Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, located in Beckley, West Virginia, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and heritage of coal mining in Appalachia. The mine, originally opened in the late 19th century, now serves as a museum and heritage site, providing an immersive experience into the coal mining industry that played a significant role in the region's development.

Visitors to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine can embark on an underground tour led by knowledgeable guides who are often retired miners themselves. The tour takes guests through the dark tunnels of the former coal mine, where they can see firsthand the conditions and equipment used by miners in the past. Along the way, exhibits and displays offer insights into the daily lives of coal miners, highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of coal to the local economy.

In addition to the underground mine tour, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine complex features a variety of above-ground attractions. The adjacent Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia provides interactive exhibits focused on the region's history and culture, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. The site also includes historic buildings and structures, such as a coal camp village with restored company houses, a miner's memorial, and a coal camp church, allowing visitors to further immerse themselves in the mining heritage of Appalachia.

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine typically operates seasonally, with tours available from spring through fall. Special events and programs, including living history demonstrations and themed tours, are held throughout the year, offering visitors opportunities to engage with the region's rich coal mining heritage. Whether you're interested in history, or industry, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine provides a fascinating glimpse into the past of West Virginia's coal country.