Independence Mine State Historical Park is a restored gold-mining ghost town high in Hatcher Pass, near Palmer. Weathered buildings from the 1930s cling to the mountainside, giving visitors a striking look at Alaska's hard-rock mining era. Interpretive trails lead through the mine buildings and explain how the mine worked and how miners lived. The alpine setting is dramatic, with tundra, rocky peaks and wide views, and it is a wonderful place for photographers and history lovers. Parking is $5. Bring layers, since the weather at this elevation can change quickly even in summer.