While I was cycling in Anchorage with my dad and brother-in-law, Steven was visiting Independence Mine Historical State Park, outside of Palmer, with my family.
Independence Mine was a hard-rock gold mining operation that ran from 1897 until 1950. Sixteen families and over two hundred workers called it home, and occupied its 16-22 (sources vary on the number, ha) buildings. When operations ended in 1950, it was presumed they would start up again, but they never did – leaving the buildings somewhat well preserved. It was designated as a state historical site in the early 1980s.
The preserved apartment house
And… a not so well preserved house
There are plaques put up explaining what certain buildings are, and how hard-rock gold mining worked (you blasted out bits of rock then tested it for gold)… but basically, it’s a old gold mine turned playground. Ha! I bet my nephews loved it. There’s 1.5 miles of paved trail throughout the site, but several miles of hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and great views.
The terrain was what Steven commented on to me the most. He said it was a lot different than what we had seen in other parts of Alaska – it was more rocky, and it made him think of the Lord of the Rings movies. I can see that!
He toured the mine a bit, then took a hike up a steep hill to get some of those views.
Seriously, Alaska, is any of you NOT stunningly beautiful?
I think it’s really cool that this mine was turned in to a historical site for all to explore – you definitely remember more getting up close (and even going in the buildings) than seeing it from afar!
Wow, those views really are stunning! And it’s so cool that the mine was turned into a historical site for people to visit. I love things like that.
Me too! Cause you know people are going to be exploring there anyway, so why not make it legit, right?
What kind of animal is that in the last picture? A ground hog? A marmot?
The scenery is really stunning at that mine, but with all that rocky terrain and open space, it almost looks a little creepy and desolate to me. I guess it doesn’t help that the mine is abandoned. The not-so-well-preserved house looks a little “murder-y” to me, ahaha. I wouldn’t want to be poking around there after dark!
I have no clue!!! I need to ask my SiL!
Ha! So… perfect scene for a horror film, right? Tourists go visit and their car breaks down and they’re stuck there and the ghosts of the mine show up… dun dun dun!!! LOL
I want to know the same thing – what is that animal?
And yeah, you wouldn’t get me up there after dark!
I am guessing it’s a marmot or woodchuck! https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/education/wns/marmot.pdf