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Attractions

Barthell Coal Mining Camp

Named for EE Barthell, the mining town served the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company as its first mine, opened in 1902. The mining camp was shut down in 1952 and then purchased and renovated by the Koger family to the state it appeared around 1910. Currently, the mining camp offers tours of the mine, a restaurant, miner's cabin rentals, and entertainment.
For information call 888-550-5748 or 606-376-8749
or visit them online at www.barthellcoalcamp.

Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The railway originally served as the backbone of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company hauling logs and coal out of the remote Big South Fork River Valley. Today, you can ride the rails along the cliff lines and roaring streams to the restored coal mining camps of the area. Rides available April through December. Located at the depot in downtown historic Stearns, KY.
Call 800-462-5664 or 606-376-5330 or log onto www.bsfsry.com for information.

Blue Heron Mining Camp

Part of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Blue Heron Mining Camp was built in 1937 and operated by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company until 1962. In 1989, the park service restored Blue Heron with "ghost" structures and oral histories of the camp. Other features of the camp include canoe put-in location, horse trails, food, restrooms and outdoor interpretive museum. Located at the end of KY 742 on the Big South Fork River, 9 miles west of Stearns, KY.
For information call 606-376-3787 or visit www.nps.gov/biso/.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
 

Often referred to as the Niagara of the South because of its impressive stature as the largest waterfall south of the Niagara and east of the Mississippi. Cumberland Falls also boasts the only active moonbow in the western hemisphere. The state resort park, located on KY Highway 90, features DuPont Lodge for dining and lodging, along with a gift shop, camping, swimming pool, horseback riding and hiking. Click Here to download a pdf flyer of 2009 special events at the park. For information call 1-800-325-0063.
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cf/

Falls 4-H Mountain Craft Center

Visitors to the craft center will experience the historic 1842 log cabin in which the center is located. The center features some of the finest locally crafted items from wood workings, chimes and baskets to pottery, tin men and more. Located at 6930 Highway 90 Parkers Lake, KY.
Call 606-376-3463 or visit www.mountaincraftcenter.com for information.

McCreary County Museum

See the local history of McCreary County with features on farming, mining and the lumber industry. Learn how the coal company town operated and the lifestyles of those who inhabited the camps. Located 1 mile west of US Highway 27 in downtown historic Stearns, KY.
Call 606-376-5730 or visit www.mccrearymuseum.com.

Sheltowee Trace Outfitters

Sheltowee Trace Outfitters offer whitewater rafting and canoeing on the Big South Fork with camping available. They also provide shuttle and guide services and partner with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway to offer Rivers and Rails each summer. Located just eats of Cumberland Falls on KY Highway 90.
For info call 800-541-RAFT or visit www.ky-rafting.com. 

Stearns National Historic District

A visit to the historic town of Stearns, KY might include a ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, a stop at the McCreary County Museum, dining at Stearns Restaurant or Suzanne's Fine Dining, or a visit to the many shops in town.
In its heyday, the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company employed  more than 2000 people, with Stearns serving as the company's operational hub. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.