Southcentral Community: Kenai
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Kenai is about 10 miles off the main highway, but its scenic appeal and history make it well worthwhile. Kenai is the second-oldest permanent settlement in Alaska and the largest city on the Kenai Peninsula. Established by Russian fur traders in 1791, the community exploded in 1957 when Alaska's first oil discovery was made at Swanson River in 1957. Today the North Kenai industrial district is the largest concentration of oil industry infrastructure outside of Prudhoe Bay. Across the inlet, 15 oil platforms pump about 42,000 barrels a day.
Kenai provides stunning views of active volcanoes across the inlet, a little Russian history, access to incredible wilderness and world-class fishing on the world famous Kenai River. The town sits right at the mouth of the Kenai River on Cook Inlet. The majestic Alaska Range is visible across the inlet with excellent views of Mount Spurr (last erupted in 1992), Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt (last erupted in 1989).
The impressive Kenai Bicentennial Visitors Center was built in 1991 to mark the city's 200th anniversary. You'll find racks of brochures on all there is to see and do, local experts on hand to answer questions and the Kenai Cultural Center, featuring historical exhibits on the city's Russian heritage, local Native culture and history, seasonal art shows and more. The wildlife room includes dozens of mounts including eagles, wolverines, brown bears and a beluga whale.
Pick up a walking tour brochure at the visitor center and walk to 'Old Town' Kenai. Here you will see Fort Kenay, the first American military installation in the area, established in 1868. More than 100 men were stationed here during the 1 1/2 years it officially served to protect American citizens in the area. The barracks building is a replica built as park of the Alaskan Purchase Centennial in 1967.
The Parish House Rectory, constructed in 1881, is considered to be the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula. Restored in 1998, the rectory continues to be the residence of priests who serve the church. Hand-hewn logs, joined with square-notched corners, are covered by wood shingle siding and painted the original colors.
Across from the rectory is Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church. One of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska and a National Historic Landmark, it spouts three onion-shaped domes and is considered one of the finest examples of a Russian Orthodox Church built on a vessel or quadrilateral floor plan. Icons from Russia and an 1847 Russian edition of the Holy Gospel are displayed. Regular church services are held each Sunday with tours available Monday through Saturday.
Nearby sits St. Nicholas Chapel, built in 1906 as a memorial of Father Nicholai, founder of the church in 1845, and his helper, Makary Ivanov. The two men were honored for their distribution of the first smallpox vaccine in the territory. The chapel is on the site of the original church, which was inside the Russian trading post of Fort St. Nicholas.
Kenai Landing, at the mouth of the famous Kenai River, is an authentic 1920s era salmon cannery renovated as a visitor destination, providing a vibrant mix of arts, history, entertainment, sportfishing and lore with lodging and restaurants, all in a gorgeous waterfront setting. The restored 1922 Marketplace houses a number of shops and galleries.
Take a walk along 'The Bluff,' a good vantage point from which to view the mouth of the Kenai River or the mountainous terrain on the west side of Cook Inlet. Beluga Whale Lookout is located along the way and is a great place to spot groups of these white whales in late spring and early summer as they ride the incoming tides into the Kenai River to feed on salmon.
Kenai is a gateway into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge as well as Captain Cook State Recreation Area and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula. The fishing is world famous, the wildlife is abundant and the adventure is everywhere. Rafting, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes and easily accessible.
Sunset view of Volcano
Population: 6,777
Location: Kenai is located on the western coast of the Kenai Peninsula, fronting Cook Inlet. It lies on the western boundary of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, on the Kenai Spur Highway, approximately 65 air miles and 155 highway miles southwest of Anchorage via the Sterling Highway.
Access: Road access on the Kenai Spur Highway off the Sterling Highway at junction in Soldotna, scheduled air taxi and air charter.
Accommodations: Seven hotels/motels, 11 bed and breakfasts, 6 lodges, 13 cabins, 3 vacation rentals/apartments, numerous restaurants, all services.