Alpine Historical Park (Sutton Coal Washery)

The feel

The concrete skeletons of the 1922 coal washery loom beside the road, the most visible exhibit in the park. Coal was crushed and carried by belt to the washer, where three plungers agitated water to wash 25 tons of coal an hour. The remains are relics of the Chickaloon mining boom that went bust.

The park is an open-air historical park, playground and museum at mile 61.6 of the Glenn Highway in Sutton. Paths wander among lawns, flower and berry beds and community gardens between mountain ranges, and the tours are self-guided.

What to expect

What it is

An open-air park covering Ahtna-Dene (Athabascan) culture, coal mining and the construction of the Glenn Highway. The 1917 Lucas House, once a home for Chickaloon Coal Mine miners, is open during park events.

Kids

There is a playground.

Bathrooms and water

Modern restrooms are open when the park is open, 9 am to 7 pm in the summer months, usually mid-June through Labor Day.

Season and access

The park opens Memorial Day and closes Labor Day. The address is 11266 Chickaloon Way, Sutton.

Mingo says

Come between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the only months the park operates. Restrooms usually open mid-June, so late June onward is the easiest window.

Before you go

• Call (907) 745-7000 with questions about the park.
• Time your visit for a park event if you want to see inside the Lucas House.
• Ask about a no-cost school group tour by appointment in summer.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.