PA Museums

Exploring the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Carbon County

A collage of five photos offering a glimpse into the experiences at the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Carbon County, PA. The top left image shows visitors seated in a yellow mine cart entering the dark depths of the mine. Adjacent is a photo of tourists wearing hard hats during a guided tour inside the cavernous mine tunnels. Below, there's an image capturing the interior of the museum with its exhibits and artifacts on display. To the right, a welcoming blue sign at the mine's entrance greets visitors. The final image features a solitary figure standing in the mine, dwarfed by the sheer size of the underground passage. This visual montage represents the educational journey that visitors can take through America's oldest coal mine.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Carbon County, you’re in the right place!

The Number 9 Coal Mine Tour takes visitors 1,600 feet inside a mountain, before embarking on a 600-foot guided walking tour of the longest continuously-operated deep anthracite coal mine in the world.

Hours | Directions | Admission Fees

The Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum is open from the beginning of April until the end of November.

The site is open Friday through Sunday in April and November; Wednesday through Sunday from May through October.

A life-sized statue of a coal miner stands in the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum, dressed in traditional mining gear with a hard hat, headlamp, and dust coat. Next to the statue is a large lump of coal bearing the inscription "OLD COMPANY'S LEHIGH" and "GEORGE J. BLUSTEIN SR." The background features various historical photographs and mining exhibits, including a red and blue "CROSS CREEK" sign, and a display case with mining artifacts. The museum's wooden and glass display cases add to the ambiance of this historical setting.

Hours of operation are 10 AM till 4 PM, the first mine tour is at 11 AM and the last is at 3 PM.

Visitors wearing hard hats are on a tour inside the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA, observing the mine's historic elevator system. The corroded iron elevator structure, flanked by rugged stone walls, has visible signs of aging and exposure to the harsh mining environment. Safety railings are in place for the protection of the visitors, who appear engaged in the experience. This part of the tour provides an up-close view of the equipment that was once essential for transporting miners through the vertical shafts of the anthracite coal mine. The lighting is dim, enhancing the underground ambiance and highlighting the textures of metal and stone.

The Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum is located at 9 Dock Street, Lansford, PA 18232.

Admission fees are as follows: Adults: $12 | Children (ages 4-12): $9 | Under 4: FREE.

A yellow mine car with passengers descends into the depths of the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA. The rugged texture of the mine walls and ceiling is illuminated by overhead lights, casting a warm glow over the scene. The car's reflective surfaces shimmer with the echoes of the mine's damp environment. Timber supports and a wooden platform to the side are part of the mine's infrastructure, adding to the authenticity of the subterranean experience.

History of the Number 9 Coal Mine

Established in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, the mine targeted the rich seams of anthracite coal within the Mammoth Vein, a substantial resource that powered industries and heated homes across the Northeast.

A museum display featuring a vintage advertisement for Pennsylvania Anthracite, proclaimed as "Nature's finest fuel" and "ages in the making," promoting its use in furnaces for a safe and economical option. In front of the poster is a large piece of anthracite with a textured surface, labeled with a small tag indicating it is from a Lepidodendron tree, which is a type of prehistoric plant material that contributes to the formation of coal.

By the end of 1857, miners had reached the first coal vein, marking the start of a long and productive operation.

The interior of the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum features a scale model of an anthracite coal breaker, displaying the intricate architecture and operational components of coal processing. The exhibit is complemented by various mining tools, equipment, and historical photographs in the background, including large signs such as "OLD COMPANY'S LEHIGH" and "CROSS CREEK" with symbols of mining heritage. The museum's high wooden ceilings and brick walls create an authentic and rustic atmosphere that pays homage to the coal mining industry.

Remarkably, the Number 9 Mine operated continuously until June 22, 1972, earning the title of the longest continuously operated deep anthracite coal mine in the world.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a coal miner drilling in a coal seam. The miner is wearing a hard hat with a headlamp and is equipped with a breathing apparatus covering his nose and mouth. He appears focused on his work amidst the dark and gritty surroundings of the mine. The bottom of the photo includes a caption that reads "DRILLING IN COAL SEAM" and credits the photographer, George Harvan.

After nearly two decades of abandonment, the Panther Creek Valley Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the area’s mining heritage, took over the site in 1992.

Restoration efforts began in 1995, and by 2002, the mine was opened to the public for tours.

What You’ll See on the Number 9 Coal Mine Tour

Visitors to the mine today can experience a thrilling ride by rail, traveling 1,600 feet into the mountain.

Tourists wearing hard hats are riding in a mine car through the dimly lit tunnels of the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA. The photo captures the passengers in a candid moment, as they experience the underground environment, with the mine car's interior structure and protective mesh visible under the artificial light, which casts shadows and adds to the ambience of the mining experience.

The tour continues on foot for another 600 feet, where guests can explore the original 700-foot-deep mine shaft, navigate the mule-way, and marvel at a miner’s hospital carved directly into the rock.

Underground hospital inside the Number 9 coal mine.

These features not only illustrate the technical challenges of mining but also the daily realities faced by the miners.

A group of visitors on a guided tour inside the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA, listens attentively to a guide. The visitors are equipped with hard hats for safety. They are standing in a large cavernous space of the mine, with rocky walls and ceiling. The mine's structure is supported by timber beams, and there's an old mining elevator cage in the background. Illuminated by overhead lights, educational signs are also visible on the mine's walls, enhancing the tour experience.

