Independence Mine State Park is located across Hatcher Pass from Palmer, Alaska at the site of an abandoned gold mine in the Talkeetna Mountains. The mining in the area started as early as 1897, when the first claims were reported near Fishook Creek. Eventually these early mining attempts formed the Wasilla Mining Company that operated the mines from 1934 to 1943 and again from 1948 to 1950. It was the second-largest Alaskan hard-rock gold mining operation. A large mining camp grew around the operation, consisting of sixteen wood frame houses connected to each other by covered wooden "tunnels." The company closed operations in 1950, leaving behind a great collection of well-preserved mining structures and equipment, which are now a part of a gold-mining museum. There is a self-guided tour through a mine camp.

Independence Mine State Park, 23264 Gold Cord Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, Phone: 907-745-2827

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