The transformation of Mine No. 31 from abandoned portal to living heritage attraction
The restoration of Portal 31 was a multi-year effort involving engineers, surveyors, museum designers, mining companies, and community partners. The project progressed through three distinct phases — each building on the last — to transform a closed coal mine into a world-class underground experience.
The first phase documents the original conditions of Mine No. 31 before any restoration work began. Engineers and surveyors assessed the existing mine infrastructure — the portal, tunnels, tracks, and ancillary structures — to determine what could be preserved and what needed to be rebuilt.
Condition surveys, mine mapping, and structural assessment were completed before any rehabilitation work could begin.
The active rehabilitation phase ran through 2000 and 2001. Rex Mining Co., LLC provided the personnel and heavy equipment needed to restore the mine itself. Engineers from Engineering Consulting Services, Inc. designed the rehabilitation plan while APEX Surveying completed precise underground surveys.
Work included portal stabilization, track restoration, ventilation improvements, and preparation of the mine interior for safe visitor access.
The final phase transformed the rehabilitated mine into a living museum. Hilferty and Associates handled museum planning and exhibit design, creating the animated exhibits and interpretive installations that bring the coal mining experience to life for visitors today.
The lamphouse, bathhouse, and L&N depot were restored. Exhibits, signage, the RV park, and visitor facilities were completed, and Portal 31 opened to the public.
Provided engineering and surveying services — designing the rehabilitation plan and overseeing technical aspects of the project.
Supplied the personnel and heavy equipment that physically rehabilitated the mine — shoring tunnels, restoring tracks, and ensuring structural integrity.
Provided museum planning and exhibit design — creating the interpretive experience that visitors encounter inside the mine today.
Completed both property and underground surveying — the precise mapping needed to plan safe visitor routes and document the mine's structure.
Donated materials for mine restoration — ground control hardware essential to making the underground spaces structurally safe.
Produced video documentation of the rehabilitation effort — capturing the project for educational use and public record.