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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Take a trip through what once was an operating coal mine. Let Veteran Miners guide you through the past and into the future of mining in West Virginia.

Guests ride through the mine in a ‘man car’ that holds 35 people. Tours last 35 minutes. Wear a jacket – mine temperature is 58 degrees year round.

In addition to the Coal Mine Tour, enjoy the Coal Camp, which includes a restored coal camp house, miner’s shanty, church, school and more. The Coal Mine also has a museum and gift shop.

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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine started out as just a short underground tour has evolved into a cultural journey back into early West Virginia mining history. Visitors can tour the underground coal mine, as well as visit the restored buildings of the Coal Camp, the Rahall Company Store, and Museum, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, and the pioneer village, The Mountain Homestead. Listed on many travel websites as a destination not to be missed, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine hosts about 48,000 visitors a year. Open 10 am to 5 pm, daily April 1 - November 1. Take a trip through what once was an operating coal mine. Veteran Miners guide you through the past and into the future of mining in West Virginia. Guests ride through the mine in a ‘man car’. Tours last 35 minutes. Wear a jacket – mine temperature is 58 degrees year round. In addition to the Coal Mine Tour, enjoy the Coal Camp, which includes a restored coal camp house, miner’s shanty, church, school and more. The Coal Mine also has a museum and gift shop.

• beckley.org
• 304-256-1747
• 513 Ewart Ave. , Beckley , WV 25801

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This City Park In West Virginia Has The Only Underground Coal Mine Tour In The State

Robin Jarvis

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West Virginia is a mining state; its history a gold mine of intrigue and interest. In fact, there’s a whole world beneath our feet, just waiting to be explored. According to the Office of WV Miner’s Health and Safety, 53 of West Virginia’s 55 counties contain underground coal deposits. The first coal was discovered here in 174,  in what is now Boone County. And at one city park in the Mountain State, there’s a place visitors can go deep underground into a vintage coal mine for an immersive experience like no other. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia is a true treasure, and today we’re going to explore this wondrous park!

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Ready to start planning a trip to this West Virginia wonder?

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia is open seasonally from April 1 through November 1. Hours, admission, and tour information can all be found on the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine official website .

And if you want to keep exploring more of West Virginia’s incredible attractions, definitely check out these  amazing places to visit in the Mountain State .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What are some must-see places in West Virginia?

The list of must-see places around the Mountain State is almost endless, but there are several that should be at the top of the list. Summerville Lake is West Virginia’s largest lake covering an area of 26,000 acres. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it’s a popular place for swimming, boating, and scuba diving. Lost World Caverns provides an otherworldly place to explore 120-feet underground. Take a self-guided tour to marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites at your own pace. It’s truly remarkable and should be added to your bucket list. And The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most iconic sights associated with West Virginia. It spans the gorge and the New River, which is one of the five oldest rivers in the world. And if you visit on Bridge Day, people actually jump off it!

What day trips can I take in West Virginia?

Gas up the car and hit the road; there are plenty of places to take day trips in West Virginia. From the historic Harpers Ferry to a covered bridges tour around the state, from wineries to waterfall hikes , the options for fun are endless! And a scenic drive around any part of the gorgeous Mountain State is always a good choice.

What are some fun facts about West Virginia history?

The Mountain State has a rich and interesting history ; here are some fun facts you may not know. For instance, the country’s first public spa opened in 1756 in Berkeley Springs (then Bath, Virginia). West Virginia isn't all coal mines -- our state was initially known for its glass manufacturing, and salt was also a major industry, too. Charleston wasn’t always the capital. The first capital of the state was Wheeling from 1863 until 1870. Then it was moved to downtown Charleston. Then it was moved back to Wheeling. Then it moved back to Charleston, where it remains today. Another interesting tidbit? West Virginia was the first state to have a sales tax, which went into effect on July 1, 1921.

