I just left the Portal 31 mine tour in Benham, Kentucky. I took a wild ride on a portal cart to discover the life of a coal miner, and I loved it. This mine opened from 1917-1963 and employed a lot of mirners who mined up to 120 million tons of coal while it was being used. A lot of individuals worked hard when the mine first opened in 1917 for only 0.50 cents for every ton of coal they mined. And a couple of years later the wages went up to about 2 dollars. Health and wages were the main two concerns amongst coal miners. To get some compensation some miners joined unions such as the united mine workers in 1937; to strike for their rights. It was interesting to find out that so many coal miner employees could not enlist or be drafted to fight in WWII years because the coal companies were privately owned companies. I previously learned about this by reading a book called, "A handbook to Appalachia," but actually getting to ride in the carts into the mine shafts, watching a tutorial video on history of coal, and listening to robotic interpretive mine workers was a pleasant experience that enabled me to draw meaning from the issues coal miners faced in the early and late 1900's. I will never forget this experience. read more

Visiting Portal 31 Mine Tour in Lynch, KY was an amazing experience all together. Since I had never being to coal mine place this visit was such an informative, touching and extraordinary one in many ways. I knew that coal had a huge risk in the coal miners lives' but I never knew they had to go through all this tough experience. Once I jumped in the shuttle I knew history was going to be uncovered. Driving in the dark tunnels was terrifying. But it surely conveyed the message, coal mining was as petrifying as it is. There is no guarantee whether the roof is going to fall or not. I could apparently see how terribly risky it was to the then workers. Not to mention health hazards it can cause. I recommend this place to people who want to experience how coal mining was and how it really feels like to be in the humid undergrounds in search of coal. I assure interested tourists that this place is going to be one of a kind places to reflect on. So, stop by and check Portal 31 Mine. Luwam Okbazion read more

I have always wanted to visit real coal mine after having read the history of Appalachian regions. I was very impressed by this historical site. All I know about coal mine is from readings, not from experience. Entering into coal mine by sitting in carts used to carry coals, I feel I went back to in 1950 and actually could hear coal miners shouting, their resonance of digging, working sounds and their breath. We stopped at several sites where 'coal miners' were talking about their lives, the history of coal mine and the relations between their lives and coal mines. What stood out from visiting coal mine for me is that I really experience being inside coal mine and could feel how coal miners were struggling in this black world in order to have a better life for themselves and their family. I can see their value on this job as it provided them more chances of having a good life. I strongly recommend this historical place and I have uploaded some photos so that you can have a look before you actually visit Portal 31. read more

This was a pretty amazing experience. I had never imagined I'd ever go into a deep mine, but that's what this tour lets you do. I was nervous at first, but everything seemed safe and I made it out alive. The way the tour works is that you sit in a big yellow miniature train (I believe they called it a man haul) and stay there with your arms and feet inside at all times. I must admit, I was a little disappointed at this because I had envisioned us at least getting to wear hard hats, but there was no need since the yellow train had a roof. The actual tour consists of talking automatons that give you an insight into how things were in the coal mine through their conversations and monologues. One part of the tour also consists of pulling into a certain part of the mine to watch a video about how coal was formed. Honesty, it was a pretty cool experience that I would recommend to others. One thing, use the bathroom before you get there, the closest one is in a building that you have to cross a street and a bridge to get to. read more

I wasn't sure about going to a coal mining museum or a tour but this completely changed my mind. After you sign the waiver you are taken to this cart that seats 8 people and you ride through the mine just like coal miners use to. Portal 31 was a working coal mine until it closed in 1963. So the fact that you are recreating the route that they did everyday is an incredible experience. Inside the mine they had setup robots that look like coal miners to move and talk (like Disneyland). As well as a voice-over that narrates throughout the tour. Each robot personifies a coal miner of different backgrounds the first one was an Italian immigrant and he talked about the benefits of working in the coal mine compared to back home where him and his family were treated poorly. Portal 31 goes through a time-line and shows the changes in the generation of miners, start of unions and machinery. This was an exciting, enlightening and overall excellent tour. read more

The Portal 31 Mine Tour in Lynch, KY was an experience that I was really built up for. I had high expectations, as my grandfather was a coal miner in the middle 20th century, and I hoped to be able to relive a small piece of his life. I did not know my grandfather hardly at all, and I hoped that this would help me to know him. And it didn't really. I liked to learn about how they knew to keep the roof from falling; that was the only thing I connected with. Some advice: Give it a human element, the dummies were a nice touch, but I tell you, if you can't even make a coal miner's granddaughter feel pride, then you will never reach the tourist coming in there. The experience could be more emotional for everyone. The history of the mine was very nice, and the conversations in the stops were good, but maybe when you are helping the tourists into the car you could talk the mine up a little. The human element was missing. read more

This is definitely a place to visit if you are interested in the history of the Appalachian region and by extension that of the US. The Portal 31 mine was one of the most productive mines during its days and it is a testament to the work ethic of the people who worked there. Our tour started with a history of the mine. After taking our seats on the old train that was used to transport coal, our tour guide took us to different tunnels in the mine. We made several stops in the tunnels. At each stop, pre-recorded tapes were played explaining the different tools the miners used, their personal stories and the historical relevance. The recordings were very interactive and informative. What stood out most for me during this tour was the pride the miners had in what they were doing. They were producing coal that fueled world war 2 and they knew that they were helping their country. I would highly recommend this tour! read more

