Everything you need to know before your visit to Portal 31
All visitors ride an authentic railway mine car — it can be bumpy! — through a multi-million-dollar renovation that preserves the original coal mining history of Lynch, Kentucky. State-of-the-art animatronics and computer-simulated exhibits bring the underground experience to life.
| Visitor Type | Admission |
|---|---|
| Adults | $22.95 |
| Seniors (Age 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.
Tours depart at the top of each hour
Duration: approximately 45 minutes
Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your tour time to avoid missing departure. Tour capacity is 10–15 adults or 18 school-age children.
Reservations are recommended. Same-day tours are available but space is limited. Call to confirm your visit.
You'll ride an authentic railway mine car deep into Portal 31 — fair warning, it can be bumpy! Schedule your tour time in advance and arrive early so you don't miss departure.
The mine features state-of-the-art animatronics and computer-simulated exhibits that bring the daily life of a coal miner to life in the darkness of the mountain.
Water may drip from the mine roof. It's dark and cool underground. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind getting slightly damp or dusty. No smoking underground.
Browse the museum and gift shop featuring original mining tools, safety equipment, and coal crafts. A great way to take a piece of Appalachian mining heritage home with you.
After your underground tour, explore the Portal 31 complex on a self-guided walking tour with 35 informational signs and a viewing of the historic Lynch train depot.
Between the underground tour, museum, walking trail, and the coffee shop across the street, most visitors enjoy a full 2–3 hour experience at Portal 31 and the surrounding area.
Extend your visit to Lynch and Harlan County with an overnight stay at the Portal 31 RV Park. Open year-round, the park offers comfortable accommodations in a stunning mountain setting.
Nestled in the valley among the mountain ranges of southeastern Kentucky, it's an ideal base for exploring the Kingdom Come Scenic Parkway, Black Mountain, and the broader Cumberland area.
Call for RV ReservationsPortal 31 is home to a black granite monument dedicated to John L. Lewis, the legendary labor leader who fought for the rights of coal miners across America. The site also bears a permanent memorial to the deceased miners of U.S. Steel District #1 — the men who gave their labor, and in many cases their lives, to the coal seams of Harlan County, Kentucky.