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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Review Highlights

“ If you want to understand the life of a coal miner , come to this wonderful museum / attraction! ” in 8 reviews

“ Many pictures are on the wall, exhibits of mining tools, and different things included from the era. ” in 6 reviews

“ The Youth Museum is so well done and the puzzles room was a huge hit with all of us. ” in 3 reviews

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513 Ewart Ave

Beckley, WV 25801

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What an amazing place to spend time!!! A "mine settlement completely rebuilt at the entrance to a mine. All of the buildings are authentic and most moved here from other mine settlements. Each building can be toured at your leisure. There's a church, school house, bachelor's quarters, superintendents house and a four room family house. There is also a museum on the second floor of the "company store" gift shop. So much to see and so much history packed in the place. Then the coup de grace! The mine tour. The tour guides are retired miners and trust me when I say they know what they're talking about! Our guide was Don And what an amazing talent! He engaged everyone from 4 years old to 74. He was informative, funny and held everyone's attention throughout the tour. If you are near the New River Gorge, you have to see this little gem hidden in Beckley, WV - so worth the time.

Definitely a must see. How cool to go into a real coal mine and your tour guide used to work in when it was operational!!

A must experience if you're in the Beckley area! We flew in from California for a wedding along with a ton of others from every nook and cranny of the United States. We all agreed this was such a cool immersive activity. You'll go into a formerly active coal mine where a tour guide will explain the history of the industry, how the coal was mined previously and how it's done today. Beware, this probably isn't a great idea if you suffer from claustrophobia. It's a legit mine so be prepared for total darkness when they turn out the lights. Thankfully, they only do it for a quick second to show you what it really looks like in the depths of the earth where zero sunlight reaches.

On our Fallout76 tour through WV, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine was on the list since it's a frequent lace we visit in the video game. When we arrived, we noticed immediately how spacious and well kept the grounds were. There were plenty of parking spots up front. We went inside to purchase tour tickets and bought a few souvenirs. There were a decent amount of trinkets and candies and I ended up getting a magnet and train whistle (for funsies). When we were called to our mining cart, we were greeted by Don, the most amazing tour guide ever! He made this entire visit to be a memorable, informative, and excited one. Not only did we have a fun time, we learned quite a bit on our tour as well. Everything was well maintained and clean. Every employee we encountered at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine was an absolute delight. Superb customer service and employees that came off as genuine and kind. Highly recommend a visit through the mines!!

See all photos from Kellie R. for Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

We were driving to the Midwest from Virginia to visit friends, and we decided to stop at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. We had a full day of driving, so a break of a couple hours was welcome. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine advertised as a trip into a former working Coal mine, and that's exactly what it was. Now, there are two kinds of Coal mines. A shaft Mine uses a vertical shaft going deep underground. A drift mine uses a horizontal shaft that tunnels into a mountain. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a drift Mine. You board a trolley, maybe 20 people in all. The mine you tour was a working Coal mine, until it was made into an Exhibition Mine. Our guide was a gentleman that had been a working Coal miner for over 40 years. He really knew what it was like working in the mines. We had a great time. After the mine tour, we toured the Coal mining town. The had numerous houses, a school, and other buildings that had been an actual Coal mining town until they were moved to Beckley. It was fascinating, and very realistic. You really saw how miners and their families lived. They also had a children's building with many interesting activities kids would love. We spent 3 hours at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and it was time well spent.

Front of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.

Very good place for a field trip or something. They have a little gift shop, old mining stuff, and the expedition coal mine. Very beautiful place to visit during Christmas/winter, they typically have lights and a little plastic skating rink. The actual coal mine was really interesting to go in. You had someone to explain and teach you about the stuff you would find in a coal mine. The coal mine was very low( like you'd expect). So if you are very tall I wouldn't recommend going in the coal mine. They had a bunch of old mining stuff on the second floor. Worth a visit, would recommend.

