Harlan County, Kentucky

Portal 31
Underground Mine Tour

Board a real rail car and ride deep into a historic U.S. Steel coal mine in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of Lynch, Kentucky's mining heritage.

Tour Information & Prices Get Directions
🕐 Tue–Sat   10 am – 5 pm
📞 606.848.3131
📍 Lynch, Harlan County, KY
✉️ mineportal31@gmail.com
Portal 31 underground mine tour in Lynch, Kentucky
About Portal 31

A Living Piece of Coal Mining History

Portal 31 is a historic coal mine portal built by United States Coal and Coke Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel Corp., in Lynch, Kentucky. Now fully restored and open to the public, it offers a one-of-a-kind underground experience for visitors of all ages.

Board a mine rail car wearing traditional miner's gear and travel into the mountain itself. Animated exhibits, original equipment, and the 1920s-era lamphouse, bathhouse, and L&N train depot bring the story of Appalachian coal mining to life.

⛏️
World Record
On February 12, 1923, miners here produced 12,820 tons of coal in a single 9-hour shift — a world record at the time.
🌍
38 Nationalities
At its peak, Lynch was "the world's largest coal camp" with nearly 10,000 residents from 38 different nations.
🏔️
Harlan County Heritage
Situated in southeastern Harlan County, Kentucky — the heart of Central Appalachian coal country.
Admission

Tour Prices

Board an authentic mine rail car and ride deep into Portal 31. Tours run approximately 45 minutes and depart at the top of each hour. Reservations recommended.

Visitor Type Admission
Adults $22.95
Seniors (62+) $20.95
High School – College $17.95
Ages 3 – 8th Grade $12.95
Under Age 3 Free

Prices subject to change. Reservations suggested — same-day tours available based on availability.

🕐 Tour Schedule

Tours depart at the top of each hour
Duration: approximately 45 minutes

Arrive 15–20 minutes before your tour time. Capacity is 10–15 adults or 18 school-age children per tour.

📞 Reservations & Info

606.848.3131

Reservations are recommended. Same-day tours are available but space is limited — call ahead to secure your spot.

🗺️ Plan 2–3 Hours

  • Underground rail tour (~45 min)
  • Museum & gift shop
  • Walking tour with 35 informational signs
  • Lynch train depot viewing
  • Coffee shop across the street
The Experience

Step Inside the Mountain

Every visitor receives traditional miner's protective gear before boarding the rail cars for an authentic underground journey. Inside, animated exhibits recreate the daily life of a coal miner — from blasting and loading to the lamphouse check-in ritual.

The restored 1920s-era lamphouse, bathhouse, and L&N railroad depot stand as they did when thousands of miners from around the world called Lynch home. A black granite monument honors John L. Lewis and a memorial commemorates the miners of U.S. Steel's District #1.

Full Tour Details
Visitors inside Portal 31 coal mine tour Lynch Kentucky