Bonne Terre Mine is a flooded lead mine turned freshwater dive destination, offering an experience unlike any coastal site. Shore entries lead into cave and artificial reef environments, ranging from shallow beginner-friendly areas to deep intermediate passages. Perch, Blue Gill, Channel Catfish and Carp are observed throughout, with occasional Banded Killifish adding variety. The Dive Stop suits newer divers, while the main mine site draws those comfortable in confined, deeper water.
12 operators
Fin maps 12 sites in Bonne Terre Mine (8 scuba diving sites and 6 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
10 more sites to explore
Across Bonne Terre Mine's dive sites, August, September, October and November are most often reported as the best months to visit.
Perch, Blue Gill, Carp and Channel Catfish have all been observed and are very common across the sites. Catfish are also a regular presence. Banded Killifish appear occasionally, and rarer sightings have included Paddlefish, Longear Sunfish, Small Mouth Bass and Walleye.
The Dive Stop is rated beginner level and offers a wide depth range including very shallow water, making it a good starting point. The main Bonne Terre Mine site is rated intermediate and reaches significant depth within cave and artificial reef environments, so it is better suited to divers with more experience.
Both top sites are shore-entry, so no boat is required. You enter directly from land into the flooded mine system. Several local operators, including Midwest Scuba, Diventures and The Great American Diving Company, serve the area and can assist with guided access and equipment.
The region centres on a flooded lead mine, so the sites combine cave diving with artificial reef structures rather than natural reef or open-water environments. This produces an enclosed, industrial-scale underwater landscape found at very few freshwater dive destinations. The cave sections at the main mine site require divers to be comfortable with confined spaces and limited ambient light.
