Blue Heron Mining Camp

Blue Heron, also known as Mine 18, is a former Stearns Coal and Lumber Company town that operated from 1937 to 1962. Today, it serves as a fascinating outdoor museum featuring open-air “ghost structures” built on the exact footprints of the original buildings. As you tour the depot, schoolhouse, and company store, you can press buttons to hear real audio recordings of the actual miners and residents sharing their personal memories. Don’t miss walking across the massive, historic coal tipple bridge for breathtaking views of the Big South Fork River gorge!