Coal Wash Foundation
The remains of the 1922 coal washery is the most visible exhibit. Coal was crushed and conveyed by belt to the washer where three plungers agitated water much like today’s family washing machine to wash 25 tons of coal an hour. Agitation forced the coal to float to the surface while the rock fell to the bottom. A large elevator hauled the washed coal to the conveyor belt which carried it to the dryer and a small elevator carried the reject rock from the washer.
Lucas House
(1917) The house served as a residence for coal miners at the Chickaloon Coal Mine. After abandonment of the mines, the house was moved to Palmer where it became the Lucas home in 1943. The Lucas family subsequently donated the house to the Alpine Historical Society. The house is open to the public during park events.
Mary Geist House
(1960) built for the O’Neill's and used by the family for storage and a guest house. The house was later renovated to house plaques of the Old Timer’s Hall of Fame-honoring the residents of Sutton who were involved with the coal mining industry and development of Sutton. It also contains a collection of fossils and petrified wood found in the mining area.
Roberts/O’Neill House
(1949) a log building housing a small Visitor Center and a private residence. The Visitor Center on the right has information of activities in the area and a small historic display of earlier life in Sutton. The Rock garden in front of this building was created in 2013 by a local master gardener and is a true joy to see. Make plans to visit it throughout the season!
Hitchcock Cabin
(1970) this building houses Athena Dene’ (Athabascan) cultural displays and is a meeting place for cultural workshops. You can enjoy beading and storytelling during our special event days. Or just plan to relax in this quiet area of the park. The gardens in this area have indigenous plants that bloom throughout the season.
Chickaloon Bunkhouse
(1918) Originally a bunkhouse for the Chickaloon Mine it houses the major park collection of artifacts and photographs.
Sutton Post Office
(1948) this small building was Sutton’s first post office. In 1951, postmistress Grace Boulter remembers this old building: “The place was so small around Christmas time; I would have to take a couple bags of parcel post and lock them in my car at night, because there was not enough room to leave it in the post office.” In those days, mail was delivered by train; it was thrown from a railroad car as the train passed the office on its way to Jonesville Mine.
Athabascan Winter Lodge Exhibit
(2005) The building is the result of a collaboration between Alpine Historical Society and the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. It illustrates a traditional native house design, commonly used prior to Russian and Euro-American contact. It holds examples of local medicinal plants, hides from local furbearing animals, donated items from Athena elder Katie Wade, bunks, and sweat lodge, and a mock central fire pit. A recorded Athabascan Dene’ story, singing and drumming can be heard within the walls.
Restrooms
Modern restrooms are available when the park is open (9 am to 7 pm) during the summer months. Bathrooms should be available mid-June through Labor Day.
Playground
The Alpine Playground- (2014) contains swings, climbing frames, slides, sand box, musical toys and many beautiful murals.
Exercise Pavilion
(2011) This shelter contains equipment for young adults and adults to exercise their core muscles. This is a great way to stretch your legs before getting back into your vehicle and continuing your summer journey!