Guided 1 hr tour at independence Mine/hatcher pass

[JosieRhodes]

So working on our trip schedule, and see a lot of people stop at Independence Mine and do self guided tour. Just wondering if anyone has been on the one hour guided tour, and what they thought.... I'd like to go on the guided tour if well done, since we are going to be there, and seems like would be interesting to us. However, the guided tours aren't offered that often, going by this past summer's schedule... So just curious if people thought informative/worth it as otherwise might not plan the trip to mine around the tour schedule as it will require a some juggling to get everything in want to see to see in area...

 

Can't find many reviews on the visitor center and actual guided tour... I know we plan to spend a good amount of time there exploring and hiking just a matter of what time to go vs. other options that could be fit in same day....

 

thanks...

[Budget Queen]

I did a guided tour a few years ago. This really is best if you have a lot of time, since as you already see, it isn't run frequently. However there are sometimes other ranger programs, depending on the rangers on duty. The tour was very good and informative.

 

I would not, plan on this, if you have to be elsewhere or your time is tight.

[Chenega]

Not sure about next year but the tour may be affected by budget cuts.

[Northern Aurora]

We spent a full day at the Independence Mine State Historical Park last July. We did one of the guided tours, and thought it was well worth the time and cost. Our tour guide was the volunteer park host (he and his wife were staying in the upper floor of the mine superintendents' home for the summer), and we found him full of knowledge and anecdotes. Buildings not included in the self-guided tour were opened for those on the guided tour.

 

After a day at the mine we spent the night at the funky Hatcher Pass Lodge. We thought the lodge was a hoot, but it isn't for the high maintenance traveler.

[JosieRhodes]

Thanks for the great info/feedback. I had cut and pasted this info from the site prior to them changing the message to visitor center would reopen summer 2014. So I guess I will just have to wait and see how much schedule changes for next year. I am sorta semi planning around it being open later in the week with possible afternoon tours... So hopefully can fit in a guided tour but won't over plan it or miss out on something else as can not be sure what the schedule will really be for next year. defn going to stop whether guided tour or not...

 

 

2013 summer info:

 

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid June through Labor Day.The gate on the road from Independence Bowl to Independence Mine opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Park pedestrian visitors can access Independence Mine after hours from the Independence Bowl parking area.

 

Begining August 17, the guided one hour tour will commence at 2 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Saturday and Sunday one hour guided tours will continue at 1 and 3 p.m. Cost is 6$ for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Special arrangements for group tours can be made by calling the park specialist at 745-2827 (NOTE: This phone is staffed between 11-6 each day during the summer season for a reservation or information).

Edited October 15, 2013 by JosieRhodes

[AKStafford]

You might call the MatSu Headquarters for the State Parks. They might be able to give an idea of what the plan is for next year:

(907) 745-3975

[JosieRhodes]

You might call the MatSu Headquarters for the State Parks. They might be able to give an idea of what the plan is for next year:

(907) 745-3975

 

 

Thank you

[Northern Aurora]

JosieRhodes: If you can locate any information, please share. I will be curious as to whether the MatSu headquarters can provide any information regarding guided tours of Independence Mine next summer.

 

When we were there last summer the small book store and shop in one of the bunk houses was operated by a non-profit "Friends of the Independence Mine" (or some similar named group). My recollection is that the guided tour we purchased was operated by the same group. Since these tours are often conducted by volunteers the days and times for next season may not be available until much closer to the park's seasonal opening.

[JosieRhodes]

JosieRhodes: If you can locate any information, please share. I will be curious as to whether the MatSu headquarters can provide any information regarding guided tours of Independence Mine next summer.

 

When we were there last summer the small book store and shop in one of the bunk houses was operated by a non-profit "Friends of the Independence Mine" (or some similar named group). My recollection is that the guided tour we purchased was operated by the same group. Since these tours are often conducted by volunteers the days and times for next season may not be available until much closer to the park's seasonal opening.

 

I haven't had a chance to look into it more, but if I do, will post anything I find. My actual job keeping me too busy:)

[JosieRhodes]

So nothing posted on web site right now (other than will reopen in June), so gave them a call. Person who answered said visitor center is now open daily from 11am to 6pm. That the tour during which you can go inside buildings is daily at 1pm, plus more options on weekends. I think might also be at 3pm on weekends, though I was focusing on weekdays as when we are planning to go.

 

Just thought I would pass this on.

Edited June 24, 2014 by JosieRhodes