Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum
Explore Bisbee's rich copper mining past with an underground mine tour and fascinating museum exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Bisbee's rich copper mining past with an underground mine tour and fascinating museum exhibits.
"An amazing time, highly recommend if you find yourself in Arizona."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee is hilly with many stairs! You'll be doing a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Book Mine Tour Tickets Early
The Queen Mine Tour is popular and can sell out, especially on weekends. Book ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Queen Mine Tour
Underground
Ride a mine cart deep into the earth, experiencing the history and thrill of a working copper mine.
Mining and Historical Museum Exhibits
Museum Main Floor & Upstairs
Explore fascinating displays on Bisbee's copper mining past and see stunning mineral specimens.

Historic Bisbee Streets
Throughout the town
Wander through charming, hilly streets filled with historic architecture, art galleries, and unique shops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Queen Mine Tour in Advance
Embrace the Quirky Charm of Bisbee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee is hilly with many stairs! You'll be doing a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Book Mine Tour Tickets Early
The Queen Mine Tour is popular and can sell out, especially on weekends. Book ahead! :ticket:
Bring a Light Jacket
It's cool underground in the mine, even on hot days. :cloud:
Explore Beyond the Mine
Bisbee has a vibrant art scene and unique shops. Don't miss wandering the historic streets. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee is hilly with many stairs! You'll be doing a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Book Mine Tour Tickets Early
The Queen Mine Tour is popular and can sell out, especially on weekends. Book ahead! :ticket:
Bring a Light Jacket
It's cool underground in the mine, even on hot days. :cloud:
Explore Beyond the Mine
Bisbee has a vibrant art scene and unique shops. Don't miss wandering the historic streets. :camerawithflash:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is available, but can be challenging during busy periods. Arrive early if possible. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum for its excellent exhibits on local history and impressive mineral displays. The Queen Mine Tour is a highlight, offering a thrilling and educational underground adventure. The town's unique, historic streets and quirky charm are also frequently praised, making it a memorable destination.
"The Bisbee Queen Mine Tour was amazing. My partner and I visited during our weekend getaway trip. I'd never been in a mine before and it was something to experience. Parking wasn't difficult as they had their own lot. I would imagine during high visitor times you wouldn't be able to find a space.b
Before we went into the doors, we saw many things to do outside and learned a lot of history about the mine.
Entering the doors it's a museum and store to purchase items from. We did buy our tickets inside and was lucky enough they had a few seats left.
We got hard hats and vests lights and boarded the mine train. It was an experience the entire family would enjoy.
To see the entire experience visit my YouTube Channel called Eat and Travel with Toni."
Tonetta Clay
"Excellent mining and history of Bisbee museum. If you are in town exploring, make sure to stop by and see the history of this place. Pretty crazy the amount of copper that came from their and how it formed the town of Bisbee.
The exhibits are very nice and interesting. You can really get a feel of what it was back in the day, minus the hard work and suffering a lot of these early settlers of this area faced.
There's even a whole section that I believe the smithsonian helped with (could be wrong) that includes a ton of different minerals / rocks from the area that are absolutely beautiful.
Cool town, awesome museum!"
Tre “Nerdy Traveler” Heitman
"Wonderful place. Don't miss it! Main floor has history of the town with great displays and info. Upstairs is all about the mining in town. Very interesting and you could get a sense of how life was for miners. This town was THE SPOT in the 1800s. One of the best museums I've been to!"
Barbara Hass
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bisbee is located in southeastern Arizona, about a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix and 1.5 hours from Tucson. Many visitors drive, making it a popular road trip destination. :car: The nearest major airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS). From there, you can rent a car to reach Bisbee. Some visitors also mention it's a great stop on a larger Arizona road trip.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak tourist times and holiday weekends like Memorial Day. The Queen Mine Tour has its own lot, which is convenient if you plan to take the tour. Otherwise, street parking is available but can be limited. Arriving early is recommended.
