Illinois Coal Museum

If I could give rating higher than 5, I would! Fantastic exhibits which cover every aspect of coal mining in Illinois from earliest times (including geological explanations) to present day. Also, fantastic exhibits about culture of Gillespie/Benld area from music to sports to labor history. An essential stop on any visit to this area of IL!

Wonderful young man was very willing to give a tour. Super interesting history!

An excellent museum dedicated to the workers who lived and died working underground. If you have any interest in labor history this is an awesome experience for you and even has something to offer for children.

Great exhibits, including some good ones for kids. Staff was great, including the guy running the video on the Benld Coliseum, who was very knowledgeable on both the venue and the town. Highly recommended.

A really interesting place to learn some history of a very important part of our history. Learning of how hard men and very young little boys had to work for their family, and how very dangerous, risking their lives for health, safety, very little pay. People just don't know how good they have it today and be grateful how much life is so much easier. Energy sure has come a long long way. People need to see this place and the know thr history and see the pictures.