Some of the region's educational leaders took a trip underground, and back in time today. They toured Portal 31 today in Harlan County, an old coal mine now functioning as a tourist spot.

Portal 31 was the first coal mine in Lynch and operated for 46 years before closing in 1963. Officials say touring this mine is an incredible educational opportunity. WYMT got to experience it first hand.

The Portal 31 tour was designed to help people understand the evolution of mining in Appalachia. President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Dr. Michael McCall, says, "It's just a marvelous way to preserve our history of the mountains and of Eastern Kentucky, particularly."

Educational leaders in the region say it's an authentic experience. Former Governor and Pikeville College President Paul Patton says, "It gives you a concept of what being underground in a coal mine is; the kind of labor that men did do, but the importance of what we do when we mine coal for the nation's energy."

The tour takes visitors right to the middle of an old mine, but some say it teaches much more. South East Kentucky Community and Technical College President Dr, Bruce Ayers says, "Not only do you learn about mining, but you learn some of the things miners are faced with. You learn about their lifestyles, you learn about things that were going on in the world; World War I and World War II, and how important mining was to both of those efforts."

Others say touring Portal 31 personifies the coal industry, allowing people to see the realities. Vice President of Operations for Black Mountain Resources Ross Kegan says, "Coming through here, there are faces. When you got to the Imax experience, you saw the faces of coal miners. Those are people who from coal, and from this mine, fed their families, educated their children, and it contributed to the community."

Kegan says pro-coal or not, this tour does not disappoint. Many say this attraction is so unique because it not only brings in tourists, but shows them the impact of coal on our nation.