Last Chance Mining Museum and Historical Park
Discover Juneau's gold rush past at this charming museum with authentic artifacts and gold panning. A true historical gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the scenic approach and gold panning.
Last Chance Mining Museum and Historical Park
Best Time
Enjoy the scenic approach and gold panning.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Juneau's gold rush past at this charming museum with authentic artifacts and gold panning. A true historical gem!
"Great history of the area to be learned here for just $5!"
Bring Cash for Admission
It's a $5 cash-only fee to enter the museum.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the museum involves a gravel trail and stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mining Artifacts Collection
Explore a vast array of historical mining equipment and tools, showcasing Juneau's gold rush era.
Gold Panning Stream
Try your hand at panning for gold in a scenic stream, a relaxing and fun activity for all ages.
Knowledgeable Volunteers
Engage with passionate volunteers eager to share insights into the old ways of mining and local history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Admission
Authentic Mining Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Admission
It's a $5 cash-only fee to enter the museum.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the museum involves a gravel trail and stairs.
Ask the Volunteers
They have incredible stories and knowledge about mining history.
Enjoy the Scenery
The location offers beautiful views on your way to the museum.
Coming to Juneau, renting a car and hoping to pan for gold, suggestions?
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Admission
It's a $5 cash-only fee to enter the museum.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the museum involves a gravel trail and stairs.
Ask the Volunteers
They have incredible stories and knowledge about mining history.
Enjoy the Scenery
The location offers beautiful views on your way to the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Last Chance Mining Museum for its authentic historical artifacts, knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, and the fun gold panning activity. It's considered a great value compared to more expensive tours, offering a genuine glimpse into Juneau's mining past. However, the challenging access with gravel paths and stairs makes it difficult for those with mobility issues.
"Just happened to visit the museum after a hike and loved it. Many mining related artifacts, friendly and helpful staff, and many more remnants of Juneau’s mining history. Beautiful location, but might be challenging for handicapped individuals to get to."
Devin Brindle
"Such amazing information. The man that was volunteering had so much great information. We panned for gold in the stream. So relaxing and fun."
shelley napier
"Cute little museum ran by volunteers. $5 cash admission fee gets you in to see the impressive collection of mining equipment. Volunteers are very knowledgeable about the old ways of mining. Notable is the steep incline to get in either a walk up a gravel path or a large flight of stairs. Beautiful scenery all around makes it worth the trip!"
angel sukeforth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located a bit off the beaten path. You'll need to navigate a gravel path and cross a footbridge, followed by a hike up to the museum itself. It's not easily accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Information on specific parking is limited, but expect to walk from the nearest accessible point. The journey is part of the experience, with scenic views along the way.
While public transport can get you close to Juneau, the final approach to the museum involves walking trails and stairs, so it's not a direct bus route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is a very affordable $5 cash per person. This is a great value compared to other more expensive mine tours in the area.
Unfortunately, due to the gravel paths and stairs leading to the museum, it is not considered handicapped accessible.
While not formal guided tours, the volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and provide a wealth of information about the mining artifacts and history.
Operating hours can vary as it's volunteer-run. It's best to check locally or assume daytime hours, especially during cruise ship season.
🎫 ⛏️ Onsite Experience
You'll find an impressive collection of mining equipment and artifacts, learn about Juneau's mining history from passionate volunteers, and can even try gold panning in a nearby stream.
Yes, you can pan for gold in the stream near the museum, which is a relaxing and fun activity.
Most visitors find 1-2 hours to be sufficient to explore the exhibits and enjoy the gold panning.
The museum preserves the history of Juneau's significant gold mining era, showcasing the tools and techniques used by miners.
The main concern is the terrain leading to the museum. Once there, it's a safe environment, though miners in the past faced significant dangers. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the mining equipment, the scenic approach with the bridge and stream, and the beautiful surrounding Alaskan landscape.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always good practice to ask volunteers if you're unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the walk to the museum requires sturdy shoes and supervision for younger children, the overall experience is rewarding. It provides a more authentic and affordable alternative to larger, pricier mine tours, allowing families to connect with Juneau's heritage in a meaningful way.
💰 Budget Travelers
It offers a genuine glimpse into the region's past, providing value through its unique artifacts and the personal stories shared by its dedicated volunteers. It's a perfect example of how to experience local history affordably and authentically.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Juneau's Mining Heritage
The volunteers at the museum are often former miners or have deep family ties to the industry, providing firsthand accounts and detailed explanations of the equipment. This personal touch makes the history come alive, offering a more intimate understanding of the hard rock mining operations that shaped Juneau. Visitors can learn about the evolution of mining techniques and the daily lives of those who sought their fortune in the Alaskan wilderness.
The Journey to the Museum
While the hike is manageable for most, it's important to wear appropriate footwear, like sturdy hiking shoes, to ensure comfort and safety. The scenic beauty surrounding the path, including the stream where gold panning is offered, makes the journey enjoyable. This unique access method distinguishes it from more conventional tourist attractions and offers a more immersive experience for those willing to embrace the short trek.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit