Brooks Mine in Scranton Reopens for Educational Tours, Offering Insight into Anthracite Coal Mining
The Brooks Mine, located in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania, has reopened for educational tours after nearly 50 years of closure. Originally opened in 1902 as an educational facility, the mine was used to train new miners and host tours for the public. It closed in 1975 due to safety concerns, primarily the lack of a second emergency exit. After extensive planning and improvements, including the addition of a second exit, the mine reopened in 2023. Unlike other coal mines in the area, Brooks Mine was never an active mining site; it was designed solely for educational purposes, and no coal extracted from it was sold. The tours, which are free and last about 30 minutes, provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of the mine's history and the anthracite coal mining industry in northeastern Pennsylvania. The mine features a 100-foot-long tunnel, expanded recently, and showcases coal seams and mining tools used historically. 
