The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums preserve the heritage of southwestern Wisconsin and the Tri-State Area. Located in the heart of the historic Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District lead-zinc mining region near the world’s largest “M,” the museum features fascinating exhibits on the nature, culture, and history of the region.
Tour the underground Bevans Mine: More than 150 years ago Lorenzo Bevans struck it rich just a few yards from the museum's back door. Descend the 90 stairs into the mine and experience a 1-hour guided tour takes you through over 100 years of local lead and zinc mining history.
Ride the Mine Train: Climb into one of the ore cars and enjoy a train ride through the beautiful three-acre museum campus pulled by a 1931 Whitcomb locomotive used in the Blackstone Mine near Shullsburg until the 1950s.
Visit the Exhibit Galleries: Our collection of regional mining artifacts and dioramas is among the largest in the Upper Midwest. Exhibits tell the story of Mississippi Valley-Type lead-zinc ore deposits, and how local mining led to the establishment of Wisconsin as the Badger State. Cultural history exhibits represent the one-man collection of folk historian Rollo Jamison. Displays of everything from boxing squirrels to hair wreaths, bull halters, and cigar molds and give visitors an idea of rural life in southwestern Wisconsin from its pioneer era through the 20th century.
Shop the Museum Store for unique rock and mineral specimens, books, toys, candy, and more. Enjoy the outdoor greenspace, pollinator garden, and picnic grounds.
From US-151 N take exit 19. Turn onto WI-80 N/WI-80 Trunk N/WI-81/State Rd 80 N towards Platteville. Turn right onto E. Main St. The Museum is on the left at the top of the hill at 405 E. Main Street.
