Bonne Terre Mine: A Unique Diving Experience

It was the French who first discovered the rich lead sources in Missouri and began mining operations in the area. In 1865, the St. Joseph Lead Company built the Bonne Terre (”Good Earth”) Mine and dug a large mining complex beneath the earth. After a hundred years, the lead ran out and the owners simply left. With the pumps shut downs the man-made caverns filled with cold water, flooding the entire mine. For years, it was left abandoned until Doug and Cathy Georgens bought the mine and transformed it into THE mid-west diving destination. There is practically no marine life inside the mine (or Billion Gallon Lake, as they like to call it). The main attraction is the various historical artifacts - ranging from simple shovels and tools to mine carts, tracks and even an old steam locomotive. What’s fascinating is that even though Missouri has 2 seasons, the water remains at a constant 58F temperature year-round. The entire cavern is lit up with over 500,000 watts of light and visibility is 100 feet.

This eerily beautiful dive site has been hailed by National Geographic Magazine as one of America’s Top Ten Adventures and has attracted even well-known ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. West End Diving in Missouri conducts weekend dives year round. For more information, visit the official website here.