Monday, Jul. 13, 2009
West Virginia
Photo credit: Tom Hindman / Charleston Daily Mail / AP
Mining coal is a dirty, claustrophobic, dangerous, terrible job. Good thing you're only visiting. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is exactly what the name suggests: a former low-seam mine shuttered since 1910 that the public can now visit. The trip takes guests some 1,500 ft. below ground aboard mining cars to learn how coal was mined and loaded. The visit should leave you with more respect for the Americans who risk their lives every day down in similar shafts — if that's possible. Admission: $20 for adults, $12 for children