Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
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Check out the Beckley Exibition Coal Mine in Raleigh County, WV! #westvirginia #wv #westvirginiatourism #visitwestvirginia #explorewestvirginia #almostheaven #almostheavenwv #wildandwonderful #wildandwonderful #countryroads #montiseptemberlibre #westvirginiabucketlist #beckleywv #raleighcountywv #coalmine
stated.by.caitstated.by.cait
10K103
The Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, West Virginia is a captivating journey into the heart of Appalachian history. This unique attraction offers a firsthand look into the arduous lives of coal miners while providing an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. What to Expect: Prepare to step back in time as you board a vintage "man car" and descend 1,500 feet into the depths of the earth. Guided by retired miners, you'll experience the claustrophobic tunnels, the cool, constant temperature, and the echoes of a bygone era. Witness the raw conditions miners endured as you explore the mine's working areas, from hand-loading to mechanized operations. After your underground adventure, emerge into the sunlight and explore the recreated coal camp. Step back in time as you wander through restored company houses, a miner's shanty, a church, and a schoolhouse. Imagine the lives of those who called this place home. The volunteers really go in depth and the historical items they have will have you looking through and seeing how life was and how much things have changed. For younger visitors, the adjacent Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia offers interactive exhibits that bring the region's history to life. From hands-on activities to engaging displays, there's something for everyone. Practical Information: Hours of Operation: The Exhibition Coal Mine operates seasonally, typically from April 1st to November 1st. Hours are 10AM to 5PM Ticket Prices: - Adults: $22 - Children: $12.50 - Seniors: $16 What to Wear: Comfortable clothing is recommended, as you'll be walking and climbing stairs. A jacket is essential for the mine tour, as the temperature is a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Time Allotment: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the mine, the coal camp, and the Youth Museum. Why You Should Visit: The Exhibition Coal Mine offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of West Virginia's heritage. The knowledgeable tour guides, many of whom are retired miners, provide invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of this demanding profession. Beyond the historical significance, the mine tour is an adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a family-friendly outing, the Exhibition Coal Mine is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Appalachian culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the men and women who shaped the region. Important Note: While the coal camp area is dog-friendly, pets are not allowed in the mine or the Youth Museum.
Derek AndersonDerek Anderson
00
Come to Beckley to enjoy coal miner karaoke with none other than Don the Icon! Which such favorites as, "fun mun", "them bad boys gotta go" and "16 tons" If you've been there and you're reading this; you know. If you don't know, "like them bad boys, you gotta go!" But seriouusly, we initially found out about the Beckley Coal Mine tour while my wife was looking for things for us to do on Spring Break. Our kids were really into Minecraft and this seemed like a really cool thing to do for all of us. We saw a video of some other folks who visited and had Don as a tour guide and he looked like the exact type of person you want to have as a guide. Fun, engaging and someone who's passionate about what they're doing. We were very fortunate to have Don as our guide when we went. It was complete coincidence and we are so grateful it worked out that way. Don was an incredible guide. He does a great job of telling the history of the mines, what life was like for the workers and their families and has fun for the whole family in the process. Don sparked a new interest in all things coal mining in our 16 year old daughter! (And she typically dislikes history; or so she thought) Our group had ages 13, 16, 36 and 42 and we all had a good time. Also, the merch was very affordable, especially compared to most places we visited. I got the grayish blue hoodie for under $40 and it's super soft and thick. My new favorite hoodie! (Sorry Las Vegas hoodie :( Unrelated but interesting, we were also not the only visitors from Michigan to visit that day. The folks in the mine cart with us were also from Michigan (about 25 minutes from where we live) and there were other Michiganders that went in for a tour right after us! Overall a wonderful experience that we highly recommend. Ask for Don!
Joe BrassellJoe Brassell
00
A Great place to learn about the Coal Industry in WV What a great place. Be sure to check if it is open. I believe that we had one of the last tours for the season. We picked this place thinking that we would learn about the coal mining industry history in West Virginia. We did! You pay $15/person and that allows you access to the museum, grounds and a ride through the museum on the coal mine car. The main structure is a large 2 story house converted to a museum with the bottom floor as a store and the upstairs as a museum. This is also where you pay for entrance. The ride goes off on a regular basis and is accessed through the back of the main house. The ride into the mine was excellent. The tour guide was a real coal miner and answered all our questions and was the most honest person I had met. The ride stops at several places to show various sites in the mine. You may have a challenge if you are claustrophobic or afraid of the dark. At the end of the rid you are returned to the starting point. We wandered the other sites on the ground. There are several other structures with signs and placards explaining their uses. We ended up looking at the museum last (on the second floor of the main house). The buildings are still in good condition and allow you to see what life was like. Museum is very nice. You could spend hours there and still not see it all. Staff was excellent, price was reasonable and it was a great visit. I learned a lot. I highly recommend this site to any of my fellow travelers to understand coal mining and much of the history behind it for this seam (Sewell coal seam). Enjoy!
