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See Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
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The place
About Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour enters Slope 190, part of an anthracite mine that opened in 1860. A mine car descends about 300 feet before a guide leads visitors through original gangways and explains mining methods, equipment, labor, and daily conditions underground.
The car descent takes about three to four minutes and the underground walking portion covers roughly half a mile in about one hour. The mine remains about 53 degrees year-round, so a light layer and sturdy, comfortable shoes matter even on a hot summer day.
The county-run attraction includes an interpretive center, introductory film, shop, and snack bar. The neighboring Anthracite Heritage Museum can deepen the story, but it uses separate admission and currently lacks enough rights-cleared exact imagery for a full USA Train Rides guide.
What stands out
Three hundred feet underground
The mine-car descent and original passages create a direct physical encounter with anthracite history.
Work and technology together
Guides connect equipment and mining methods with the people who performed difficult, dangerous labor.
The missing half of the railroad story
After Steamtown, the mine makes clear where the region’s freight, fuel, and industrial growth originated.
Pair it with the train
Why it belongs in a Steamtown National Historic Site trip
Steamtown explains how steam railroads moved coal and transformed the region; the mine tour shows where anthracite came from and what extraction demanded of workers. The two experiences form Scranton’s clearest rail-and-industry itinerary, but require a short drive between downtown and McDade Park.
Before you go
Plan your visit
- 2026 public seasonThe current visitor page lists April 2–November 30, open Thursday through Monday. Opening and closing dates can change.
- Tour dayThe ticket office opens at 10 a.m. The first tour is 10:45 a.m.; hourly departures continue to 2:45 p.m., but the last trip is not guaranteed.
- Arrival and durationArrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Allow about one hour underground plus the mine-car descent, check-in, film, and surface facilities.
- ConditionsThe mine stays about 53 degrees. Wear a light jacket and comfortable shoes for the roughly half-mile underground walk.
- Mobility accessWheelchairs and mobility devices cannot board the mine car. Guests must transfer, with a companion assisting during the underground portion. Call before purchase.
- Parking and groupsFree car, bus, accessible, and overflow parking is available in McDade Park. Groups of 20 or more need advance reservations; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for scheduled groups.
Best same-campus pairing
Add Electric City Trolley Museum
Add a separate museum and vintage interurban ride without moving your car from the Steamtown complex.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour?
The underground walking portion lasts about one hour and covers roughly half a mile. Add check-in, the three-to-four-minute car descent, and time in the interpretive center.
How cold is the mine?
About 53 degrees year-round. Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Is the mine tour wheelchair accessible?
The visitor center is accessible, but personal mobility devices cannot board the mine car. Guests must be able to transfer with a companion’s help; call about individual needs.
Do I need a reservation?
Regular public visits are handled through the ticket office, while groups of 20 or more require advance reservations. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the desired departure.
Is parking free?
Yes. The official visitor page lists free parking for cars, buses, and group vans, with accessible spaces and overflow areas in McDade Park.
Trust and accuracy
Sources
Source checked 2026-08-11. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.