My family and I took a day trip to Ashland, PA a couple weekends ago, to visit Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train. I'll be honest, I knew that coal was an important part of Pennsylvania's history, but I didn't know much more than that before we visited. Not only did we have two extremely knowledgeable tour guides, but they told the history of the Pioneer Tunnel in such a way that was engaging for people of all ages.
Our first experience at Pioneer Tunnel was a 25-minute steam train ride out into the country and back where we learned about the area's strip mining, and a little about the Centralia mine fire that has been burning under the ground for 56 years. Our son, Blake, who is almost 9-years-old, was amazed that there were 10-12 year old boys, called breaker boys, who helped out with the mining. Their job was to separate the rock and debris from the coal. The train ride allowed us to see gorgeous scenic sites, and we stopped twice along the way to get out, take pictures, and learn from our tour guide.
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Next, we climbed into battery-operated mine cars to travel 1800 feet into Mahanoy Mountain. The mine cars were the same ones that were once used to carry the coal out of the mine, but have been refurbished for these tours. Once we were inside, we were able to get out of the coal cars and our tour guide explained how the coal was mined, pointing out veins of coal and the chutes that were used. Our 8-year old was fascinated by the stories about the various animals that were used by miners. They used to feed rats a tiny bit of their lunches so that the rats would hang around them, wanting more. If the rats started running out of the mine, the miners would follow, because they knew the rats could detect vibrations, possibly meaning danger. Canaries were used to detect gases, and mules were used to haul out the coal. When you visit, make sure you take a sweatshirt or jacket. No matter what the temperature is outside, inside the coal mine it's a cool 50*, even on a hot summer day.
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In addition to the steam train and coal mine tour, you can learn even more information about the site by reading the newspaper articles and signs on site. If you're hungry, the Jellybucket Cafe is where you can grab a bite to eat, or feel free to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park located right in front of the Pioneer Tunnel. At the park you will also find two playgrounds for your kids to enjoy.
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This is a great day trip location filled with history, where people of all ages will enjoy learning more about coal mining and why it it has been so important to many Pennsylvanians.
The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train is located at 19th & Oak Streets, in Ashland, Pennsylvania. You can purchase your tickets online or on site when you arrive. Click here to visit their website for more information.
*I was provided with complimentary tickets for my family for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions are my own.
