Coal mining has been a central part of life in historic Beckley, WV for well over a century, providing employment for local residents and so much more. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the history of local mines, and the stories passed down through generations. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, located in scenic New River Park, provides the perfect place to experience history first-hand, and see what it was like to live in a mining community in the early 1900s. Our real estate agents love local history, and we've got the details on what to expect when you visit the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum.

Historic Beckley, WV: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum

Location: New River Park – 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801

Hours: Open Daily from April 1 – November 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• The Central Attraction at New River Park
  New River Park is one of the most popular outdoor gathering places close to Beckley homes for sale, thanks to the presence of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum. The park includes verdant lawns, picnic areas, beautiful flowers, outdoor art, and plenty of space to play. Throughout the park and underground you'll find recreations of coal mining camps, buildings, and facilities. The Youth Museum, located next to the Exhibition Mine, is the perfect place for young visitors to explore local history, science, and more.

• Visit the Mountain Homestead for a Taste of Frontier Life
  Located just beyond the entrance to the mine you'll find the Mountain Homestead, a recreation of an Appalachian frontier settlement. The homestead features all the trappings of a historic mining town, including a one-room elementary school where all of the settlement's children were educated. There's also a barn, weaver, general store, log home, and blacksmith shop, where visitors can experience a living history of West Virginia frontier life.

• Travel Below the Earth to Explore the Exhibition Coal Mine
  The historic mining settlement is just a taste of what you'll experience at this unique attraction, and for the next step in your journey you'll definitely want to bring a jacket. The Exhibition Coal Mine takes you deep below the surface to experience what it was like to work in a mine, and a jacket is advisable because the temperature in the mine is always 58 degrees. Once inside, you'll have the opportunity to explore a recreated coal mine, and ride through the same corridors that miners once used. Tours guides at the Exhibition Coal Mine all have mining experience, and provide a window into the life of a miner. Learn what it was like to mine coal 100 years ago, and what it's like to do the same today.

• There's Always Something New to See at the Youth Museum
  Your admission price includes a visit to the coal mine, historic mining settlement, and the popular Youth Museum. The Youth Museum is located right next door to the mine, and is open year-round. At the museum, you'll find a planetarium that can be visited any time, along with three special, interactive exhibits that change throughout the year. As with the rest of the facility, the goal of the museum is to give visitors a hands-on experience with local history. You can also stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir from your day at the mine.

Are you ready to find your next home close to exciting local attractions like the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Beckley, WV area.