Gateway Town
Kennicott
Historic mining ghost town and National Landmark. 2 lodges, 1 cafe. Book summer early.
Quick facts
- Town Type
- Historic Site
- Best Known For
- Abandoned copper mining camp and National Historic Landmark with preserved frontier buildings
- About This Town
- Kennicott is an abandoned copper mining camp and National Historic Landmark in Wrangell-St. Elias. It preserves frontier mining heritage and buildings. Plan for minimal lodging (2 hotels/motels, 1 B&B) and dining (1 cafe/bar), and note seasonal closure from mid-September through April.
- What Makes It Special
- Preserved frontier mining heritage as a National Historic Landmark, offering unpolished Alaskan wilderness character
Town overview
- Town Type
- Historic Site
- Best Known For
- Abandoned copper mining camp and National Historic Landmark with preserved frontier buildings
- About This Town
- Kennicott is an abandoned copper mining camp and National Historic Landmark in Wrangell-St. Elias. It preserves frontier mining heritage and buildings. Plan for minimal lodging (2 hotels/motels, 1 B&B) and dining (1 cafe/bar), and note seasonal closure from mid-September through April.
- What Makes It Special
- Preserved frontier mining heritage as a National Historic Landmark, offering unpolished Alaskan wilderness character
Park access
- Distance From Park
- 16.9 km (10.5 miles) northwest
Where to stay & eat
- Hotel Count
- 2
- Bnb Count
- 1
- Lodging Variety
- Historic lodges and bed & breakfast
- Restaurant Count
- 1
- Restaurant Types
- Cafe/bar
Visitor services
- Banks Atms
- 0
- Laundry Facilities
- 0
Things to do
- Main Attractions
- Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, historic buildings (recreation hall, power plant), Root Glacier
- Summer Activities
- Exploring historic mining buildings, viewing Root Glacier, photography, visiting the visitor center
- Winter Activities
- None—park facilities closed mid-September through April
- Breweries Bars
- Minimal nightlife; one cafe/bar. Most establishments close by 8-9 PM.
Planning advice
- Peak Season
- July-August
- Booking Advance
- Book rooms 3+ months ahead for summer; winter access impossible
- Stock Up Here
- No grocery or gas here. Resupply before arriving in the park region. This is your unique opportunity to explore this preserved mining landmark; plan your summer timing carefully.
- Late Night Intel
- Most facilities close by 8-9 PM. No true late-night dining. Plan your evening meal in the afternoon; expect minimal options after dark.
- The Vibe
- Kennicott is not a resort town—it's a preserved mining camp. Expect minimal services and historic buildings, not restaurants or shops. Come if you value history over comfort.
- Best Time To Visit
- Summer only (June-September). June and September offer smaller crowds than July-August; book well in advance.
- Tips Advice
- Book lodging 2-3 months ahead for summer
- Assume cash only; card readers may not work
- Bring water and snacks
- Stay on marked paths
- Download maps offline; cell service unreliable
- Note seasonal closure: mid-September through April
More details
- Visitor Center Location
- Kennecott Visitor Center in Blackburn School
- Insider Tips
- Free parking throughout the historic site
- Visitor Center in Blackburn School provides orientation
- Download offline maps before arriving; cell service unreliable
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
- Respect the historic structures—this is a protected archaeological site
- Nearby Facilities
- 2 lodges, 1 cafe/bar, visitor center. No gas station, grocery, medical facilities, or laundromat.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is there food here?
One cafe/bar in the area; plan meals carefully and eat in the afternoon.
Can I visit in winter?
No. Park facilities close mid-September through April.
How far from the park center?
16.9 km (10.5 miles) northwest. Road access varies seasonally.
Is this a real town?
No. It's an abandoned mining camp, now a National Historic Landmark. Expect historic buildings and minimal services.
What's there to do?
Explore historic mining buildings, view Root Glacier, photograph the landscape, learn at the visitor center.
Do I need a guide?
No. The visitor center provides orientation; self-guided exploration is possible on marked paths.
More at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
McCarthy
Historic hamlet at Root Glacier and mining site; accessible by rough road, shuttle, or plane. Summer only. Extreme remoteness, limited services.
Recommended gear for Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
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Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.