Scotia, Nebraska: Happy Jack Chalk Mine Tour
6,000 feet of honeycomb tunnels, opened as an attraction in 1997. Chalk: the white gold of the world's classrooms.
- Address:
- 80131 Highway 11, Scotia, NE
- Directions:
- Southwest of town, on the west side of Hwy 11 about two miles south of Hwy 22.
- Hours:
- M-F 10 am - 5 pm, Sa-Su 10 am - 8 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 308-245-3276
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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The Happy Jack Chalk Mine is now open to tourists as a very promising new roadside attraction. This "column and room" mining operation started about 130 years ago and reached its peak in the 1920s. As chalk ceased to be added to cheap paint, the mine became dormant (except for the local kids who expressed themselves all over the walls with spray paint). The best part about the tour is getting to view the photo album of all the obscene graffiti removed from the mine prior to its re-opening. Obligatory mannequins demonstrate the mining operation. Visit in the summer to appreciate the 56 degree F mine temperature.
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6,000 feet of honeycomb tunnels. The tour is on foot. This was the only room and pillar mine in the U.S. open as an attraction until the Salt Museum opened in Hutchinson, Kansas.