The mine consists of 1,500 feet of underground passages, some of which were originally worked by miners as early as the late 19th century.
The temperature inside the mine remains a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, regardless of surface weather.
Tour guides are retired miners who provide first-hand accounts of the technical aspects and personal dangers of underground coal extraction.
The site includes a 'Coal Company Store' that features original ledger books and artifacts detailing the company scrip system used to pay miners.
The mine's rail system uses modified vehicles that were once used to transport active miners and equipment deep into the seam.
The surface exhibits include a collection of coal-hauling equipment, such as antique locomotives and dragline machinery, situated in the park.
The mine is designated as a protected site that preserves geological history while documenting the socio-economic impacts of the Pocahontas Coalfield.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a municipally operated site that takes visitors 1,500 feet into a restored, historic coal mine via a former rail transport car. Tours are led exclusively by veteran coal miners who share authentic accounts of the industry's evolution and daily subterranean hazards. The site includes a reconstructed coal camp featuring original structures such as a company store, a coal miner's home, and a one-room schoolhouse. Visitors observe machinery from different eras, including low-profile cutting equipment and primitive mining tools. The facility is located within New River Park, which provides surface-level historical education alongside the underground experience. It operates as a living history museum that focuses on the socioeconomic conditions of the West Virginia coal industry during the 20th century.
The entrance portal of the mine tunnel and the row of historic company houses on the surface campus.
Bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains chilly even during mid-summer heat.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven gravel and track surfaces inside the mine.
Arrive early in the day during peak summer months to avoid long wait times for the limited-capacity underground rail cars.
Do not attempt to touch or climb on the surface heavy machinery, as these are historic artifacts with potential safety hazards.
The mine is seasonal, typically operating from April through November, and is closed during the winter months.
Hard hats are provided by the facility and must be worn at all times while underground; remain seated on the transport cars and follow guide instructions regarding machinery.
