Sometimes you find the greatest surprises in small places. Located in Rocky Top (Coal Creek) Tennessee there's a museum with over 100 years of historical lessons and facts. Regarding the life and times of the miners and their families. The hard difficult task of removing coal from the mines back in late 1890's . The history of convict leasing, the coal creek war. The Fraterville Mine Disaster of 1902 which killed 216 miners.The tools which we would consider unbelievable and work conditions untorable was just a way of life. Men and there children would work in the mines. When the Fraterville Mine Disaster occurred and bodies recovered families were paided $300.00 for there lost love ones. If you can catch Mary at the museum she is a wonderful historian regarding the Coal Creek Mine museum artifacts. This is a great small museum full of history please stop in for a very friendly visit and learn all about the Coal Creek Miners.

Great for all ages! We had ages 4-41 and all got something from the experience. You get to see and feel actual items from the coal mines. We learned about the working laws and safety that came from the explosions in coal creek. We even heard stories about the families, how they lived, how they got paid and what happened after the explosions. The staff is wonderful! We ended up buying a teddy bear that the staff member made herself from the local coal. How cool!! Definitely being a donation for them because I’m sure you’re gonna wanna keep this place up and running after spending some time there!

We were in the Knoxville area for business and I was researching something to do on the way home. I came across the museum as the first choice and most recommended activity for the area. Of course we had to stop. I'm glad we did. If your into history this is a must visit museum. There is a lot of pictures and artifacts from the coal mines and a lot to read about. from how the mines started, to its prim time and all the way up to the disaster, everything's there. There was a very lovey lady named Lisa there and she gave us a tour of everything and explained what everything was and we really enjoyed that. she had such a passion for the history and it showed. she also had really pretty and neat crafts made out of the local coal (she made herself) available to be purchased (all proceeds go right back to the museum). If you have some time to stop in rocky top and see this I would highly recommend it. We ran out of time and could only see the museum but we are planning on stopping to see all the other sights in a few weeks when we go back. They are expanding the museum and I cant wait to watch it grow and see it completed.

Very small museum but it's free. The video you can watch has lots of cool information.

This is a small and unique museum with a huge impact. There is no admission fee and it is ran by volunteers on donations. There has been great efforts and care to show the public the life and struggles of the people of this bygone era. The hardships the miners endured and the outline of the various obstacles the community faced can be difficult to understand for some but this museum brings it much closer to heart. From the tragic mining disasters to the exploitations of the miners, their families, and prisoners' during the convict lease wars; the legacy of a tenacious and driven community is on display. If you appreciate history (or a drive in nature) a trip to Milita Hill is well worth the time. This is a hidden gem and a wonderful surprise tucked away in a small town. I think this is wonderful educational trip for students or anyone wishing to broaden their historical understanding. I hope to visit one day to see it has grown to a larger display. If you go, consider a small donation, purchase a hand made coal souvenir, and give a warm Thank You to the wonderful volunteers. Highly reccomended.

Was able to speak with Lisa, and she actually knew members of my family. Showed me photo of my great grandfather. It was awesome.

We have visited the museum several times, always a great experience. History, artifacts and knowledgeable staff. We had the pleasure of talking with Lisa and she was born and raised here and knows some intimate details. We could have stayed longer! Thanks Lisa!

This was a fabulous hidden gem! Lisa was so knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the stories of the people in coal creek. She was engaging and provided a wealth of knowledge as she guided us around the museum. She also makes art from local coal which is such a fun and unique souvenir. Highly highly recommend stopping in! Don’t let the size fool you, there is so much information packed into the space. She told us they are working on expanding to the upstairs, too! Lisa also gave us a map with a driving tour of the town so after the museum, we drove around to see the cemeteries, mine locations, and other historical landmarks associated with the information we learned. So so worth the stop in! We are avid museum goers and this instantly became one of our favorites of all time!

This was a fantastic experience. Lisa walked us through the museum and showed us each artifact and answered all of our questions. She was so knowledgeable, and you could tell that she really loved what she does. We just moved to Rocky Top and knowing that these things happened in the town we now live in was mind blowing. I recommended visiting the sights on the maps they provide, too. We’re so glad we made this visit and would highly recommend it.

What a delightful surprise! We swung in to the museum on a whim as we were driving around Rocky Top, and little did we know how much history is in those hills!! Lisa was such a warm, story-telling, hospitable person and we enjoyed hearing all she had to say. I highly recommend stopping in and then driving up to the spots Lisa mentions.

This place is amazing!! Kysha was full of many interesting facts and added so much to the museum experience!! We will be returning to visit the historical sites and cemeteries related to the mine explosions. This is hidden gem! The museum runs on donations!

Interesting stories of the culture and community of coal miners in this area. Mining tools, different types of coal, and artifacts from the lifestyle are on display with descriptive signs to tell the story.

Great little museum. Must do a walk thru to appreciate the history of Rocky Top

Lisa was a friendly and informative host. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.