Independence Mine State Historical Park

Visitors read an interpretive sign at Independence Mine.

The mine manager's home now serves as the visitor center at Independence Mine State Historical Park.

The promise of gold enticed thousands of adventurers to Alaska during the first half of this century. Independence Mine, in the Talkeetna Mountains, was one of the places where gold-seekers carved their tunnels.

A self-guided historical trail leads visitors through the abandoned mine camp. The visitor center, located in the original mine manager's home, has a simulated mining tunnel and hard rock display. Ghost town sights include bunkhouses, warehouses, messhall, apartment building, collapsed mill and tunnel entrance. Building tours are offered daily.

Heavy snowfall creates ideal cross-country ski conditions at the park in winter. The surrounding peaks entice hardy alpine skiers and snowboarders who climb up for their downhill reward.

The park is located on Gold Cord Road, a spur off the main Hatcher Pass Road, in the Talkeetna Mountains less than two hours from Anchorage.

The visitor center is open only in summer, but visitors may walk or ski past the historic buildings any time of year.