West Virginia is, of course, coal country. And definitely if you are in the area of Beckley, drop by and visit the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. You will see what a hard life it was to work/live in these old coal camps. The upstairs of the museum has many detailed displays, and the real treat is that you get to... more

As a travel writer, I do a lot of tours. I've done coal mine tours in Bisbee and Cripple Creek, and while those are definitely above average, the Beckley Coal Mine Tour tops them all! The tour gudies are friendly, personable, funny and retired coal miners themselves. There's nothing about the mine they don't know and no questions will remain... more

Looking for something different to do during the summer, I took the kids, expecting to be totally bored. Wow, I was wrong! The Beckley Exhibition Mine is packed full of nostalgia and history. Coming from a multigenerational coal mining family, it brought back many memories for me, and helped me develop a new-found appreciation for what my dad, and many... more

The coal mine is tucked away in a semi residential area/commercial area. At first glance from the parking lot and the high intro fees made us wary that we shouldn't have stopped. However, there's a lot more cramped in a small space than meets the eye. Our family which includes 3 boys under 8 easily spent a couple hours touring... more

I visited the exhibit to get an idea of what it was like for the miners of yesteryear. I had read a bit about modern mining and been to Benham Kentucky's Coal Mine Museum, but I really wanted to See a mine. Our guide for this trip into the mine was Sonny, who had been a miner for 38 years.... more

We took the tour of the coal mine. It was guided by a retired miner who was full of information and and stories of mining in the old days. There are restored buildings of an old coal camp to tour. The guides to these buildings are very interesting and passionate about these buildings and that makes it even more enjoyable.... more

Visited the Beckley Exhibition mine this past weekend. The guide, a retired miner, was knowledgeable about his subject, yet entertaining and personable. He made the experience fun as well as educational. Be sure to take a jacket because it is cold and damp in the mine. There is also a coal mine museum and gift shop and an old coal... more

I have been to the Exhibition Coal Mine several times since I was little. I still love to go. Both of my grandfathers were coal miners. One is actually in a picture at the Exhibition Coal Mine. I would suggest everyone at least try it once!! more

Here, there is the coal mine, surrounding restored buildings and a small museum. All are very interesting, and the tour guides are enthusiastic and speak from a wealth of personal experience. We enjoyed the BEM very much. Allow a couple hours at this place. more