Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Choose the coal mine you'd like to tour by searching the Internet. Once you've decided on a destination inquire about brochures, maps and coupons for the mine tour.
Step2
Find out the cost for the tour and if there are any special discounts for children, seniors, group rates or organizations. Check to see if an appointment is necessary and what the hours of operation are. Make sure there are enough people going to get the group rate offer.
Step3
Plan ahead. Coal mines are chilly and damp. Bring a sweater or jacket to wear down in the mine. Find out if cameras or video equipment can be taken into the mine.
Step4
Be safe. Safety is the number one concern. Methane gas is produced in a coal mine so never smoke, light a match or use any open flames in the mine. Review the exit plan in case of emergency.
Step5
Travel into the mine. Sometimes you'll get in a cage and travel down the mine shaft, depending on the type of mine you're touring. Going for a ride in the coal cars is fun and they are often pulled by a battery-operated train. Your tour may travel 300 or 600 feet underneath the earth.
Step6
Learn about the different types of coal mines. There are 3 main types of mines: the deep shaft mine, the slope mine and the drift mine. See the type of equipment used in the mines like the roof bolter and the long wall. Listen to your experienced guide talk about the control room's function.
Step7
Experience the darkness. During your tour, your guide may shut off all the lights to witness true darkness and demonstrate other elements inside the coal mine. Ask questions and read storyboards about the history of coal mining and the particular facility.
Step8
Do a run through. The Museum of Science and Industry in downtown Chicago has a simulation of a coal mine. You can take a tour of it and actually ride an elevator down the shaft underground and to the coal cars. It is worth the visit, especially if you've never seen an actual coal mine; this one is modeled after a real mine.
