Rich in Alaska Native, American and Russian history, Kenai boasts year-round attractions and events against a backdrop of natural beauty. Combine that with amazing wildlife viewing, world-class fishing, local arts and culture, and you've got a vacation destination full of fun and unexpected surprises.
One of the best spots to start a Kenai adventure is the Kenai Visitors &Cultural Center. In addition to offering information on guided fishing, points of interest and lodging, the center is the hub of historical and cultural preservation of Kenai's rich past. You'll find a museum filled with a permanent collection of local history and artifacts, wildlife exhibits and a museum store of Alaska-made products, Alaska-themed books and apparel, arts and crafts by local artists, and Alaskan souvenirs. In addition, local vendors sell their arts, crafts and produce on the center's front lawn every Saturday throughout the summer.
Just around the corner from the cultural center, you'll find Old Town Kenai, where a U.S. military post was established in 1869. Before that, Russian fur traders operated from a nearby fort built in 1791. In this part of town, located on a spectacular bluff overlooking the spot where Cook Inlet greets the Kenai River, you can watch dipnetters haul in their catch of salmon or just take in the mountain scenery, which includes clear views of four active volcanoes -- Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna, Mount Redoubt and Mount Spurr.
Jump in the car and head out to Captain Cook State Recreation Area, named for the famous mariner. It's a wonderland for beachcombing, canoeing, rainbow trout and silver salmon fishing, plus some of the best wildlife viewing. Among the species you may spy: moose, bears, coyotes, wolves, beluga whales, harbor seals, beavers, muskrats, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, arctic loons and goldeneye ducks.
Whatever you choose to do in Kenai, you'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, art, culture, history, good food and helpful, friendly local folks eager to share their knowledge and experiences.
ATTRACTIONS
Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center
A visitor's resource hub, and home to the history of Kenai
WHERE: 11471 Kenai Spur Highway
WHEN: Year-round. Memorial Day to Labor Day: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Labor Day to Memorial Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
COST: Free to gather information. $5 for cultural and historical exhibits; under 18 free
PHONE: 907-283-1991
WEB: www.visitkenai.com
Old Town Kenai
Old Town Kenai sits high on a bluff and features a historical snapshot of Kenai's civic and homesteader buildings, which can be explored using a free map for a self-guided walking tour. From the bluff top, visitors can watch dipnetters below on Kenai Beach in July.
WHERE: Map begins at the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center, 11471 Kenai Spur Highway
WHEN: Year-round
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-283-1991
WEB: www.visitkenai.com
Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church
This church was built to replicate the structure of a ship. The present building is a replacement for the first church on the site, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. It is reportedly the oldest standing Orthodox church in Alaska.
WHERE: 1106 Mission Road
WHEN: Memorial Day to Labor Day 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call for hours in the offseason.
COST: Free (donations accepted)
PHONE: 907-283-4122
Kenai River Flats/Birding Platform
This location features a telescope and expansive views of the Kenai River in both directions, the Kenai bluffs and volcanoes in the background.
WHERE: Bridge Access Road, Kenai and Port of Kenai
WHEN: Year-round
COST: Free
Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Viewing Trail Guide
To get the most out of your wildlife viewing on the Kenai Peninsula, pick up a guidebook to 65 of the best wildlife viewing sites and trails.
WHERE: Pick up a copy at various places on the Kenai Peninsula
WHEN: Year-round
COST: $8.95 for the guide
PHONE: 800-535-3624, 907-262-5229
WEB: www.kenaipeninsula.org, or order guide online at Amazon.com
Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Located 25 miles north of Kenai, this park offers lakes, rivers and Cook Inlet for canoeing, boating, trout and salmon fishing, beachcombing, wildlife viewing and camping.
WHERE: Mile 36 North Kenai Road
WHEN: Year-round
COST: Parking fee $5. Overnight camping $10 per campsite
PHONE: 907-262-5581
WEB: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/captcook.htm
For information on other parks and charts of the services available at each one, visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspbro/charts/kenkenai.htm.
Kenai Events
PAINt
Exhibition of the work of five Alaskan painters, curated by Don Decker
WHERE: Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center
WHEN: Jan. 6 - March 3
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-283-1991
WEB: www.artskenai.com
"Intersecting Journeys" Summer Show
Admission fee includes full museum access and any special exhibits and summer interpretive programs.
WHERE: Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center
WHEN: April 22 - Sept. 5; opening show, April 22
COST: Memorial Day to Labor Day, $5 for general admission, $3 for seniors and children
PHONE: 907-283-1991
WEB: www.visitkenai.com
Kenai Birding Festival
Tours and events throughout the Kenai area
WHERE: Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
WHEN: Third week in May
COST: Free; some tours may have fees. Call for details
PHONE: 907-283-1991
WEB: www.kenaibirdfest.com or www.visitkenai.com
