The Old Coal Mine Museum gives its visitors the experience of going back to the past, when the last train that carries Madrid coal left the town for the last time. During this time in 1959, the very few houses that were used were evacuated and offices were deserted. This marked the beginning of a mining community turning into a ghost town.

The site served like a junkyard for mining and railroad relics that are overseen by Joe Huber. In 1982, Hank and Ede Salkeld bought the Mine Shaft Tavern as well as the museum. Hank turned the steam engine building into a stage theater that would be used for melodrama productions shown to the public. The Museum’s main highlight is the Engine 767. It is a Railroad locomotive that was built in 1900 which was almost completely restored by John Coker. It is now considered as the most complete non-operating steam locomotive in the country.