A world of wonder awaits below the rolling hills and busy streets of the Bluegrass, a state that's home to numerous superlative caves and caverns. But the underground adventures don't stop there; in Harlan, Kentucky, there's an old underground coal mine that offers an unprecedented glimpse into our state's history. At Portal 31, visitors can explore Kentucky's only underground coal mine on an epic tour that belongs on any adventure-seeker's Bluegrass bucket list.
Portal 31 Coal Mine was a facility owned by the U.S. Coal & Coke Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, in the early 1900s. The company built the community of Lynch, then the world's largest coal camp, as a community for miners and their families.
At its peak in the 1940s, the coal company employed more than 4,000 people from all over the world; its workforce was a melting pot of some 38 different nationalities.
Coal mining was -- and is -- a dirty, dangerous business that helped fuel our nation's growth and remains an important part of our history and economy. Kentucky played a big role in this coal mining boom.
But mining was hard, thankless work, and life at Portal 31 was difficult. The powers in charge prevented miners from unionizing, earning it the nickname "Bloody Harlan."
Today, visitors can experience life in the mine by taking an underground tour to get insight into the experience of the miners who at one time worked there.
Tourist climb aboard real mining rail cars, which wind through this humbling and harrowing underworld. The tours last 30 minutes and visit eight different scenes which depict various eras in coal mining history.
Portal 31 is a unique and immersive way to experience a key part of Kentucky -- and American -- history. These tours offer a glimpse of the grit and determination of Kentucky's early settlers; the folks who came to the Bluegrass hoping for a better and brighter life for their families.
Have you toured this underground coal mine in Kentucky before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experiences! Head over to the Portal 31 website to learn more and plan your subterranean adventure.
Believe me, there’s never a bad time to make plans to get out and experience the wondrous beauty of Kentucky, and there are many ways to do this. One of the best is a ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, which is located in the small town of Stearns. The three-hour trip on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway line is the ultimate experience and the most relaxing way to enjoy a scenic train ride in Kentucky. If you've been searching for "train rides near me" in Kentucky, it's safe to say you can stop looking. Prepare for splendor on the magical Big South Fork Scenic Railway in KY:
advertisement
Big South Fork Kentucky is a favorite Bluegrass State destination, located in stunning McCreary County.
Beginning in the 1830s, railroads became an important piece of Kentucky's development. They connected some of the state's most developed towns, and some railroads stretched into Ohio.
The railway offers a few different rides throughout the year, and they all belong on your bucket list.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a true treat throughout the year, and it has been enchanting riders since 1907. In the spring, the landscape absolutely comes to life. Summer brings a shimmering emerald covering to the earth, and fall allows the landscape to erupt in hues of gold and red.
If you've never visited the Big South Fork Scenic Area, you're in for a beautiful surprise. This region of Kentucky is unrivaled in its natural beauty, and there are many ways to experience it.
Big South Fork train rides are absolutely enchanting, and they offer a unique way to connect with the early industrialization of our nation. Special rides like the Fall Color Run will leave you in awe, whether you're a young child or simply a child at heart.
If you'd like to see it all from the comfort of a nostalgic train car, this train ride near me in Kentucky is it. There’s no better time to start planning your adventure.
This area is overflowing with history. Coal was discovered in the region early on, and Stearns was established to serve as the heart of the area's mining industry. The Kentucky & Tennessee Railway stretched through the area, and it continued to utilize steam locomotives even after diesel became the preferred "mainstream" fuel.
advertisement
The ride is a three-hour-long round-trip experience aboard one of the railway's exciting locomotives. The relaxing ride takes you through diverse landscapes and plenty of photo-worthy scenery.
Riders of all ages will find themselves enchanted by the beauty of The Mountain State. Take in the majesty of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and marvel at the splendor of scenic overlooks and vistas. Plan ahead, as you can purchase snacks or a Coal Miner’s Lunch on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.
The train will descend 600 feet into the gorge, chugging past mountain streams, lush vegetation, and scenic views. This is the only mountain train in Kentucky that provides this type of scenery.
Prepare to take a few pictures, because you'll want to brag about the scenery you see. Truly, this level of majesty is almost unbelievable.
At the halfway (or 30-minute) point on the Big Fork Scenic Railway, you'll make a stop at the historic Barthell Coal Camp. This former coal mine is fascinating and offers even more views of the surrounding natural features.
Mine tour tickets are sold separately from train tickets, and pre-purchasing is recommended because spots fill up quickly. You can expect to spend two hours exploring the camp (during tour season, which is April 1 through October 30) before making the 30-minute return trip. Outside of that timeframe, the train just descends into the gorge and back.
You'll then make the trip back to the station and back through the rugged land of the Big South Fork area.
This area is full of surprises. If you're an adventurous spirit, you'll surely feel right at home along one of the best train rides near me in Kentucky.
advertisement
No matter the season, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway KY train ride offers stunning views of the landscape as it changes from season to season. Start planning your visit and look forward to this scenic train ride that takes you through a naturally wondrous area of Kentucky.
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in The Bluegrass State, and this three-hour excursion is a relaxing way to enjoy a nice day in our state. Have you ever taken a Big South Fork train ride? What did you think? Share your experience with us in the comments!
For more information on the train schedule, ticket prices, and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, visit its website.
And if you need a place to stay in McCreary County, Vrbo has lots of great options.
McCreary County is just about two hours away from Shelby County, which is where you'll find world-famous Kentucky Derby horses. Get up close and personal with them in this video by us at OnlyInYourState:
There's no better way to shake things up than to go out on an adventure in Kentucky. Many are surprised to learn that the Bluegrass State is filled with unique adventures and countless opportunities to explore the outdoors - both above and below the ground. Cave tours and hikes are popular excursions in our state, but you can now have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a crystal clear kayak tour in Kentucky. Led by SUP Kentucky, this is an exciting addition to their already impressive lineup of adventures and it more than deserves a spot on your bucket list. Are you ready for a day of Kentucky cave kayaking? Let's do it!
advertisement
SUP Kentucky is a traveling adventure company that takes locals and visitors around the state to explore aboard a stand-up paddleboard. Many of their outings are held throughout the warmer months at places like Grayson Lake, shown below, but their cavern tours are held year-round.
The cavern glow tours in Red River Gorge are truly unique and appropriate for all levels of adventurers - even beginners! You can choose to stand-up paddleboard or kayak on a hybrid board and enjoy exploring the caverns underneath the Gorge.
Choose from a single or tandem kayak and feel as if you're floating right in the water, yet you'll magically stay dry! The cave stays consistently in the 50s all year long, so this adventure is even available in the winter. (Don't worry; it's very rare for someone to fall in the water!)
In terms of age requirements, SUP Kentucky recommends that children be 12 and older unless they are athletes or "born adventurers." But with that said, the crew at SUP Kentucky are also parents and we know that some kids -- no matter their age -- can and will do anything and everything with a happy heart. If your child is under 12, please contact SUP Kentucky to discuss participation!
If you're not thrilled about the idea of kayaking through a cave, be sure to check out the other excursions offered around Kentucky. Paddling around Cumberland Falls - there's even a Moonbow tour! - is another bucket list-worthy adventure.
SUP Kentucky offers many ways to explore our state by water and now their crystal clear kayak tour in Kentucky is bound to become a local favorite. Have you always wanted to tour in a clear kayak? Does Kentucky cave kayaking look like a fun adventure to you? Feel free to reach out and let us know!
advertisement
Keep in mind that these tours will likely sell out well in advance, so plan ahead. You can check out pricing and the calendar of availability and also be sure to follow along with SUP Kentucky on Facebook for a peek at all of their adventures.
