West Virginia is a mining state; its history a gold mine of intrigue and interest. In fact, there's a whole world beneath our feet, just waiting to be explored. According to the Office of WV Miner's Health and Safety, 53 of West Virginia's 55 counties contain underground coal deposits. The first coal was discovered here in 174,  in what is now Boone County. And at one city park in the Mountain State, there's a place visitors can go deep underground into a vintage coal mine for an immersive experience like no other. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia is a true treasure, and today we're going to explore this wondrous park!

Just one county over from the first coal discovery in West Virginia, you can visit a coal camp, complete with a company store, a museum, miner's shanty, and much more.

The Exhibition Coal Mine is the centerpiece of Beckley's New River Park and a hidden secret you'll be happy to discover.

In addition to the preserved and recreated buildings of the coal town, the real gem is the underground tour.

For a small fee, hop on board the very same tracks that once carried generations of workers deep into the vintage mine.

Get a sense of the daily routines and the tasks of the hundreds of workers that passed through the tunnels over the decades in which the mine was open.

The near horizontal drift mine follows 1,500 feet along the seam where the coal was mined.

Educational displays within the mine help guide an understanding of the equipment left behind.

Retired coal miners are employed as the guides within the mine, so you know your questions will be answered by experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Once back outside and above the ground, take a stroll around the recreated coal camp.

A self-guided walk around the "town" doles out access to a variety of the buildings; many are tended by friendly staff.

Visit the school, the company store, the superintendent's house, and more.

You can expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring everything the Beckley Exhibition Mine has to offer.

Both the coal camp church and the miner's bachelor shanty are can't miss stops before you leave. (Both have open doors so you can go inside and explore.)

With so much to see and do, a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia is a must-do.

It's located just 2.5 miles from exit 44 of Interstate 77/64. Be sure to bring a jacket (even in summer)... the temperature within the mine stays a constant 58 degrees!

Ready to start planning a trip to this West Virginia wonder?

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia is open seasonally from April 1 through November 1. Hours, admission, and tour information can all be found on the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine official website.

And if you want to keep exploring more of West Virginia's incredible attractions, definitely check out these amazing places to visit in the Mountain State.