The Bonne Terre Mine

Posted: Jul 13 in Dive Blog tagged Missouri Diving by Jan

The Bonne Terre Mine is the world’s largest fresh water dive resort located not very far away, in Bonne Terra Missouri. This national historic site offers a dive experience unlike any other. The history of this dive site goes back to the middle of the 18^th century when the French first began mining in the region.  Centuries of abandoned history lay beneath the Earth at this site, promising an intriguing adventure. While there is not much life within the cave walls of this mine, there is plenty of history to see. Divers boast seeing first hand a variety of scaffolds, oar carts, pillars, slurry pipes, stair cases and even the famous elevator shaft!

The Bonne Terre Mine offers trails for boating and walking for those that do not dive, but the diving experience here is not one to be passed on.  Called the Billion Gallon Lake, the pathways of the diving site are highly illuminated and there are over twenty separate diving trails that one can choose to pursue. Diving tours are offered in groups of ten and the dives range from 40 to 60 feet under. One added benefit of this dive site is that since it is in an abandoned mine, diving conditions are consistent year round. The water is 58 Degree’s Fahrenheit and the air in the cave remains at a temperature of 62 degree’s regardless of the weather outside.

Lodging accommodations surrounding this mine are known to be beautiful and relaxing. Nearby, the 1909 Depot is within the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, offering spectacular views.  A lot of divers prefer not to leave the mine site at all, and the Diver’s Lodge is another more casual option that is also incredibly enjoyable.