Brooks Mine Reopens in Scranton, Offering Educational Tours on Coal Mining History
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 for educational purposes, and no coal was commercially extracted. The tours, which are free and last about 30 minutes, provide visitors with insights into the anthracite coal mining industry, showcasing coal seams and mining tools. The mine also features fossils embedded in its walls, dating back hundreds of millions of years. The site is not handicap accessible, but it is suitable for those who can manage a short walk on uneven terrain. 
