Jennie T.
Yelp
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 shoes or heels!