Ward DoughertyWard Dougherty
00
We had an amazing experience going through the coal mine even though it's not operating per se. Our tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and had a worked in Coal Mines more than 28 years and his father worked in the coal mines for 49 years! The stories he told about how people working in the coal mines back then only made 2 to $3 a day if they were lucky enough to load 6 tons of coal per day to make that much money. Each card held about two tons of coal so they had to push equivalent of 3 carts everyday to make about $3. If the inspector found any large Stones mixed in with the coal that would be deducted from their money paid. It's hard to fathom the idea of how how many coal tunnels there are underneath the city of Beckley it's just simply mind-boggling. They offer discounts for the tickets for seniors, military personnel, children, and students. It is very important place to bring children so they can learn the history of coal production and appreciation of value of money and hard work! It was very sad to see that there were so many deaths of coal minors During certain periods of time of the early days due to accidents and other things. It was also interesting to learn more about the black lung disease that many of the coal miners were affected by. It is very safe nowadays in this Museum mine because they set it up so it meets all safety standards and I would not hesitate to go again and bring children or family.
Paul_Melvin _Paul_Melvin _
00
We were driving to the Midwest from Virginia to visit friends, and we decided to stop at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. We had a full day of driving, so a break of a couple hours was welcome. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine advertised as a trip into a former working Coal mine, and that's exactly what it was. Now, there are two kinds of Coal mines. A shaft Mine uses a vertical shaft going deep underground. A drift mine uses a horizontal shaft that tunnels into a mountain. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a drift Mine. You board a trolley, maybe 20 people in all. The mine you tour was a working Coal mine, until it was made into an Exhibition Mine. Our guide was a gentleman that had been a working Coal miner for over 40 years. He really knew what it was like working in the mines. We had a great time. After the mine tour, we toured the Coal mining town. The had numerous houses, a school, and other buildings that had been an actual Coal mining town until they were moved to Beckley. It was fascinating, and very realistic. You really saw how miners and their families lived. They also had a children's building with many interesting activities kids would love. We spent 3 hours at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and it was time well spent.
Chris CafferkyChris Cafferky
00
Nearby Attractions Of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Ollie's Bargain Outlet
Kroger
Taya's and Abraham's International Groceries
New River Park
Mattress By Appointment Beckley
Get Faded & Dye
Scentister
Youth Museum of Southern WV
Classy Clutter antiques, and consignment shop
Classic Jewelers
Ollie's Bargain Outlet
4.3
(779)Click for details
Kroger
4.2
(276)Click for details
Taya's and Abraham's International Groceries
4.6
(168)Click for details
New River Park
4.3
(152)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Wasabi Fusion
Little Sicily | Italian Restaurant
Foster's Main Street Tavern
Black Circle Bistro
Donut Connection
Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti House
Tudor's Biscuit World
Venus Lounge
Captain D's
Kroger Deli
Wasabi Fusion
4.6
(572)Click for details
Little Sicily | Italian Restaurant
4.5
(377)Click for details
Foster's Main Street Tavern
4.2
(161)Click for details
Black Circle Bistro
4.9
(115)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV 25801
Map
Phone
(304) 256-1747
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Website
beckley.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Phillips-Sprague Mine, also known as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, is a historic coal mine located at New River Park in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia. The mine opened about 1889 on what had been operated as a drift mine.
attractions: Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Kroger, Taya's and Abraham's International Groceries, New River Park, Mattress By Appointment Beckley, Get Faded & Dye, Scentister, Youth Museum of Southern WV, Classy Clutter antiques, and consignment shop, Classic Jewelers, restaurants: Wasabi Fusion, Little Sicily | Italian Restaurant, Foster's Main Street Tavern, Black Circle Bistro, Donut Connection, Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti House, Tudor's Biscuit World, Venus Lounge, Captain D's, Kroger Deli
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