Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine - Ashland, PA - Featuring Mine Tours and Train Tours

The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is located at 19th and Oak Streets in Ashland, Pennsylvania. Ashland is part of eastern Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region, and the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine enables visitors to become familiar with how anthracite coal is mine. The mine enables visitors to understand how coal lies between strata and rock. The mine has chutes and a gangway.

Visitors can ride through the tunnel in rebuilt mine cars that are designed for passenger use. Once far enough inside the tunnel, visitors disembark from their mine cars and their guide explains the mining methods that would have been used in the area. In addition to the mine tour, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is home to the Lokie Henry Clay, which is a small steam train similar to the tank engines that used to haul coal. The Lokie Henry Clay is used to pull mine cars. This small locomotive travels the side of Mahanoy Mountain, pulling mine cars roughly 3,000 feet along the mountain.

The fee for the coal mine tour is $9 per adult (age 12+) and $6.50 per child (ages 2-11). The cost of a ride on the steam train is $7 per adult and $5.50 per child. Combination tickets, which include both the coal mine tour and the steam train ride, are also available. Combination tickets are $14.50 per adult and $10.50 per child. School groups and other groups consisting of 10 or more persons are able to purchase discounted tickets. Group tours can be arranged by calling 570-875-3850 or 570-875-3301.

Tour times and hours of operation vary based on the season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, mine tours and train tours are available continuously between 10:00am and 6:00pm every day. The last train ride is at 5:00pm, and the last mine tour is at 5:30pm. In May, September, and October, weekday tours of the mine are offered at 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm, and train tours are only available for groups that have a reservation.

Weekend hours of operation in May, September, and October mirror the hours of operation during the Memorial Day to Labor Day season. In April, mine tours are offered on weekdays and weekends at 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm. In April, train tours are only available on weekdays for groups that have a reservation. Hours of operation, tour times, and fees are subject to change at any time. Anyone planning to visit Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine can confirm tour times and obtain additional information by calling 570-875-3850 or 570-875-3301.

A gift shop is available onsite. Souvenirs and jewelry made from anthracite coal are popular items. The gift shop also features handcrafted items made by local artisans. If visitors get hungry, the Lunch & Snack Bar is available and offers a variety of snacks and lunchtime foods. Picnic tables and public restrooms are available. In addition, there are pavilions that can be reserved for group activities or events. In between tours, guests can also enjoy the park area, stop by the playground, or take a look at the outdoor mining displays.