In 1979, Pioneer Tunnel was given an award for excellence by the Pennsylvania Travel Industry Advisory Council as one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the state. In its 60 year history, it has been awarded many additional commendations from various tourist organizations for its continued excellence as a tourist attraction. Over the years, many improvements have been made to the Pioneer Tunnel. The latest was the building of a brand new “Lokie” barn in 2020. In addition to the tours, there is an air conditioned souvenir and gift shop which includes many unique items including rocks, minerals, gems, fossils and railroad items. Books about the anthracite region and the famed “Molly Maguires” are also for sale along with the locally famous “coal candy,” and specially designed t-shirts and sweatshirts. There is a lunch and snack bar called “The Jelly Bucket,” a picnic and playground area, restroom facilities, and free parking. Also within walking distance is the Pennsylvania Museum of Anthracite Mining.
Another attraction is the “Lokie” ride. The Lokie is an old-fashioned, narrow-gauge, steam locomotive built by Vulcan Iron Works in 1927. When the Pioneer Tunnel was first opened as a tourist attraction, two lokies were purchased from a scrap yard in Hazleton, PA and completely refurbished. The ride takes visitors three-quarters of a mile around the side of Mahanoy Mountain to the site of an abandoned strip mine. Tour guides on the Lokie provide an explanation of the strip mining process. Visitors are also treated to a unique view of the community of Ashland and are told about the Centralia mine fire and its origins. The underground mine fire started in May of 1962, and has continued to burn for the last 60 years. Due to the nature of the anthracite coal seam, it’s possible that it will continue burning for upwards of another 200 years. Once a sizeable town of approximately 1,500 residents, Centralia gradually declined into a ghost town. The town’s demise, along with the distinctiveness of the underground fire, have made it the subject of many national and international news stories over the years. The locomotive tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
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