BonneTerreMine In 1961, St. Joseph Lead Co. turned off the pumps that kept their mine dry. They sold the buildings to the state of MO which turned the area into a state park. Underground, clear, fresh water springs began seeping into the old mine.…Read More

BonneTerreMine

In 1961, St. Joseph Lead Co. turned off the pumps that kept their mine dry. They sold the buildings to the state of MO which turned the area into a state park. Underground, clear, fresh water springs began seeping into the old mine. Little by little, a BILLION GALLON UNDERWATER LAKE was formed! There are 17 miles of underground shoreline, larger than the city of Bonne Terre which is above. 500,000 watts of lighting illuminate the caves both above and below the water. In fact, the water is so clear you can see 100 feet down! The air temperature is 62 degrees year round. The water temperature is 58 degrees year round. You can take a boat tour or a dive tour to see wonderful cave formations, ore carts, a steam locomotive, staircases, and other tools that were left behind when the last miner walked away. This underwater lake has become a world class fresh water dive site, named by National Geographic as one of America's top 10 Greatest Adventure (March/April 2000) In fact, it is the world’s largest freshwater dive resort. I'm not a diver, but I looked up some info for those who are:
West End Diving
11215 Natural Bridge Rd.
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 731-5003
Mention your interest in Bonne Terre Mines of Southeast Missouri

Interesting accommodations can be found at the 1909 Train Depot Bed and Breakfast (An actual train depot that has been converted), a local Super 8, the Red Cedar Lodge or at TimbeCreek Resort (member of RCI). Bonne Terre Mine is open year round, but in October-April only on the weekends.
Their phone # is 573-358-2148.
The price structure as of 8/03 is: Walking tour: $12 adults
$6 children 11 and under
Available every day the site is open;
There are 68 steps-down and up; 1/2 mile in length; 40-45 minutes.
Boat tour (includes walking tour) $17.50
(minimum of four people)
Available on weekends. 15-20 minutes includes
walking tour. Minimum of four persons in boat.
Dive tour varies considerably See address above for details.

Mastodon State Historic Site is an important archaeological and paleontological site located about 15 miles south of St. Louis, MO. The Kimmswick Bone Bed is there. In the early 1800s bones of mastodons, giant sloths, sabertooth tigers, and other now extinct animals were first found.…Read More

Mastodon State Historic Site is an important archaeological and paleontological site located about 15 miles south of St. Louis, MO. The Kimmswick Bone Bed is there. In the early 1800s bones of mastodons, giant sloths, sabertooth tigers, and other now extinct animals were first found. The area is considered one of the most extensive Pleistocene ice age deposits in the country and attracts scientists from all over the world.

In 1979 a major discovery was made. For years scientists argued over whether or not Clovis Man (named for the distinctive clovis spear points he made) actually hunted the huge mammoths. We weren’t even sure they existed at the same time (circa 15,000BC to 10,000BC). But that controversy ended when in 1979 a clovis spear point was found inside the skeleton of a mastodon at this location. It was solid and convincing evidence and changed the course of thinking about Clovis people.

The Park has a nice museum with a mastodon, clovis people, and other beasts in full size replica. They show a short movie on the subject as well. There is also a nice trail system and picnic area. This site is considered one of the oldest American Indian site you can actually visit.

Here is contact information for this important park:
Address: Mastodon State park
1050 Museum Drive
Imperial, MO 63052
Phone: (636) 464-2976
Directions: 20 miles south of St. Louis off I-55 at Exit 186 in Jefferson County

Website: Click here

Family time is what gives me peace. Timber Creek Resort is a very nice getaway that is built for families that need quality time. My kids where able to play and swim while at the resort and the area is fantastic as St. Louis presented…Read More

Family time is what gives me peace. Timber Creek Resort is a very nice getaway that is built for families that need quality time. My kids where able to play and swim while at the resort and the area is fantastic as St. Louis presented the family adventure that make family vacations worth the savings. We will return to this area in the future and will stay Timber Creek Resort.Close

There are only four covered bridges left in MO and all of them are historic sites now. Sandy Creek is about 15-20 minutes from Timbercreek and is quite charming. It was built following the Civil War in 1872 as part of a road that connected…Read More

There are only four covered bridges left in MO and all of them are historic sites now. Sandy Creek is about 15-20 minutes from Timbercreek and is quite charming. It was built following the Civil War in 1872 as part of a road that connected the county seat of Hillsboro in Jefferson County to the courthouse in St. Louis. It is still maintained in its original red color however it is only open to foot traffic now.

For more information go to: .

Tele:(636) 464-2976

Directions: Five miles north of Hillsboro, off Hwy. 21 east on Goldman, southwest on Lemay Ferry Road in Jefferson County.

There are several historical river towns nearby that have been preserved, such as St. Gueinavee, St. Charles and Kissmen. There are many unique places to eat and shop in these towns. Also, there are many wineries within an hour or two south of St.…Read More

There are several historical river towns nearby that have been preserved, such as St. Gueinavee, St. Charles and Kissmen. There are many unique places to eat and shop in these towns. Also, there are many wineries within an hour or two south of St. Louis. Close