Lackawanna Coal Mine

Take A Journey Into Lackawanna Coal Mine History

Children and adults love the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. The Lackawanna Coal Mine tour takes you down into an actual coal mine. You will be seated in a transport car and will descend down old Slope #190.  

You then journey 300 feet beneath the surface through an an actual anthracite coal mine that was first put into operation in 1860.  Feel the constant 53 deg. temperature, year round in the mine.

Accompanied by a miner on the Lackawanna Coal Mine tour, you will wind your way past underground gangways and the rock tunnel. Three different veins of hard coal await, along with the mule boy and the nipper. See the monkey vein and the dead chute while you listen as the coal miner explains the methods used, and the efforts involved, in the mine’s history and the coal mining industry.

The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is open from April 1 through November 30 and is closed on Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.  The box office opens at 10:00 AM and tours are scheduled on demand, usually 28 to a car. While waiting for your tour you can watch our introductory video about mining in the theater. There is also a gift shop on premises, for keepsakes and momentos of the tour.

The last tour leaves between 3:00 and 3:30 and you must arrive no later than 3:00 to be scheduled for the final tour of the day.

LACKAWANNA COAL MINE TOUR PRICES:

Group Rates are available for schools, motor coaches and civic groups of 20 or more (based on advance reservations).

NOTE:

As mentioned, the mine is a very cool 53° all year.  Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.  You should bring a light jacket or sweater for wearing while in the coal mine.

The ride into the mine takes 3-4 minutes. The walking portion of the tour is approximately a 1/2 mile and lasts one hour.

The mine is handicapped accessible with some restrictions.  A handout has been prepared for the hearing impaired who are not accompanied by an interpreter. Please call or e-mail for specific limitations on accessibility.

Prices and times are subject to change since the writing of this article. Call or email to verify.

Phone numbers: 1-800-238-7245 and 1-570-963-6463
Email: coalmine@lackawannacounty.org

DIRECTIONS:

FROM NORTH (CANADA & BINGHAMTON):
Take Rt 81 S to Exit 191B (formerly 57B) then take the McDade Expressway to the Keyser Avenue exit.  Take right onto Keyser Ave., go 3 miles and follow the signs.

FROM SOUTHWEST (HARRISBURG/YORK/Rt 80):
Take Rt. 81 N to Exit 182 (formerly 51), then left at first traffic light to next light on Davis St. Left onto Davis St. and continue 3 miles (Davis turns into Union St. after the river) and at Keyser Avenue take a right and go 2 miles. The Coal Mine Tour and McDade Park are on the left.

FROM SOUTHEAST (PHILADELPHIA, SO. JERSEY):
Take PA Turnpike (Northeast Extention) #476 N to Exit 122. Take left off exit ramp to the traffic light.  Then right onto Keyser Ave., 2 miles. The Coal Mine Tour and McDade Park are on the left.

FROM NORTHEAST (NY STATE, NEW ENGLAND):
Take 84 W to Rt. 380 W to  Rt 81 N.  Take Exit 191B (formerly 57B) then take the McDade Expressway to the Keyser Avenue exit.  Take right onto Keyser Ave., go 3 miles and follow the signs.

FROM EAST (NYC, NO JERSEY):
Take Rt 80 W to Rt. 380 W to  Rt 81 N.  Take Exit 191B (formerly 57B) then take the McDade Expressway to the Keyser Avenue exit.  Take right onto Keyser Ave., go 3 miles and follow the signs.

Parking is free at the Coal Mine Tour in lots adjacent to the Shifting Shanty (our main building).  Handicapped and motorcoach parking is also provided.  Follow the signs.