Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing approximately 13.2 million acres. It offers a diverse and breathtaking landscape of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife. It is also one of the most remote which requires a 2-3 drive over dirt roads when a 4 wheel drive is recommended. When we stayed here, we felt like we were in summer camp. Meals were served and included, the food was good. We toured the mine and hiked the glacier on a tour with crampons.
To get here was an adventure. First we stayed an hour before the dirt road in one of the worst hotels we have ever been to. Really disgusting, then we drove the dirt road. You park at a walking bridge and wheel you luggage over the bridge to a shuttle on the other side. The shuttle brings you to the hotel which we loved. The hotel pictured is not where we stayed, just a cool looking place on the way to the park.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge is a historic lodge located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, near the abandoned mining town of Kennicott. It offers a unique blend of history, stunning natural beauty, and access to outdoor adventures. Below are pictures of the lodge, the mine and small town we stayed in. Great place.
The Kennecott Copper Corporation was formed in 1903, and the town of Kennicott (often spelled Kennecott) was built to support mining operations. From 1911 to 1938, the Kennecott mines were among the richest in the world, producing over $200 million worth of copper. The mines closed in 1938 when the high-grade ore was depleted, and the town was largely abandoned.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge Overview
Kennicott, Alaska, in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Accessible via a 60-mile gravel road from Chitina, a small airstrip with charter flights, or a combination of train and bush plane.
- Kennicott: A historic mining town with the famous Kennicott Copper Mine and mill.
- McCarthy: A small town that serves as a gateway to the park with lodges and adventure tours.
- Tours: Guided tours of the abandoned mines and mill buildings are available.
The Glacier was a must and the tour was great. It starts with a hike to the glacier and then we spent a few hours walking on the glacier and drinking fresh glacial water. The guide said we could swim in the ice water, but no one was brave enough. We also met #earthtrekkers on the tour, a fellow travel blogger we follow.