Excellent tour showing a little about how one mined coal in the history of the coal mining industry. I know that it is more complex today but it gives you some perspective and appreciation for those who chose this profession. Thank you to all of those who mined coal to support your families.

We absolutely loved this attraction and would highly recommend for ages elementary to retirement. It's very informative, fun and our guide was very entertaining. My favorite part is the train into the mine and leaning the history and how it all worked. They also have a amazing kids museum that was fun for adults as well.

Our amazing guide inside the mine

Our tour guide was phenomenal! I believe his name was Dan B. He was so engaging and friendly and we learned so many facts. The property itself us gorgeous and we visited the gift shop, the museum and the log cabins after the tour. We wanted to get our $22 per person worth! Very worth your time if you are near Beckley! Bring a light jacket, the mine is 58°. Plenty of parking and clean restrooms. The gift shop fudge is delicious - side note!

See all photos from Heather B. for Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Hi Gerald. We were on the 10:30 tour on Friday, July 14, 2023. We had a great time. You were very informative and enjoyed sharing your experience as a retired coal miner with all. It was as if we were alongside of you as you explained the tools and the way things were done. Your knowledge of coal mining from the beginning until current is amazing. Thank you for sharing. Loved the museum and the homes, church, and other buildings. It was an amazing and educational experience. Many thanks to all for keeping such a clean, educational, and historical facility.

See all photos from Shirley B. for Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

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Fayetteville, WV (Fayette County)

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Tour Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

For a truly unique experience in West Virginia, make a point to visit Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine . Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a guided cart tour into a real coal mine that is led by a veteran miner! Learn about the mining process and the day-to-day lives of those that worked and lived in the coal camps. This is an awesome way to learn about the vital role coal mining played in the region and see how it still affects the area today.  

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is in Beckley West Virginia. For only $22 per person, you will get a guided tour into a real coal mine, access to the coal museum and Youth Museum along with several buildings from the coal camp and Mountain Homestead . Depending on how much time you spend exploring the buildings and museums you can expect to spend anywhere between 2- 4 hours at this stop. The Exhibition Coal Mine is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. They are closed during the winter months.

Places to Stay

Depending on what else you are planning to do in the area, you can easily find a place to pitch your tent because there is no shortage of gorgeous state parks and campgrounds in West Virginia. There is even a campground onsite ! There are 17 electric sites available and each costs around $30/night.  

If you would rather spend the night in a hotel room, please feel free to use our link below to find the perfect one for you.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do and see with your ticket to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Your ticket will also get you into the Youth Museum and the Mountain Homestead. This means you will have access to the mine tour, restored buildings, museums, and interactive play and puzzle stations for plenty of fun!

The Company Store

When you first pull into the parking lot, the first building you will enter is called the Company Store. This is where you will buy your entrance ticket. The counter is just to your left when you walk into the main doors. Behind the ticket counter is the gift shop area, though some items do overflow into the main room. You will also find some smaller displays in the main room like a diagram of the coal mining camp and information about the mining tour and Youth Museum.

The gift shop is full of fun souvenirs and Knick-knacks. They have a nice selection of local crafts such as handmade soaps, jellies, and sauces. They also have gemstones, coal figures, blankets, clothing, books, and numerous other items for sale. We were able to find some great Christmas gifts for our family and friends!

Beckley Coal Mine Museum

The Beckley Coal Mine Museum is located on the top floor of the Company Store where you buy your tickets. You can either take the stairs or the elevator to the 2 nd floor. There have several displays that show the tools they used in the mines, and how they spent their few workfree hours. There are also a few features of different notable individual miners. This is a great place to learn about the lives of the miners and their families in the coal camps.

Coal Mine Tour

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Tour is the main highlight of this attraction. The cart tour will last around 35 minutes depending on guest interactions and questions during the ride. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for the tour because the mine typically stays around 58 degrees.  

