Mining has a rich history in Wisconsin. In a lot of ways, mining put Wisconsin on the map and boosted our economy. But did you know that there is a museum where you can actually experience what it was like for miners in the 1800s-early 1900s in Wisconsin? At the Mining and Rolo Jamison Museums, you can get a feel for being a Wisconsin miner back in the day. They are located in Platteville, and for just $10 per adult (or $5 per kid), you can have an unforgettable summer experience.

Here are some pics of what things looked like at this mine way back when:

And here are some pics of the structures miners lived in. Did you know that Wisconsin miners were called badgers because they lived in hills to be free of the elements? Our tie to badgers is a lot less about the animal and more about our mining history.

Buuuuuttttt….enough with the history lesson (although it’s super cool). You can actually RIDE in a 1930s mine train. Yes, I am completely serious.

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But maybe the coolest part is that you can tour the Bevans Lead Mine from 1845. Yes, you will need a hard hat.

Have you been here before? What did you think?

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