Join us for the fifth annual Off the Beaten Path Bus Trip as we explore Pennsylvania’s rich coal mining history. We’ll venture 1,800 feet into Mahanoy Mountain on a guided tour of the Pioneer Tunnel, riding in an open-air mine car while learning how coal was mined in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a scenic ride aboard a vintage 1927 narrow-gauge steam locomotive, traveling along the mountainside to a beautiful overlook. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of bootleg and strip mining that bring the region’s history to life.
Lunch is on your own in historic Shamokin where there are several restaurants to choose from.
Our final stop of the day will be a guided tour of Centralia with David DeKok. David lives in Harrisburg and is the author of the book, Fire Underground: The Ongoing Tragedy of the Centralia Mine Fire, a comprehensive history of the environmental catastrophe that destroyed a small Pennsylvania community. David first started writing about Centralia as a young reporter in the 1970s which led to a storied career with several newspapers and television productions.
Price includes:
- Transportation on coach bus
- Tickets to mine tour and steam train
- Tour of Centralia
- Bus driver tip
Not included: tips for tour guides, lunch, souvenirs.
This trip requires some walking across rough and uneven ground at times. Discount Code for Members is available inside the Newsletter. Each participant will receive a thoughtfully crafted gift bag and raffle ticket to win additional prizes. Pre-registration required.