Once you are seated inside the cart and go over the basic safety rules (stay seated and always keep your arms in!) you will start heading into the mine. Your guide will stop the cart at different spots to explain the different mining methods and types of equipment miners used. Each stop has a display or equipment set up to help you visualize what working in the mine was like.

This coal mine tour is different from others because you get to ride a cart into a real coal mine led by an actual veteran coal miner. This means that you will get to hear real-life stories and firsthand personal experiences while learning all about the history of coal mining. Our guide did a great job educating us on the day-to-day lives of coal miners and we would have loved to spend more time on the tour with him.

Tips: This tour may be a little difficult for small children to sit through so you may want to consider letting them skip the tour if they have short attention spans.

Tip: Try to sit towards the front of the cart as it can be difficult to hear the guide if the other guests are talking.

Coal Camp Exhibits

Just past the carts for the coal mine tours, a path will lead to several different restored buildings from the coal camp. The path does split giving you a choice between turning left or right. If you go to the left, you will pass by the short path to the Miner’s Shanty, allowing you to see how single miners lived.

Continue to travel down the main path in that direction to visit the Superintendent’s house and see the gigantic difference in living situations by status. Inside this house, you can see rooms set up to showcase how the coal families of Superintendent’s lived. There are also rooms set up to look like a barbershop or other offices that would have been needed in the camp.

The last building you will encounter before you will have to turn around is the schoolhouse.

 If you choose to go right at the original split in the path when you start, you will be able to see a miner’s family house and the church. Continuing past the church will take you to the Youth Museum and Mountain Homestead.  

Tip: When you reach the fork in the path, head to the left so you don’t have to backtrack too much to see all the buildings.

Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia

The Youth Museum is a smaller building that currently houses a Thomas the Train exhibit where kids can play at different interactive stations inside. This area is perfect for small children to play and get some of their energy out. If you are too old for Thomas the Train, don’t worry, there is something for you too! They have a room full of brain teasers waiting for you to solve. It took four of us adults over an hour to be able to solve each puzzle! There is another small gift shop along with bathrooms inside.

Mountain Homestead

Behind the Youth Museum are several buildings that make up the Mountain Homestead area. Take a trip back to the late 1800s and early 1900s while you visit this mountain settlement. They have interpretive guides on the property to explain how people use to live and they are full of some amazing facts. The one that stood out to us the most was that the people in the settlement used to use wet corn cobs as toilet paper!

In the log house, you can test out several toys that children used to play with. You can also visit a general store, a one-room schoolhouse, and a weaver’s shed. The guides do a great job bringing it all to life!

Nearby Attractions

West Virginia is an outdoor lover’s dream! Just a short drive away you can find countless parks such as Babcock State Park , New River Gorge National Park , and Monongahela National Forest . If you are looking for something more daring than hiking in the mountains or even rock climbing, I cannot recommend white water rafting with New & Gauley River Adventures enough for a wonderful and safe adrenaline rush.

Why You Should Visit:

If you love learning about the history and culture of different states in the U.S, you should visit Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Take a cart tour into a mine with an ex-miner to hear firsthand what it took to be a coal miner and to live in the coal camps. Explore several restored buildings from a coal camp and then head next door to the Youth Museum and have some fun solving mind puzzles or playing with your kids with Thomas the Train. You can even learn about mountain settlers in the Mountain Homestead section behind the Youth Museum. This is a great spot to learn more about why West Virginians are so resilient and self-sufficient today.

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Tour underground, visit the Coal Camp, the Museum and the Gift Shop stocked with West Virginia items & freshly made fudge in a variety of flavors. The hands-on exhibitions and underground coal mining tour offer wonderful opportunities for our visitors to learn, explore, interact and share.

As the focal points of the City’s lovely New River Park, the Exhibition Coal Mine and the Youth Museum draw thousands of people to the area annually.  The unique underground mine, the recreated coal camp, the Youth Museum and the Mountain Homestead are surrounded by inviting lawns, colorful flowers, picnic areas, an imposing coal miner statue and a whimsical 20 ft. “Peace Totem”.

