Children's Museums
Museum Of Science Industry: Coal Mine
📍 Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr #500, Chicago, IL 60637About Museum Of Science Industry: Coal Mine
Museum Of Science Industry: Coal Mine is a children's museum in Chicago, IL. The Coal Mine Tour features real working equipment used in active mines with a 25-minute immersive subterranean experience including a short train car ride and sensory elements like loud noises, offering visitors an authentic underground mining environment. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 243 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Featured Experience
- Coal Mine Tour with real working equipment
- Tour Duration
- About 25 minutes, every 30 minutes
- Best For
- All ages (with sensory considerations for young children)
- Admission
- Separate timed-entry ticket required (not included with General Admission)
💡 Did You Know?
- The Coal Mine Tour features real working equipment used in active mines with a 25-minute immersive subterranean experience including a short train car ride and sensory elements like loud noises, offering visitors an authentic underground mining environment
- The museum houses a U-505 German submarine from World War II with an optional paid tour that allows visitors to explore the interior, though all external interactive displays provide equivalent informational content
- The museum features a notable collection of historic model ships including a Venetian galley from 1650 that visually demonstrates the scale differences between naval vessels from different eras and empires
- The Henry Crown Space Center is identified as a major highlight of the museum and represents a significant exhibit section within the facility
- The Coal Mine Tour operates on a timed-entry system with tours every 30 minutes, has reduced capacity requiring advance online ticket purchases, and cannot accommodate strollers, Segways, or wheelchairs due to the underground tour format
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book the Coal Mine Tour with advance online tickets and arrive early, as tours occur every 30 minutes with reduced capacity and late arrivals cannot be admitted. Tours last about 25 minutes and feature a darkened underground section with loud noises and a short train ride—prepare young children accordingly.
- The U-505 submarine tour provides an immersive inside view, but all information is already available in the interactive displays outside. Skip the extra cost if budget is tight, or have one adult tour while kids enjoy the free outdoor exhibits to save money.
- Plan to spend a full day at the museum. Prioritize the Henry Crown Space Center and naval technology exhibits (including model ships and the submarine) as visitor highlights, and note that some older exhibits may not be fully operational.
- The Coal Mine Tour is not accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, or Segways—use the stroller parking available at the Coal Mine entrance. Parents of very young children should consider whether their child is comfortable with darkened spaces and loud equipment noise before booking the tour.
- Veterans receive free admission—confirm eligibility and required documentation when purchasing tickets to take advantage of this benefit.
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