The entrance to the Blue Heron mine located just above the coal tipple demonstrates how the miners had to stoop over to do their work in the early 20th century.
Shavana Morgan photo
Company Stores 1 and 3 in Historic Stearns near the Big South Fork Scenic Railway bear witness to a way of life that made American prosperity possible nearly a century ago.
Shavana Morgan photo for one season only. All year long, the volunteers make sure there’ s something going on for everyone.
For instance, come the holiday season, the train attraction becomes The Polar Express. Just like in the movie, kids and kids-at-heart can ride the Polar Express, visit Santa Claus, take a pic with Ol’ Saint Nick, interact with the Elves, get some bellywarming hot chocolate and cookies, receive some bags of toys and books, and much more, made possible by a licensing agreement with Warner Brothers.
There are also other activities involving the train over the year,
including murder mysteries enacted by local talent, such as from the local theater departments at McCreary County schools.
Kidd-Trammell said there are also frequent classes and workshops for various arts and crafts, including quilting and much more.
In addition to all that, Mehg Marshall, proprietor of Pottery by Mehg, has been onsite at Historic Stearns for several years, offering high-quality, hand-crafted pottery.
Crystal Taylor, Executive Director of the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, said many upgrades and renovations are coming up at Historic
Stearns, development made possible by grants recently acquired.
She added that the scenic railway and related attractions are part of a large number of exciting offerings and sight-seeing opportunities in the area, including many hiking trails, natural arches, waterfalls, good fishing, camping opportunities, and much more.
Taylor said the area has a very friendly, hometown vibe.
“ Everybody is always friendly,” she said.“ We are always very welcoming to new people.”
For more information, call 606-376- 5330, or visit the website, bsfsry. com, or visit the Facebook page.
This photo was taken exiting an old-fashioned train tunnel on the way to a historic mining town as part of the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.
Carolena Morgan photo
Stearns Coal and Lumber Company’ s coal tipple towers above the landscape and was used to store and transfer coal after it was extracted from the mine located just above the tipple on the hillside.
Carolena Morgan photo 36 Stay & Play Lake Cumberland Region- Summer 2025