Ninilchik State Recreation Area
Ninilchik and its picturesque Russian church is a highlight for many traveling along the Sterling Highway. This appealing little village is among the oldest on the Kenai Peninsula, having been settled in the 1820s by employees of the Russian-American Company. Many stayed even after imperial Russia sold Alaska to the US, and their descendants form the heart of the present community.
Surrounding the community is Ninilchik State Recreation Area. The recreation area is actually composed of four separate units that total 97 acres and offer a variety of activities including camping, clamming and soaking in the beautiful views of Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt, both active volcanoes on the west side of the Cook Inlet. The park consists of Ninilchik Beach State Recreation Site, Ninilchik View Campground, Ninilchik River Campground and Ninilchik Scenic Overlook.
There are three different campgrounds in the recreation area and all are ideally located to spend a day exploring historical Ninilchik Village and the Russian Orthodox Church.