McCreary County Heritage Foundation

The Foundation operates the big south fork scenic railway. The train travels down into the big south fork river velley away from civilization, along roaring mountain streams, through a tunnel, and along steep cliff sides. It finally enters the big south fork national river and recreation area just below barthell, the oldest coal camp on the railroad, which traces its beginnings back to 1902. The train makes a stopover at blue heron, which is the site of a mine, tipple, and surrounding camp houses which were abondoned in 1962. There, the visitors can take a self-guided tour.

The Foundation also manages a museum, which is located in the historic downtown district of stearns, ky. It is housed in the old stearns coal and lumber company corporate headquarters that was built in 1907.

The Foundation also manages the stearns historical district, which houses various retail stores and restaurants. This complex of buildings, ranging from 50 to 90 years old, have survived nearly intact. It also houses the bsfsr depot, which was build in 1902.