Coudersport, Pennsylvania: Coudersport Ice Mine

Yes, sadly, the Ice Mine is now defunct. One of my first jobs was at the Ice Mine, in the mid-50's. I would stand in the driveway, and tell folks where to turn around and park. Some loved the bumper-stickers, and others were adamant about not putting one of those "things on my bumper"! I also had other chores, like feeding the raccoons, and cleaning out their cages. I think the pay was about 50-cents/hour. But it was a better job than caddying or trapping muskrats. All I've heard is that logging changed the dynamics of the mine. It's a real shame - what a cool (literally) place.

The ice mine is a freak of nature, where ice forms in the spring and summer, and melts in the winter. It was discovered in 1894 by prospector Billy O'Neil. Using divining rods, O'Neil traveled these parts in search of silver...

I was an Ice Mine tour guide as a teenager in Coudersport. I now have four boys and live in North Carolina. Once a year, when we visit the area, I am saddened that I can not take my children to visit what I took for granted as a young person. It was small and some may consider it a bit cheesy, but if you have been there you'll never forget it.

I visited the Ice Mine back in the 1950s -- seeing all the billboards was too big a draw for our family. It always remained a highlight, to the point I convinced myself it was a cave we could walk into. In 2000 or so my wife and I went east. A stop at the police department led us to a tavern in town where I met the daughter of the former owner. She told of her and her brother, the current owner, being brought up on the receipts of the Ice Mine. She said her brother had sold the timber rights to the land above the ice mine, and the removal of the trees apparently changed the topography enough that the ice never really formed like it did previously. Armed with directions, we found the cutback road leading to the mine. Although my wife wouldn't go, I wandered up the road, past the "Do Not Enter" signs until I stood in front of the building. The area was surrounded by flea market type stuff under plastic tarps, but the area of the mine next to a huge rock was accessible. I climbed up the left side and looked in, and although this was in August or late july, there were telltale slivers of ice on the walls. Nothing like I remember, but a comforting feeling to know I hadn't dreamed the whole thing up.

We visited the Ice Mine about 30 years ago when my sons were small, and it was quite an attraction at that time. A souvenir shop was located on the property, and the mine itself was enclosed with a door to enter. It was dug because the miner was looking for Indian treasures. In the spring it froze and when it frosted it would also. The principle of a natural heat pump....

Around 2001 my present husband and I stopped at the site. Bill being curious as he is drove up as far as he could go. We walked up and there were tables left set with items that had been put up for sale before the owner became ill and had to abandon it. He told us he had plans for the place, but since that time I do not know what happened.

Coudersport Ice Mine is no longer in existence, according to local folk. Although it is found on the Pennsylvania Atlas & Gazetteer under "Unique Natural Features" as being 4 miles east of Coudersport just off of route 44. My husband and I drove all around the area and finally stopped to ask some men in the area and they, to our dismay, informed us that the land that the ice mine sits on has been purchased by some idiot who has totally damaged the mine.

An ice mine is a pretty awesome natural occurrence. Ice forms in the mine even during summer months. If you are really into ice mines then go to Raystown Lake area near Huntington and check it out. Also Balanced Rock is pretty awesome too. Both are located in the "Trough Creek State Park," which is near Beavertown, where Davey Jones of the Monkees has built a museum to honor himself.