Independence Mine State Historical Park Visitor Center — Attraction in Alaska

I’m very reluctant to write this review. The Independence Mine/Hatcher Pass area is a “locals” place to play. I don’t want to be responsible for giving away any state secrets. With that said, this area is one of my favorite places on the planet (not that I’ve been to many places mind you). It is natural beauty on overdrive. A vast expanse of trails and opportunities for pretty much all outdoor enthusiasts, during any season. The Independence Mine area is an interesting place to visit for all ages. The park staff extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. While some of the hiking can be challenging, there are walks for all to enjoy. Dogs are welcome too! Hatcher Pass Lodge is another reason to visit...see my review of their establishment for more details.

Summer 2021: They are open again for tours. Many were wearing masks in the building as several young children frequent the area but the displays are open and the center is welcoming visitors. There are guided or self tours and several hikes around the area as well. You can drive to the upper parking lots or park at the lower area and walk the road up. There are park bathroom facilities in both spots. Additionally, there are picnic tables in the upper parking area for folks to use. If you do park in the upper lots be sure to make note of gate closing times...if you are late and the gate is closed...you might be...

We had the BEST time here! My husband had really wanted to see an old mine town on our trip and the Independence Mine had it all. They have a mine shaft you can view the entrance of and you are able to walk around the whole town. They have done a great job with putting information out of each of the buildings and areas around the site so you can learn more about what everything was used for and how the operation worked as well as the people who lived and worked there. When we were there, 2 buildings were open. The mine manager’s house and bunk house 2. Both of these had exhibits inside.

We also went when there was still a bunch of snow at the top. We didn’t know this would be the case, but luckily we had our water proof hiking boots with us so we were still able to explore pretty comfortably. Don’t be like us though, check the weather before heading up the mountain. There might be snow even if it’s June!

There are 2 public restrooms available in the parking area. They are your standard park restrooms and there is no sink, so bring your hand sanitizer.

There is $5 parking fee.

I’m not sure what the gift shop hours are but they do have snacks and drinks (like hot coco) incase you’d like something while...

This is basically a junk pile in a beautiful mountain setting. The mine owners got the riches they wanted and then left all things behind to rot and mar the landscape. It is really a history lesson in how to abuse the land and then donate it to the park service so you pay no money for cleaning up the site.

There are a couple of buildings and signs that are useful to explain the living conditions and daily life of the miners but the rest of the site is simply a mess of rubble that is unsafe and does not create any good history lesson except how greed can and does destroy beautiful places. It would be great if the dilapidated buildings that are way beyond salvaging would be removed along with the piles of rubble and then have the mining history be told with mock ups, informative signs, and/or recreated structures that are not such an eye sore.

Two stars for the signage that is there that tells some of the history and for the fact if you turn away from the mining junk site there is a...