NBM Dive Site Resource
Bonne Terre Mine
Bonne Terre, Missouri, United States
A flooded historic mine offering guided dives through illuminated underground passages along established routes.
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Quarry Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Published reference location
Location map
The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
A historic five-level lead mine with a billion-gallon subterranean lake, illuminated chambers, limestone pillars, submerged ore carts, shafts, mining equipment, catwalks, and established guided dive trails.
Quarry-only module
Quarry layout and services
This section appears only for quarries and mines, with the practical details divers need for entries, training areas, submerged features, surface support, and current operations.
- Former use
- Five-level lead mine operated from the 1860s until the early 1960s
- Current operating status
- Closed per the official operator website reviewed October 11, 2026; reopening must be confirmed before travel
- Entry points
- Operator-controlled underground access involving a walking route and 65-step staircase to the lake level when open
- Submerged attractions
- Illuminated mine chambers, limestone pillars, shafts, archways, submerged ore carts and mining equipment, overhead catwalks, and established guided trails
- Onsite dive services
- Guided scuba diving by reservation when operating; current reopening status and equipment arrangements must be confirmed
- Surface facilities
- Historic walking and boat tours, gift shop, and themed lodging have been advertised when operating
Before you arrive
Access notes
CURRENTLY CLOSED according to the official operator website reviewed October 11, 2026. Do not travel expecting mine tours or scuba access until the operator announces reopening. When operating, dive reservations are required and dives are conducted in guided groups.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
No unauthorized entry. Underground and overhead environment, permanent cold water, stairs and physical access demands, submerged mine structures, depth, disorientation, and strict dependence on operator guides and procedures.
At the site
Facilities and support
When operating, the site offers guided walking, boat, and scuba experiences plus historic lodging options; confirm reopening, reservations, equipment arrangements, and accessibility directly.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.