Copper Center is located along the Old Richardson Highway in Southcentral Alaska, on a loop of road that was created when the Richardson Highway was straightened in 1988. Although visiting the community now requires a short side trip off the main Richardson Highway, its classic Alaska character and a few interesting sites make it worth the few extra miles.
About Copper Center
Since the creation of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in 1980, Copper Center has served as one of the gateways for visitors entering the massive national park. It is a full-service community with a range of accommodations, restaurants, campgrounds, supplies, gas and tire repair.
Strategically located at the confluence of the Klutina and Copper rivers, Copper Center was originally a large, winter village for Ahtna Athabascan families who have lived in the region for more than 5,000 years. The first lodge in the Copper River Basin was built in 1896 and provided a soft bed and a hot meal to travelers, most of them miners following the Valdez-Fairbanks Trail during the gold rushes of 1897-98. Eventually Copper Center evolved into the principal supply center for miners in the Nelchina-Susitna region, adding a telegraph station and post office in 1901 and a school four years later.
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Charter Fishing
A number of charter fishing operators are based in Copper Center and specialize in outings on the Klutina, Gulkana and other local tributaries of the Copper River. Major king salmon runs occur from late June to early August while sockeye salmon are present from mid-July to September.
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George I Ashby Memorial Museum
Housed in two rustic log bunkhouses next to the historic Copper Center Lodge is The George I. Ashby Memorial Museum. The cabins are packed with artifacts from the 1898 gold stampede and the copper years of the Kennicott Mine along with Athabascan basketwork, traps and many historic photos. The museum also has a fine selection of local art and crafts as well as books pertinent to the Copper Center's history.
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Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center
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Wrangell-St Elias National Park Headquarters & Visitor Center is along the Richardson Highway just outside Copper Center. The National Park Service center has exhibits and videos on the park and is the best place for information and suggestions on exploring the area's backcountry whether on foot or by raft. There is also a bookstore that sells maps and guidebooks to the park.