Independence Mine State Historical Park
Palmer / Wasilla, Alaska
placer gold
State park dig · Fee
Independence Mine State Historical Park
Alaska State Parks allows panning inside this hard-rock mining camp high in Hatcher Pass, with one firm limit spelled out on the park's own page: pan and shovel only, nothing else. Stop at the visitor center first so you know where panning is permitted, then wander a compact camp of bunkhouses, mill buildings and the manager's house. Note that the general permission to prospect on state land does not extend into state parks, so this site-specific allowance is what makes it legal here.
The card catalog
| What you can find | placer gold |
|---|---|
| Access | State park dig — Fee |
| Fees | Daily parking fee per vehicle - the park page links to the Alaska State Parks fee schedule rather than listing a rate, so check current pricing. The park page does not advertise gold pan rentals; Salmon Berry Travel & Tours runs the concession at Bunkhouse #2, so call ahead if you want to rent rather than bring your own pan and shovel. |
| Season & hours | Visitor center open daily June 18 - September 30. The upper lot gate is open 9am-7pm daily and the concessionaire's guided tours run 10am-6pm. Hatcher Pass Road is snowbound much of the year. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Excellent with kids - a compact, walkable hard-rock mining camp with bunkhouses, mill and manager's house to explore alongside the panning, and small enough not to wear anyone out. Stop at the visitor center first so you know exactly where panning is allowed, and bring your own pan and shovel unless you have confirmed rentals by phone. |
| Official source | Alaska State Parks - Independence Mine State Historical Park |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Independence Mine State Historical Park cost?
Daily parking fee per vehicle - the park page links to the Alaska State Parks fee schedule rather than listing a rate, so check current pricing. The park page does not advertise gold pan rentals; Salmon Berry Travel & Tours runs the concession at Bunkhouse #2, so call ahead if you want to rent rather than bring your own pan and shovel. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Independence Mine State Historical Park open?
Visitor center open daily June 18 - September 30. The upper lot gate is open 9am-7pm daily and the concessionaire's guided tours run 10am-6pm. Hatcher Pass Road is snowbound much of the year. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Independence Mine State Historical Park good for kids?
Yes — Independence Mine State Historical Park works for families. Excellent with kids - a compact, walkable hard-rock mining camp with bunkhouses, mill and manager's house to explore alongside the panning, and small enough not to wear anyone out. Stop at the visitor center first so you know exactly where panning is allowed, and bring your own pan and shovel unless you have confirmed rentals by phone.