Freedom Mine Tour — Beulah, North Dakota

Discover the Freedom Mine Tour in North Dakota

Located near Beulah, North Dakota, the Freedom Mine Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to see one of the largest lignite coal mines in the United States. This guided industrial tour showcases how coal is extracted from massive open-pit mining operations that supply fuel for regional power plants and energy facilities.

Visitors learn how giant mining equipment operates, how lignite coal is transported to nearby power stations, and how modern mining companies manage environmental restoration and land reclamation.

Why it’s special: Freedom Mine is one of the largest surface lignite coal mines in the country and provides fuel for several major North Dakota power plants.

History & Story of Freedom Mine

Freedom Mine began operations in the 1970s as part of North Dakota’s rapidly expanding lignite coal industry. The mine was developed to supply nearby electric power plants with a reliable fuel source for electricity generation.

Today the mine is operated by The Coteau Properties Company and continues to play a critical role in the region’s energy infrastructure while implementing land reclamation programs to restore mined land for agriculture and wildlife habitat.

What You’ll See & Do on the Freedom Mine Tour

• Learn how lignite coal is mined using large surface mining equipment
• See enormous draglines and haul trucks used in mining operations
• Discover how coal is transported to nearby power plants
• Learn about land reclamation and environmental restoration efforts
• Explore exhibits explaining North Dakota’s coal industry
• Observe the scale of open-pit mining operations

Hands-On Elements: Educational presentations explaining the mining process and equipment used in surface coal extraction.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography may be restricted in operational areas for safety reasons.

Souvenirs & Extras: Educational brochures about lignite mining and North Dakota energy production available for visitors.

Pricing of the Freedom Mine Tour

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

Tours are typically offered for educational groups and require advance reservations.

Visiting information for Freedom Mine Tour

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome; safety rules must be followed

Accessibility: Industrial outdoor environment with uneven terrain

Working Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday Closed

Advance booking is required for mine tours.

Nearby attractions to Freedom Mine Tour

• Great Plains Synfuels Plant
• Antelope Valley Station Power Plant
• Lake Sakakawea State Park

FAQs About Visiting the Freedom Mine Tour

What type of coal is mined at Freedom Mine?
The mine produces lignite coal, a type of coal commonly used in power plants throughout North Dakota.

How large is the Freedom Mine operation?
It is one of the largest surface lignite coal mines in the United States.

Where does the coal from the mine go?
Most of the coal is transported to nearby power plants that generate electricity for the region.

Do visitors need to book the tour in advance?
Yes. Tours require advance scheduling due to safety and operational requirements.

Is the mine still active today?
Yes. Freedom Mine continues to operate and supply coal to regional energy facilities.