Bisbee is a very walkable town, but it's also quite hilly with many stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe: For longer distances or to explore the surrounding areas, a car is recommended. Some visitors mention a 'moving trolley' experience, likely referring to the mine tour cart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Queen Mine Tour is generally considered inexpensive. Prices have been reported around $13-$16 per person, making it a great affordable activity and even a cheap date idea. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your Queen Mine Tour tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting during a holiday weekend or peak season. Tickets can sell out, and you might be lucky to get one of the last seats if you don't book ahead.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum is very reasonably priced, with reports of admission being around $10. It's considered well worth the cost, especially given its Smithsonian affiliation.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check the official websites for both the Queen Mine Tour and the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum for the most up-to-date information. Generally, tours run daily, but specific times can change seasonally.
While specific discount information isn't widely detailed, the general consensus is that both the museum and the mine tour are very affordably priced. It's always worth inquiring about potential group rates or special offers if applicable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be provided with a hard hat, vest, and light for the mine tour. It's advisable to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Also, bring a light jacket as the mine is cool year-round.
The museum offers a comprehensive look at Bisbee's rich mining history, with exhibits on copper extraction and the town's development. It features displays on minerals and rocks from the area, some of which were assisted by the Smithsonian. It's described as fascinating, excellent, and wonderful, providing a great sense of life for miners in the past.
The Queen Mine Tour is described as thrilling and an amazing experience. While it involves going underground in a mine cart, it's generally considered family-friendly and not overly frightening. The experience is more about historical exploration than intense scares.
The museum boasts a significant collection of minerals and rocks from the Bisbee area, including beautiful specimens of azurite and malachite. These displays are a highlight for many visitors interested in geology and the region's mineral wealth.
Yes, Bisbee is often mentioned as one of the most haunted cities in America, with the Copper Queen Hotel specifically noted for its ghostly tales. While the museum and mine tour focus on history, the town itself has a reputation for paranormal activity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Bisbee offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more established restaurants. Many visitors enjoy exploring the local culinary scene after their museum or mine tour. The town's quirky charm extends to its food establishments, offering a unique dining experience.
You can find a range of cuisines in Bisbee, reflecting its diverse history and artistic community. Expect options from classic American fare to more eclectic choices. Many places offer a cozy atmosphere perfect for a meal after a day of exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Bisbee is incredibly photogenic! Capture the historic architecture, vibrant murals, and unique street art. The hilly terrain offers interesting perspectives, and the Queen Mine Tour provides a unique underground photo opportunity (check if photography is allowed inside). Don't forget to photograph the stunning mineral specimens in the museum.
Photography policies inside the Queen Mine Tour can vary. While many visitors capture the experience, it's always best to confirm with your tour guide upon arrival. The unique environment of the mine offers a distinct photographic challenge and reward.
The hilly nature of Bisbee provides several vantage points for scenic views of the town and surrounding landscape. Exploring the upper streets can offer panoramic vistas. The historic buildings themselves are also a major photographic draw.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Queen Mine Tour Experience
This tour is frequently highlighted as a must-do activity, praised for its affordability and unique nature. It's described as thrilling and an amazing experience, suitable for families and couples alike. The ride itself is often compared to a Disneyland-like experience due to the moving trolley. While the underground setting can be intense, it's generally not considered frightening but rather an educational and exciting exploration. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the mine remains cool year-round.
Exploring Bisbee's Rich History at the Museum
A significant draw within the museum is its extensive collection of minerals and rocks, many of which are native to the Bisbee area. These exhibits feature stunning specimens, including azurite and malachite, which are particularly famous from the Copper Queen Mine. The museum also preserves an original room from the mine's operational days, providing an authentic feel of the historical environment. The gift shop offers tax-free purchases, adding a practical perk to the visit. The museum is consistently praised for its engaging displays and the valuable historical context it provides, making it a highly recommended stop for any visitor.
The Unique Charm of Bisbee's Streets
This unique urban landscape makes Bisbee a photographer's delight, offering endless opportunities to capture its distinctive character. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Bisbee often involves a good amount of walking and climbing. The town's offbeat charm and its blend of history, art, and independent businesses contribute to its reputation as a captivating destination in Arizona.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit