Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour — Attraction in Taylor

I took the tour at Lackawanna Coal Mine on 9/15/23 with tour guide John. To say it was amazing, is an under statement! To start off.. tour times are a little sporadic and it depends on the amount of people. I found this no issue (as some people in these reviews do) since I figured it was worth the wait and I could enjoy the park and the museum up the hill. The tour started at 1:15pm and slightly before it, I put on the provided hard hat and hair net. I also went to the bathroom since I knew the tour was an hour long with no bathroom in the coal mine (take this as a warning if you visit). Shortly after, we proceeded outside where the conveyer and crate takes you down 300 feet. John opened the door for us and we hopped right in. The further we went down, the darker it got. I could see how bringing kids would be problematic so please take the warning before going on the tour that this definitely isn't for kids that are scared of heights, darkness, etc. Tour times are strict and have rules and guidelines to be followed.. these guidelines are from the state and facility. Keep in mind that this is a really old coal mine where rules need to be followed. Thank God there were no kids on our tour because I could see how it could get annoying with kids screams or cries echoing throughout the mines or with kids trying to run around. Once the train hits the bottom, you are met with a cool 50-60 degree temperature and a big map of the coal mine. They have boards for flooring for the guests to walk on but some are buckled up due to the moisture so you will need to be careful with walking. John started us off explaining the ins and outs of all the entryways and it was amazing to see how intricate the coal mine system is. We saw and learned so much about the coal miner lifestyle, the dangers, the families, the politics within it, and the system itself. John was an absolute, absolute gem! He brought humor in the perfect ways and I've never had a guy more informative as a guide. You can tell he really loves what he does and I appreciated the sense of humor during some bleak times! He seemed to appreciate and welcome questions. He never got annoyed with any eagerness to learn and he threw in side facts throughout our walk. He was just great all around. I would recommend this tour to anyone who isn't going to complain or leave a bad review because they didn't do their research and brought their frightened child. I would recommend this tour to anyone who isn't faint of heart and can handle hearing the truth about the conditions down there. I find it actually RIDICULOUS when I read negative reviews complaining that the tour guides made a joke or that they wouldn't let their child leave for the bathroom. You're going 300 feet down..with other people on your tour besides yourself... it's called courtesy. Be courteous to your fellow people or just don't bring your child there in the first place. I'm sorry to say this but I know my kids well enough to know they would cry or have to go to the bathroom which is why I didn't bring them. I wouldn't even risk it if I was unsure. That being said, I thought this was one of the best tours I've ever been on and John was part of that reason! Thank you guys for keeping this place open and being a vital part of...

Although the website states that the last tour is at 2:45 p m, our group of nine, who traveled from Long Island, New York and Maryland, we're flatly turned away at 2:27 p.m. with the excuse that there were only four seats left on the 2:45 p.m. last tour. I should also note that I tried to call in earlier and pay for our tickets in advance but was denied that opportunity. Our family had gathered together for a reunion and this mine tour was very important to us because our grandfather and great-grandfather and great great grandfather worked as an electrician for the Lackawanna Mine Company. As we were departing, another group of nine were trying to gain entry to the park and found the door locked! That's 18 people that were turned away after arriving prior to the last posted tour time. Maybe the admission should be free since the employees don't want to take the money from 18 additional paying customers. The employee at the ticket desk gave us a fleeting glimmer of hope when he said that we might be allowed to go on an additional tour but after checking with his supervisor, who gave no consideration for the miles and trouble that we've encountered to get here, turned us away anyhow. My personal opinion is that customer service is not alive and well at the Lackawanna mine tour. You made all nine of us (including four children) very, very disappointed. BTW - if you're reading that I posted a five-star review, that is incorrect. I posted a lowly one star review only because there was nothing lower...

Not a very good experience with guide at my 2:45 PM tour on 4th of july. Tour guide handled a situation in a very immatured way. As i left behind while trying to calm and pacify my 1 year, I decide to stay and join them on way back but another tour guide came who was kind and considerate and offered me to come along with him on way back. I was more than happy but requested him to inform my original tour guide so that she is aware which he did as well. But got to know later from my wife that my original guide started shouting, pointed them and created an embarrasing situation for my family and guests. My other 9 yrs got so traumatized with the way she spoke that she never want to back for tour with same guide. I understood her situation but this all could have been handled in a much better way. Tour guide is supposed to help, guide and make experince better not to shout, embarass and scare folks.

Response on my review after almost 10 months the of visit and not a proper response also. No one asked for looking or taking care of my child. It was all about how the guide behaved with rest of my family while I was accompanied by another guide and he did communicate that. Anyways, my experience was not good and I am never...