Independence Mine State Historical Park

A testament to Alaska’s Gold Rush history, the Independence Mine State Historical Park used to be home to two mining caves: The Independence Mine and the Alaska Free Gold Mine. At the Alaskan Gold Rush peak, these two caves produced $1.2 million dollars’ worth of gold (today $17.2 million). Today, the park is open so people can experience the rise and demise of the Alaskan Gold Rush. The park includes a preserved mining town where former miners lived—you can still enter some of the buildings and observe artifacts. The scenery is breathtaking and worth the drive since you can see looming mountains everywhere you look. You can even hike trails of all experience levels as an activity, giving you access to even more of the park. There’s also an option to pan for gold in a nearby stream!