Adventure Mine

I apologize that my posts are out of order and randomly dated.  Spending time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and in the UP means spending limited time with WiFi.  The blog was backlogged and I am trying to catch up and still move forward. . . But it is still the same adventure!!!  (It just may seem that I am going around in circles if you tried to map my locations!)

My dad, stepmom, niece, nephew, 3 of my kids and I took a day trip to Greenland, MI to visit the Adventure Mine.  The mine had been an active copper mine from 1850-1920 and now is open for tours.  Originally there were 5 shafts of the mine.  Currently, only one shaft is open to tour.  We opted for the Prospector's Tour- it was a step up from the basic tour.  

First we were outfitted with hard hats and miners lights.  Then, we rode in a Pinzgauer military vehicle to climb the rough terrain to get to the mine entrance.

Our tour guide for the day, Taylor, was 15 years old and had lived in the area for her entire life.  She was well versed on the history of the mine, life during mining times and general history of the area.  She taught us about the different layers, how to spot the copper, the techniques the miners used and the dangers involved.

Throughout the tour, we were on the lookout for bats.  We saw just a few but thankfully they kept their distance!  At one point, we turned off our headlamps and used only candlelight to light the area.  With the dim light it out into perspective how challenging the miners' work was in the dangerous mines.  Taylor  blew out the candle and we all experienced true darkness!

At the end of the tour, the kids were given the opportunity to try using the tools. They saw how a lot of effort did not yield significant results.  Helped them appreciate the hard work of the miners!

An adventure at the Adventure Mine!