The Number 9 Coal Mine remains a consistent year-round temperature of around 50 degrees inside the mine, so visitors are advised to bring a light jacket.

A tour guide, holding a long metal rod, stands inside the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA. He appears to be demonstrating or explaining a process as he gazes upward, likely discussing the mine's history or the mining process. The guide is wearing casual attire and a headlamp. The mine's tunnel surrounds him, with its dark, rugged rock walls and ceiling, illuminated by lighting that casts a glow on the scene. Further back in the tunnel, another person is visible near some equipment, possibly part of the tour group.

What You’ll See Inside the Museum

Adjacent to the mine is the museum, located in the original “Wash Shanty” built prior to World War I.

Here, the largest collection of mining artifacts in the area is on display.

Tools, blasting equipment, and personal items of the miners provide a tangible connection to the past.

Display at the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum featuring mining safety information. A prominent safety poster reads "DON'T TOUCH DETONATORS BLASTING CAPS" and warns to report suspicious items to authorities. Various types of detonators and blasting caps are mounted on the poster for educational purposes. In front of the poster, a collection of mining-related artifacts is exhibited, including a "Blasters Handbook," rolls of fuse wire, measuring instruments, and antique metal oil cans. The display is both a cautionary showcase and a historical snapshot of mining equipment and safety measures.

The museum’s collection, enriched with historical photos, models, and paintings, paints a vivid picture of the harsh yet communal miner’s life.

Inside the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum, visitors explore exhibits showcasing the anthracite mining heritage. The museum features exposed brick walls, a high wooden truss ceiling, and American flags hanging proudly. Glass display cases contain mining artifacts, documents, and photographs. A large diorama of a coal mine, complete with miniature buildings and a train, draws attention at the center. Informative posters adorn the walls, and a mannequin dressed in mining gear adds to the authenticity. This space serves as an educational gateway into the history and culture of coal mining in Pennsylvania.

The museum’s gift shop offers a variety of keepsakes, including books, carved coal pieces, and thematic t-shirts.

Interior of a souvenir shop at the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Carbon County, PA. T-shirts with coal mining-themed designs are prominently displayed on the upper shelves, with slogans such as "I Survived the #9 Mine Tour Lansford, PA." Below, a variety of merchandise including colorful rocks and minerals, baskets, and additional apparel items are neatly arranged in glass cabinets and on wooden shelving. The shop appears to celebrate local heritage, with signs indicating that some items are molded locally from coal from the very mine. The atmosphere is rustic, with a blend of educational and commemorative items for visitors.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique day trip, the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum provides a rich, educational experience.

An interior view of the Number 9 Coal Mine tunnel in Carbon County, PA. The photo captures the rough and textured rock ceiling and walls of the mine, with a track laid out along the ground for mine carts. Electrical lines run along the top, illuminating the tunnel with sporadic lights. The perspective leads the viewer's eye down the track, giving a sense of depth and the dark, enclosed nature of the mine environment.

It not only preserves a significant piece of Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage but also serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit and resilience.

A granite monument outside the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum honoring those who worked in the anthracite coal mining industry. The stone is etched with an image of a miner holding a pickaxe, with text below stating, "This monument perpetuates the memory of those who worked throughout the anthracite coal mining industry." Above the etching, a religious verse promises relief from hardship. The memorial stands as a somber reminder of the miners' contributions and sacrifices, set against the backdrop of the museum's brick exterior.

A visit here offers more than just a history lesson; it’s an immersion into the lives of those who fueled America’s industrial age, making it a worthwhile day trip for all ages.

A vintage mine car numbered "1" stands on the tracks inside the Number 9 Coal Mine in Carbon County, PA. The yellow-painted car with metal mesh windows is part of a train used to transport miners deep into the tunnels, as evidenced by the rugged underground environment. Overhead, heavy timber beams support the dark rocky ceiling, with a bright light in the distance illuminating the damp surroundings. The scene captures the essence of a miner's daily journey beneath the earth, offering a visceral connection to the region's coal mining past.

A Complete Guide to PA’s Best Underground Coal Mine Tours delivers a firsthand look at all five of Pennsylvania’s underground coal mine tours, based on my recent visits to every one of them.

Collage of five photos featuring various Pennsylvania underground coal mine tours. The top left shows a statue of a miner with a raised lamp next to the 'Pioneer Tunnel' train car. The top right displays the 'Brooks Coal Mine' sign against a stone wall and trees. The center right picture has a colorful sign welcoming visitors to 'No. 9 Mine,' with 'Old Company’s Lehigh' at the top. The bottom left is the entrance to 'Tour-Ed Mine' with a yellow banner greeting visitors. The bottom right captures the entrance sign to 'The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour' with the tour facility in the background.

Nearby Attractions

12 Must-See Attractions in Carbon County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum.

A collage of four images depicting landmarks in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A yellow and green striped train engine on railway tracks with a forested hill in the background. Top right: A multi-tiered waterfall cascading over a rock face surrounded by greenery. Bottom left: An aerial view of a serpentine river cutting through a densely forested valley in the fall. Bottom right: A stately Victorian mansion with elaborate architectural details, nestled among mature autumn trees. — Scene from around Carbon County, PA.

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