Join Van and Bonnie as they go to the Center of the Earth at the Martin Marietta Limestone Mine north of Ames. It all starts September 29th at 5AM....take the 13th Street Exit off I-35...go west on 13th to Dayton. Turn north on Dayton until you see the signs and there will be people directing you to the parking area. The tour is free; however, if you can, please bring a canned food item with you for the Food Bank. We are trying to fill the loader on one of their huge vehicles and it's a really big loader!!! The last tour will leave at 2:30PM. They have twice the number of buses this year, so that should keep people moving thru at a good clip. Due to safety protocol, you must be at least 10 years of age to go into the mine. They will have activities for younger children, but an adult must be present with the child, so you may have to take turns going into the mine with your spouse or friend. Please wear closed-toe shoes on the premises. There will be various displays for you to walk thru while you wait your turn to go down in the mine. The temperature in the mine is 57 degrees. They only open the mine for tours every 5 years, so don't miss it!