At the Exhibition Coal Mine, one can ride through the dark passages of a vintage coal mine. The guides are veteran miners and provide firsthand accounts of the daily responsibilities and travail of past and present day miners.

In addition to the Mine, one can tour the period coal camp buildings situated throughout the grounds.  Lovingly restored, the Coal Company House, Superintendent’s Home, Pemberton Coal Camp Church, and the Helen Coal Camp School, give visitors a true representation of early 20 th century coal camp life.

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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum

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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• (0.13 km) Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground
• (2.32 km) Hampton Inn Beckley
• (1.73 km) Best Western Plus Beckley Inn
• (1.58 km) Quality Inn
• (1.66 km) Courtyard by Marriott Beckley
• (0.59 km) Little Sicily
• (0.56 km) Hebrews Coffee Company
• (1.47 km) Campestre
• (0.57 km) Little Caesars
• (0.65 km) Donut Connection

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum

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BECKLEY EXHIBITION COAL MINE AND YOUTH MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.13 km) Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground
• (2.32 km) Hampton Inn Beckley
• (1.73 km) Best Western Plus Beckley Inn
• (1.58 km) Quality Inn
• (1.66 km) Courtyard by Marriott Beckley
• (0.59 km) Little Sicily
• (0.56 km) Hebrews Coffee Company
• (1.47 km) Campestre
• (0.57 km) Little Caesars
• (0.65 km) Donut Connection

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Things to Do in Beckley, WV

N estled amid the Appalachian Mountains, Beckley, West Virginia, offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and awe-inspiring natural wonders worth exploring. From its rich coal mining heritage to its picturesque landscapes, this charming town is a lesser-known destination for road trippers, history buffs, and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to embark on an underground tour of a coal mine, go skiing, or hike through the stunning mountain trails, here are the best things to do in Beckley, WV.

A quick note about my tie-in with Beckley, West Virginia.

Beckley holds special memories for me because, as a child, it was a real treat to shop in Hills (for all you 50+ who may remember the chain store), go to movies, watch the holiday fireworks, and swim at Stephens Lake. There was always something to do in Beckley, and there still is.

Several places in this Raleigh County area made my list in the “ 100 Things to Do in West Virginia  Before You Die” book, which you can buy at Tamarack, online at your favorite bookstore, or through Reedy Press dot com. 

Learn at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

One of Beckley’s most well-known attractions is the  Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine . This National Register of Historic Places offers underground tours to take you through the fascinating history of West Virginia’s coal mining industry. Admission is $22 for adults and $12.50 for children.

Visitors can also glimpse the coal mine life by exploring the recreated coal camp, including the Helen coal camp school, Pemberton church buildings, and the Superintendent’s house. In addition, you can also check out the museum (nostalgic photos, geological specimens, and coal mining artifacts), gift shop, and fidgety.

The state-of-the-art center is so gorgeous and offers hands-on learning and education about black gold, a far cry from the dirty and dusty entrance to the earth when I visited here as a school kid many years ago. Still, it is all the same 1889 facility that was once a drift mine. 

Meanwhile, you’ll find a theater, planetarium, and pioneer settler buildings (a barn, restored log cabin, general store, moonshine still, and blacksmith shop) on the outside that feature costumed interpreters at the Beckley Youth Museum.

Wander Through Tamarack

If you’re looking for a taste of Appalachia’s art and culture, Tamarack is the place to go. It is also the odd-shaped peaked red roof building off exit 45 from I-77. Known as the “Best of West Virginia,” Tamarack features a vast collection of handcrafted arts, gourmet food, and traditional crafts made by local artisans.

Visitors can browse the many unique pieces, including jewelry, glassware, pottery, baskets, and paintings, and even indulge in some delicious Appalachian cuisine.

Tamarack is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience West Virginia’s art and culture. Take advantage of the summer concert series every weekend in the courtyard.

