Independence Mine State Historical Park
Palmer, AK
The buildings of a 1930s hard-rock gold mine high in the Talkeetna Mountains below Hatcher Pass. The road from Palmer is paved to the mine; beyond it, the pass road is gravel and open only in summer.
Independence Mine State Historical Park sits in Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, about 18 miles (29 km) up Hatcher Pass Road north of Palmer, Alaska. Across 272 acres (about 110 hectares), an abandoned gold mine lies in an alpine valley. The Alaska-Pacific Mining Company built the complex in the 1930s. According to Lonely Planet it was Alaska's second-most productive hard-rock mine for ten years. In 1941 it employed 204 people, and almost 12 miles (20 km) of tunnels had been blasted. The mine was abandoned in the 1950s.
Today you can see the buildings of the mining camp and old machinery; the mine manager's house, built in 1939, serves as the visitor center, and there is a museum. A half-mile (0.8 km) path leads to Gold Cord Lake above the mine. Gold panning and guided tours are possible (according to alaskatravel.com).
Practical notes: according to alaskatravel.com the site is usually open from mid-June to early September, depending on snow and road conditions; a parking fee applies. Check the season and the road before you go.
- Nearest town
- Palmer, AK
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 61.7898, -149.2809
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
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FAQs
Where is Independence Mine State Historical Park?
Independence Mine State Historical Park is in Palmer, AK, at GPS 61.7898, -149.2809. It is about 44 mi from Anchorage.
Which road trips pass Independence Mine State Historical Park?
Independence Mine State Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Glenn Highway and Hatcher Pass.
What is there to see near Independence Mine State Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Thunderbird Falls (24 mi), Eklutna Lake (27 mi), Alaska Native Heritage Center (41 mi) and Anchorage Museum (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit Independence Mine State Historical Park?
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)