Full of history, culture, and recreational opportunities, Marion County really is the Middle of Everywhere! From the rolling rapids of Valley Falls State Park to the Italian influence of local bakeries, there's so much to do while visiting the area. While you're visiting West Virginia, we invite you to join us for the Middle of Everywhere GeoTour! This officially registered tour highlights 20 of our favorite locations in the area, categorized by shops, history, murals, and parks! Find 16/20 caches to qualify for a limited-edition GeoTour coin. Find all 20 to get a unique souvenir added to your Geocaching profile.
For information regarding the GeoTour and a full list of caches, please visit our website.
MOE-GT #15: Coal Country
Category: Marion's Mining
Welcome to Coal Country and the NACMHA Mining Museum! Nestled in Fairmont, West Virginia, right off Interstate 79, our seasonal, interactive museum offers a hands-on experience like no other. Explore coal mining’s rich heritage as you shovel or sort coal, test your coordination on the dexterity machine, or step into the Virtual Mine for an immersive glimpse of life underground. Adjacent to Coal Country Miniature Golf, NACMHA is dedicated to preserving the legacy of coal mining, not just in Mountaineer Country but throughout West Virginia. This cache will allow you to explore the real determination and grit of the region's history.
TO FIND THIS CACHE, you'll first need to complete the associated adventure lab and answer all ten questions found in the NACMHA mining museum. Upon completion of this adventure lab, you'll have the neccesary information to locate the final geocache and sign the log.
This cache is only available while the mining museum is open. Hours vary, but currently, they are:
Sunday: Noon - 8 pm
Monday - Thursday: 4 - 8 pm
Friday: 4 - 10 pm
Saturday: Noon - 10 pm
When in doubt, you can always call 304-366-9300 to check hours. If it's raining or otherwise bad mini-golf weather, the museum may not be open.
All ten stages of this adventure lab are located within the NACMHA Coal Mining Exhibit at Coal Country Miniature Golf in Fairmont. This exhibit is free to enter, but only available during normal business hours (see cache page for more info). If the exhibit is locked during your visit, please go to the mini clubhouse and let them know you are completing the geocache (ask for Eli). A few helpful tips to get started:
> The questions are designed to be answered in clockwise order, starting at the entrance and working your way around the room to the right of the door.
> Enter the answers exactly as they appear on the signage and plaques. If you are struggling, take note of the hints in parenthesis following each question. All numbers will be in numerical form.
> The entire adventure lab should take no more than 5 minutes to complete, but please take the time to read a little about each artifact included in the exhibit and honor the lives lost in the local area mine explosions.
THANKS FOR VISITING!
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