Come to Tamarack Marketplace hungry and enjoy all the wonderful food choices. I am particularly fond of the daily specials, such as the homestyle meatloaf with green beans and glazed baby carrots. Pinto beans, cornbread, and WV hot dogs are popular choices, too.

Save room for Tamarack’s signature Peach Bread Pudding, perhaps the best you’ll ever taste.

Tamarack’s hours are daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Explore the New River Gorge National Park

Less than a half-hour north is the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve , West Virginia’s only national park. Go to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center (there are four in this park) to learn about this scenic 70,000-acre Appalachian Mountains wonder and for a handicapped accessible boardwalk with a beautiful view of the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge , the longest steel span in the western hemisphere.

Adventurers can partake in whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are endless outdoor opportunities in this part of West Virginia.

Fun Fact : The New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent.

Overnight at the Resort at Glade Springs

If you’re looking for a luxurious 4,100-acre mountain getaway, the  Resort at Glade Springs  will do the trick. This breathtaking resort offers numerous amenities, including spa treatments, world-class golf courses, and multiple restaurants. It sits amid a gated area encompassing hundreds of high-dollar homes, rustic grounds, and a beautiful wildlife-heavy landscape. 

My favorite part of the resort is the center which houses an Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, billiards, a bowling alley, and a cinema.

Stables allow for horseback riding and or lessons, while Bunkers Sports Bar, Glade’s Grill & Bar, Small Talk Cafe (pastries, espresso, breakfast sandwiches), and the Rotunda provide options for breakfast, dinner, lunch, and drinks.

Guests can choose from various accommodations, including the Manor House, villas, and one to six-bedroom cabins. I stayed at the main inn in a spacious room with modern touches and pale earth tones.

Enjoy Beckley’s Outdoor Offerings

Beckley is a fun destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. One of the most popular trails is the Glade Creek Trail, which stretches for almost six miles and offers scenic views of the surrounding area.

The Beckley Rail Trail offers a 6.9-mile paved path suitable for all skill levels, including nature hikes, walking, and running. You can even bring your leashed dog to join in on the fun. The McManus Trail portion boasts unique art sculptures made from recycled materials.

Be sure to use caution when traveling through tunnels and darker areas.

Get Outdoors at Little Beaver State Park

Suppose you’re looking for a more serene adventure. In that case, Little Beaver State Park is the perfect spot with an 18-acre lake perfect for fishing and picturesque scenery for walking, hiking, and bird-watching or biking on its 562-acre property.

Admire the stunning waterfall that greets you at the entrance. And the best part? You can even camp out at the park if you don’t want to leave!

Don’t Miss the Other Gems

The Raleigh County Veterans Museum showcases the military history of the area. It offers visitors a chance to pay their respects. Another notable destination is the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center and Veterans Memorial, home to various community events, sporting events, concerts, and shows.

There is some good shopping in Beckley, namely women’s boutiques. Two that I recommend are  Indie Sparrow Boutique  and  Blue Magnolia . Both have a lovely selection of ladies’ clothing, semi-formalwear, accessories, and downright fun stuff. 

Visit  Theatre West Virginia  in Beaver, just a short drive away, to witness the legendary Hatfields & McCoys show or any other exciting touring productions. This venue has been entertaining the locals for 60 years. 

Eat at Delicious Beckley, WV Restaurants

You’ll find some of West Virginia’s most noteworthy restaurants in Beckley. My favorites include Tudor’s Biscuit World, Pasquale’s, the Char, Dobra Zupas, and the Dish Cafe in nearby Daniels.

Tudor’s Biscuit World  is renowned for delicious biscuits, the perfect foundation for creative breakfast sandwiches and other goodies. Their Peppy sandwich, with slices of zesty pepperoni and melted cheese, is our family’s favorite. For something indulgent, try the new breakfast wrap or sausage gravy and biscuit – we bet you won’t be able to resist!