Deep in the mountains, there is an old Mines called Portal 31 in Benham, KY. According to Mr. Taylor, one of my advisor, it is the safes Mine in the Country. Not only that; this place is just fascinating. On a class excursion, our group had a tour at the place and we felt history coming alive. The site was carefully worked to the point that we all felt the presence of the miners at the place. The narrative, the storyline and the personification of the mannequin's miners made the tour unforgettable. On top of that, the tour guide was very professional and to the point that we all felt very comfortable before the tour. I loved the tour and I believe it is a great asset for Benham community and anyone who has the chance to travel around Eastern Kentucky should definitely stop by to experience this. read more

Do you want to go back in the history of coal mining and want to know the stories of the miners back in those days? if your answer is yes, then Portal 31 is the best place to visit. You go deep inside the mine sitting on a trail and start listening to the linear history of coal mining and the miners. I had read about mining but visiting Portal 31 gave me the opportunity to practically experience the life and hardships of the miners. Listening to the personal stories of the miners and life inside the mines with all the noises you hear and the explosions that happen once in a while taking your fellows lives makes one understand the daily life of the miners. If you happen to visit Cumberland, Kentucky I strongly recommend to pay a visit to Portal 31 and experience the tour. read more

I had remarkable time at Portal 31. You get a hands on, real life look into a coal miner back in this time period. The ride through the mine incredibly fun as you ride in an authentic mine cart through the dark undergrounds of Appalachia. The tour as a whole gives you a great understanding of what the miners actually went through in their daily job. Along the mine cart journey you stop at different places in the mine and watch extremely realistic looking machine manikins tells stories of the mine. I left this attraction very pleased and much more informed on the insights of coal mining. This would serve as a destination to sastify excitment and educational needs The only thing is you might want to bring a jacket because its gets pretty cool once you enter the mine. read more

My 4th visit to the Portal 31 Mine Tour, first to the Lamp Room cafe and first to the Lynch High School Bulldog Room. WOW, WOW and more WOW. The combine activities help 19 of us to distill the impact of US Steel, the influence of immigrants, the amenities, pride and history of these small coal towns, the difficulties and dangerous work provided by coal miners from the early 1920s through the late 1960s and the presence and importance of African Americans to the coal economy. We heard about the current challenges experienced by community members as they transition to an alternative economy. This is a "MUST do stop" for those travelers and tourists that want to see how the American Dream was executed in Harlan County. read more

It may just be a hole in the wall but if you want to take a step back in time through this coal mining history this is the way to do it. At first I was scared because it was kind of set up like a haunted house cause it was so dark but when I can to realize it was just set up like a coal mine and nothing was going to grab me it was amazing. I would go back again just to see if I could pick up on anything different than the first time, the stops we made where great and had so much information that was just so helpful in looking back through coal mining history. You must make it to the end because the last stop was the best you need to expedience this if you have never been in a coal mine it was honestly life changing. read more

Before I came here, I was very skeptical about Portal 31 and how the tour would be interesting. I did not have high expectations, but while on the tour, my mind was blown away. The tour was very engaging and realistic. We were on a authentic cart and were told stories of people who worked in the coal mine. The tour was informative, yet did not give me the feeling of being in a classroom. I learned the history of Appalachia and the many changes that the miners had to make in order to keep up with the technological changes of the mining industry. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the history of the mining history of Appalachia from a miners point of view. read more

This place is definitely worth visiting. By visiting this place you can have 30 minutes, give or take, of real mining experience. You get on the rail and travel through the mine tunnels which is dark and a little bit cold. And it is kind of scary but interesting to see how hard mining is, especially with those unsophisticated tools. As you are on the rail, it stops at certain stations so you can listen to the conversation between mockup miners about their job. Overall, it gives you a good understanding of the mining industry and how hard it is been for those people in the past to extract coal. read more

Go back in time by going through the part of the Portal 31 mine in an authentic cart. The eerie darkness, low temperature, the voices of the miners, the shaking cart - at first it creates a bit of a discomfort or even fear, especially if you are with the children. However, as the driver turns on the head lamp after a couple of stops and after you see the animated figures on the side, doing their job in the mine and hear the stories that they share, you get really drawn into them and leave the mine with a deep sense of connection to the mountain and the miners that worked there. read more

Portal 31 Mine Tour is an experience that I will never forget. I come from a family that has worked the mines from talking to them, I new the kind of experiences that they have had. The long hours and pour pay. Not to mention the chance of death, but they took pride in their work. With Portal 31 tour, I feel that they really have caught the life of a miner. I could feel the pride that these people had and how hard they worked to carve a place for themselves and their family. Hopefully I will be back again to visit the Portal because is worth multiple trips! read more

This is a must see for Lynch, Ky. Being in an old mine was truly a eye opening experience, and the town is full of rich history. Coming from a family of coal miners, I felt closer to my grandfather being able to share in this experience. One thing I found exceptional about this tour was the animatronics to visualize the people in that time, what they wore, and the specific tools they used for mining. Going on the Portal 31 Mine Tour will also give you a greater respect for coal and how it shaped the economy and the lives of the people in these communities. read more

I came to the Portal 31 Mine Tour knowing next-to-nothing about the history of coal mining in Kentucky, and I left with a great deal more understanding and a deeper connection to the coal mining communities. There was an obvious passion in the community for the history and love of coalmines. The tour showed us stories of individuals throughout history, so not only did I leave feeling informed; but I left with that feeling of "a personal touch" and as if I had been invited into the community, to learn its respect for this historic employer. read more

An absolutely amazing experience. You will get a tour 700ft inside a coal mine in a train with 10-12 fellow visitors and one tour guide/driver. The history of the coal mines in the Appalachian region will be depicted in a really interactive way through moving dummy coal miners and movie clips. This is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the closest to real life experience on coal mining, as well as someone who has absolutely no interest in it - both of you will be captivated here! read more