Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine — Attraction in Beckley

🪨⛏️ “Gilded Glam Under the Ground” ⛏️🪨

Darlings, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be rich in coal but poor in comfort, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is your first-class ticket to bougie black-lung curiosity—without the black lung, thankfully.

Yes, you get to descend into an actual coal mine, where the only diamonds you’ll find are the sweat glistening on your brow as you glide on your tram, learning about the gritty, humbling reality of coal miners who worked day in, day out to power the world before WiFi existed.

And let’s be clear: this is the perfect hot-day activity. It’s cool, dark, and zero sunburn risk, so your family can enjoy West Virginia while staying as comfortable as an heir in a climate-controlled vault. You’ll be 200 feet underground, learning how coal mines operated, what tools miners used, and exactly how little personal space people had before HR departments existed.

There’s no walking underground—you get to ride in style while your tour guide, who is the star of this subterranean show, spins tales that will either capture your imagination or send your toddler’s attention span fleeing faster than a canary in a gas leak. Hot tip: bring a quiet toy or snack to bribe the tiny humans when they inevitably get antsy mid-tour.

Before your mine departure, there’s a hands-on kids’ museum that will burn off the toddler zoomies while teaching them something (or at least letting them hit buttons and levers). Just beware, the more fun they have there, the more they might struggle to sit still underground—consider it a pre-tour cardio test for your patience.

Above ground, the experience keeps going with a beautifully maintained property, featuring old schoolhouses, a church, and miners’ homes that let you stroll through history at your own pace while getting your steps in. It’s the kind of walk-through Americana that reminds you just how hard people worked so we could complain about slow internet today.

The staff? Absolute gems. Friendly, knowledgeable, and committed to making sure everyone—whether your age is 4 or 94—learns something and has a great time.

And let’s talk price: reasonable, honest, and worth every penny. You get a full afternoon’s worth of entertainment and education, all while staying cool and getting your “we did something different today” bragging rights.

In summary:

✔️ Coolest (literally) family-friendly adventure in Beckley ✔️ Educational, humbling, and hands-on ✔️ A seated tour underground = minimal whining about walking ✔️ Above-ground walking = steps for your Apple Watch ✔️ Staff that treats you like family, without the awkward politics ✔️ Your guide makes or breaks the trip—lucky for you, they’re usually amazing ✔️ Best done “once in a while” to keep it special, especially with different ages or visitors ✔️ Perfect backup plan for hot days or rainy afternoons in Beckley

If you’re in Beckley and looking for an indoor adventure that’s cool, different, and memorable, this is it. You’ll leave with a newfound respect for the clickety-clack of trains, the hum of coal carts, and the stories of those who made their living deep in the earth—while you roll away with clean clothes and your...

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...

This is a basic City Owned Campground. There are 18 FHU, back in sides. Drives are asphalt and not level. Sites are also close together. We were in 12 and our power box shared a post with site 13, meaning our electrical cord had to run under our rig. Sewer and water are next to each other at the very back of the site. Our rig is 18' long with the sewer connection mid-way on the driver's side. Our stinky hose barely reached the sewer connection, which was surrounded on four sides by a raised 2" cement wall, so it was almost impossible to get your hose connection connected. We had a rubber extension and still barely managed it. Our water connection was 4" about the ground. No WIFI and if you are in the upper numbers and plan to use Starlink, North is directly into the trees. The climb up to the Park is narrow and steep and on our arrival it was wet and our truck pulling just 2900lbs lost some traction on the wet, pine straw covered road, but we made it. No way if you meet anyone coming in or going out will two rigs much less two vehicles pass each other. The single bath house remains closed and according to the staff it's been closed for years. She mentioned this by saying it should have been posted on their website. You do get a discount if you do a tour. There is a dirt to wooden walk way path on the back side of the Park that leads to the Gift Shop and tour area. Not a lot of traffic but there is an apartment complex nearby and we heard some heavy BASE music from there until about 9pm. This Park should be restricted to medium size rigs - during our stay a 35' self drive came in and backed into site 16 and in the process knocked down the numbered site pole and tore a huge chunk out of the left front of their bumper. The partner then parked their tow behind in front of their rig but partial blocked the road. Eventually moved it when she noticed vehicles backed up trying to leave. Not a far drive into town where you'll find plenty of...