For over 50 years,  Pasquale’s  and The Char have been old-time Beckley favorites. You’ll go ga-ga over Char’s upscale atmosphere and the melt-in-your-mouth steaks and chops if you’re a steak lover. Meanwhile, Pasquale’s specializes in Sicilian Italian Cuisine; their Spaghetti and Meatballs are unbeatable.

You may also want to order the antipasto with Italian meats, olives, cheese, and cornichons.

If you are looking for something more casual,  Dobra Zupas  is a fantastic chef-inspired restaurant in a darling house setting with an ever-changing menu. Expect scratch-made risottos, coffee-rubbed steaks, perfectly cooked salmon, and craft beer. Try the life-changing appetizer — breaded fried goat cheese with roasted red peppers and house-made jalapeño jam.

The Dish Cafe offers scratch-made delicacies in a low-key setting. From pretzels and roasted red pepper hummus to fried pickles, starters will leave you spoiled for choice. For entrees, the Hey Jack Burger is a must-try with its combination of pimento cheese, cherry pepper slaw, and a perfectly fried egg.

Drink Great Beer at Weathered Ground Brewery

Visit Ghent’s beloved  Weathered Ground Brewery , a must-see for beer enthusiasts. Even from the roadside, the large sign and estate are truly captivating. Though I didn’t get to visit on my trip (it was closed that day), the Haggard IPA and #Camplife Pale Ale are famous in the region.

Sip Wine at Daniel Vineyards

For a delightful wine experience in Beckley, don’t miss Daniel Vineyards . This winery has been creating reds, whites, and sweet wines since 1990 and boasts a stunning patio and tasting room.

Take in live music during summer months while sipping on their conservation grapes.

Indulge in a weekly lunch dish designed to complement your wine tasting, like their delicious Reuben sandwich and broccoli soup. Experience their hidden gem tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains with $5 tastings and self-guided vineyard tours.

Fall in Love with Beckley’s Coffee Scene

Looking for the perfect place to quench your thirst with a refreshing non-alcoholic drink? Beckley has two options that I’ve fallen in love with. First is the  Chocolate Moose , a unique coffee shop with an unbeatable menu of coffee, smoothies, and creative beverages. And let’s not forget about the excellent branded merchandise, too.

As a cold brew fanatic, I was blown away by the selection of flavored cold foams at the Chocolate Moose. From the sweet and nutty Toasted Almond to the decadent Orange. (dark chocolate cold brew with orange cream foam), these drinks are truly irresistible.

But wait, there’s more! The Chocolate Moose also has a mini-golf course and a thrilling climbing gym. And after working up a sweat, you can cool off with some delicious hand-scooped ice cream.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy setting and befitting drinks, check out  Hilltop Coffee  in Crab Orchard. This trendy café serves extraordinary beverages and tasty lunch options for under $10. 

Don’t miss out on the must-try Lavender Haze, a refreshing lavender lemonade with butterfly pea flower matcha. Or warm up with the indulgent Twix latte. With two locations open seven days a week, Hilltop Coffee is a must-visit for any coffee lover.

Experience Wintery Fun at Winterplace Ski Resort

Experience the ultimate winter getaway at Winterplace Ski Resort   near Beckley. Check out the 27 trails to choose from, with the longest being 1.25 miles. Learn to ski or snowboard with expert teachers or enroll in ski school.

The state’s largest tubing park promises a thrilling snow-tubing experience with fourteen lanes to choose from and a Super Carpet ride that will take you to the hill’s top for endless slides down the mountain.

Get free night skiing on an all-day lift ticket purchase.

Enjoy the majestic view of the mountain landscape and warm up by the fire in MountainHouse. Not to worry if you need equipment; we’ve got you covered with bibs, helmets, snowboards & skis for hire.

Explore Downtown Beckley, WV

As you go to the downtown area for more exploration, downtown Beckley’s patriotic streets are lined with shops, murals, statues, impressive memorials, and the stunning architecture of its county courthouse.

