Adventure Mine facts for kids
The Adventure Mine is an old copper mine located in Greenland Township, near Greenland, Michigan in Ontonagon County, Michigan. It was active for many years, from 1850 to 1920. This mine has five main tunnels, called shafts. Today, the Adventure Mine is a popular place for visitors. You can take tours there from late May until mid-October. The tours are run by the Adventure Mining Company.
A Look Back: The Mine's Early Days
The story of the Adventure Mine began in 1850. That year, a company called the Adventure Mining Company was formed. This first company worked the mine until 1862.
Then, in 1863, a person named Thomas Mason bought the mine. He changed its name to the Adventure Copper Company. Later, in 1898, another company took over. It was called the Adventure Consolidated Copper Company.
Mining stopped in 1908 because the price of copper became very low. However, the mine opened again for a short time during World War I. This was because more copper was needed for the war effort. But by 1917, copper production stopped for good. The mine officially closed its doors in 1920.
The Mine Today: Tours and Fun
After many years, the Adventure Mine found a new purpose. Starting in the 1970s, people began offering tours of the old mine. Jack and Margaret Neph bought the mine in 1972. They gave tours from 1973 through the mid-1980s.
Later, their son John and his wife Winnie continued the tours. They welcomed visitors from the late 1990s until 2003. Since 2005, the current owner, Matthew Portfleet, has run the tours. His company is also called the Adventure Mining Company.
Since 2009, an exciting bike race has taken place at the mine every year. It's called Miner's Revenge. The race course goes both inside the mine and above ground. It's a unique challenge for bikers!
See also
- Copper mining in Michigan
- List of Copper Country mines
