Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train
Ashland, PA · 1 hour 8 minutes from Reading
Seasonal. The posted schedule covers June 3 through Labor Day, 10 am to 3 pm, with spring and fall months listed as to be determined; fall locomotive events run October 30 to November 7, 2026 and the Santa Train runs in the holiday season.
Plan the day
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train is an anthracite coal mine tour and steam train ride in Ashland, PA. It has welcomed visitors since 1962.
Two things to come for: a tour inside an anthracite coal mine that has run tours since 1962 (the site calls it anthracite's longest operating mine tour), and a ride behind a 1927 steam locomotive. In the holiday season the Santa Train runs at night, three-quarters of a mile up Mahanoy Mountain, a 45-minute round trip with a stop at a heated retreat to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and every child gets a treat.
Before you go
Group rates by phone at 570-875-3850. Santa Train riders check in at the gift shop, which opens at 4 pm; dress warm, bring a blanket and wear sturdy footwear. Santa Train dates are announced on the Facebook page. Hot cocoa and coffee are sold on site.
Coming up
Hand on the Throttle lets adults 18 and over run the steam locomotive up Mahanoy Mountain in half-hour slots on October 30, 31 and November 1, 2026 ($75 per person plus a suggested $1 donation); Whistle Blow follows on November 7, 2026 ($25 per whistle).
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.
