you decided you needed to be taken back to the surface.

The tunnels are narrow but bot suffocating. My husband gets claustrophobic but was able to handle it.

They take you in on a chain of bench style trollies that you have to mount like a horse, so if you can't lift your leg up and over a low bench, this could be difficult for you. There are a couple of stops and they have you walk short distances pausing to listen to history and info. There is a set of steep stairs to climb but anyone who wants to wait at the trollies with a staff member is encouraged to do so.

Our tour was full with adults and a couple of kids. The tour went smoothly without issue.

I would suggest reading the info they send when you make reservations as there were a surprising number of people who tried to wear backpacks even tho it specifically says not to. They have lockers if you need to store items. You won't need much while down there. I suggest a bottle or water at most and nothing else that won't fit in your pockets. Riding in you are chest to back with other participants there simply isn't room for purses and backpacks leave them in your car.

It was a cool experience that we all enjoyed. If you enjoy historical tours and/or mines, caves, or minerals this could be...

The tour was well organized and informative. Our tour guide was a former miner in that mine and was great at explaining everything and answering questions. It makes you appreciate the job of a miner. Kids ages 6 and up can enjoy the slow ride and slight walking tour of the mine. They equip you with a hard hat, lantern, vest, and a lined rain coat. If needed, shoe covers are provided (in adult sizes only) if you happen to come in open-toed shoes, which are not allowed. I highly recommend you make reservations in advance or early in the day, as they sell out quickly. Leave your first and last name, and be prepared to come a half hour to an hour before the tour starts. I also recommend you call to confirm your reservation because they seemed to not find ours for a bit until she dug around some. We came on a Tuesday for a 2pm tour, they had a sign on the ticket booth window that said "Sold Out for the Day." Remember to dress warm, it gets down to 60 degrees when inside with slight cool breeze. There aren't any restrooms in the interior of the mine. You can use the restroom outside of the visitor's center in the parking lot. There's a small shop with rocks, gems, copper souvenirs, sweatshirts and t-shirts inside the visitor's center. There's also a fireplace with benches in the waiting area for those that choose to not participate but have to wait for ther rest of their group. The tour is approximately one hour long. Overall a great experience. I would...