To relax, you can take a bite or a drink at Foster’s Main Street Tavern. While in the downtown area, don’t miss capturing a stunning photo of the Raleigh County Courthouse and Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion memorials. If you’re looking for more sightseeing, Shoemaker Square is also a great place to explore.

Beckley, West Virginia’s unique history, scenery, and warm community make it a destination worth checking out on your next road trip. Be sure to add Beckley to your travel plans and discover all the treasures this town offers.

My lodging was fully hosted at the Resort at Glade Springs and two meals were covered by Visit Southern WV. Opinions and reviews in this post are 100% mine and unbiased.

To learn more about Southern West Virginia , please visit the tourism website for more suggestions and itineraries.

Pin This Post For Later!

Read more about Wild, Wonderful WV in these posts:

95 Things to Do in West Virginia

Ultimate Road Trip to Fayetteville

Best Things to Do in Charleston

Community Feedback Survey

• (304) 256-1768
• 409 S Kanawha St. Beckley, WV 25801

UNDERGROUND TOUR

At the Exhibition Coal Mine, visitors ride through the dark passages of a vintage coal mine. The guides are veteran miners and provide firsthand accounts of the daily responsibilities and travail of past and present day miners.

Guests board a comfortable coal mine “man trip” that holds approximately 35 people for the duration of the whole tour. As the trip begins, guides give general information about the Mine and the history of coal mining in our region. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a “drift mine” and the track goes 1500 feet up and around various mined out areas.  Stops are made at these areas and the veteran guides give in-depth information on the mining methods and equipment seen. The underground tour last approximately 35 minutes.  Visitors are asked to bring a jacket because the temperature is always 58 degrees inside the Mine.

The Exhibition Coal Mine operates on a seasonal schedule, opening on April 1 and closing November 2.

Underground tours begin on the hour and the half hour.

DEPARTMENTS

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• 409 S Kanawha St
• Beckley, WV 25801
• Get Directions
• Phone: 304-256-1768
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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground

Features & Amenities

Connectivity, park features, hookups & connectivity, beckley exhibition coal mine campground review & ratings overview.

Based on 71 Reviews

Rating Spread

• Excellent 14

Reviews by RV Type

• Motorhome 32
• Travel Trailer 24
• Fifth Wheel 13
• Truck Camper 1

These reviews are the opinion of RV LIFE's members and not the views of RV LIFE

“Very nice experience”

Very nice overall experience and educational We camped at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground in a Truck Camper.

“Needs a lot of maintance.”

The check in process is easy. Getting to your site is a whole other story as it is uphill and narrow. The sites are close together, they are black top, with potholes some have a slight incline. We camped at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground in a Travel Trailer.

Visit the state park and New river gorge....

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“Short stay”

Not impressed with the campground! Pictures much better than the park. Awkward parking. Small spaces! Beautiful view! Water handle missing, found it in a hole. Electric was on the opposite side of We camped at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

Have breakfast at TUDOR biscuit...

“Clean and Spacious campground ”

Nice Campground. Its pretty spacious. Each site is concrete pad and clean. Plenty water pressure and its full hooks up. I was on site 1 in a 32ft travel trailer Heads up for the campers thats We camped at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground in a Travel Trailer.

Once your on Willis Street, give yourself plenty of room and speed specially when its raining!! It's a sharp tight left turn up a hill...

Top Question about Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground

These questions & answers are the opinion of a RV LIFE' member and not the views of RV LIFE

I work remote and require cell/hotspot service. Does anyone hasppen to know if AT&T works here?...

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“Great RV park, Dangerous entry”

Not complaining, nice park! We arrived during a rainstorm. The driveway to the campground is very steep with a sharp left turn at the top of the hill. The blacktop was wet and I was unable to climb We camped at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground in a Travel Trailer.

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