Soldotna's central Kenai Peninsula location is a great hub for setting out and exploring all that Alaska has to offer, from world-class salmon fishing to Native culture and homesteading history.
Soldotna is only 140 miles south of Anchorage, but visitors should allow plenty of time to enjoy the drive past some of Alaska's most prized sites and destinations. Waterfowl in Potter Marsh. Waterfalls on Turnagain Arm. The rare natural beauty of Turnagain Pass. The aquamarine clarity of the glacier-fed headwaters of the 80-mile Kenai River at Kenai Lake.
As you wind through historic Cooper Landing, it will become increasingly clear that you are on a fantastic journey to a great adventure. From there, with about 60 miles to go to reach Soldotna, every traveler should stop at Mile 58 Sterling Highway at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station. There you can ask Alaska Rangers and volunteers about the 220 campsites in Soldotna alone, and the abundant outdoor activities within the refuge. From tips on safe encounters with wildlife to the scoop on camping and fishing spots, you'll get the best information from area experts.
In town, the Soldotna Visitor Information Center is your one-stop source for all the area's offerings: where to stay and eat, activities and events, hiking trail maps, guide services and flightseeing operators' brochures.
Inside, you'll find the world-record king salmon weighing in at more than 97 lbs., caught by Les Anderson in 1985 just downstream from the center, along with other wildlife displays - Dall sheep, a black bear, and several species of birds, including a bald eagle. For business travelers, the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce shares housing with the center.
Outside the center, a stairway leads down to the famous Kenai River and a 250-foot-long fish walkway (Soldotna has more than 3,700 feet of elevated boardwalk where anglers aplenty score their daily salmon limits of king, red (sockeye), pink (humpy) and silver (coho). Free daily tours are conducted by the center's staff from mid-June to mid-August.
Other great fishing spots include Soldotna Creek Park right in the middle of town, Rotary Park on Funny River Road, and Swiftwater Park and other public access areas on Redoubt Street, which runs beside Fred Meyer.
And there's much more to do in Soldotna than just fish. The Kenai River Festival at Soldotna Creek Park is a two-day family event held the second week in June. Now in its 21 st year, the festival is alive with music, food, works of local artists, and crafts, games, puppet shows and educational programs. The local Saturday Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and peruse the wares of local artisans.
SOLDOTNA ATTRACTIONS
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station
Stop in on your way to Soldotna and gather information about wildlife viewing and outdoor activities within the refuge, including hiking, camping, fishing and boating.
WHERE: Mile 58 Sterling Highway
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, mid-June to the first week in August
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-262-7021
WEB: http://kenai.fws.gov
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and Headquarters
Find out about the best places to view wildlife, where to canoe, hike, camp and fish. The complex features wildlife exhibits and a gift shop. Enjoy a mile-long nature trail with interpretive signs, and an additional two-mile trail on your own in the wilderness. Various programs are offered throughout the summer; check the website for more information.
WHERE: Ski Hill Road, Soldotna
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June through August. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday October through May (call for weekend hours).
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-262-7021
WEB: http://kenai.fws.gov
Soldotna Historical Museum and Historic (Homestead) Village
Here's where to go to peek into the lifestyles of Soldotna's natives and early homesteaders. Comprised of relocated original log structures housing donated native and settlement artifacts, the village includes a tourist information center filled with native Alaskan relics and household items commonly used by early settlers, a community schoolhouse originally built in 1958, and two furnished log homes illustrating the lifestyles of original homesteaders. The museum also features wildlife displays and provides historical tours by appointment.
WHERE: Entrance to Centennial Campground on Kalifornsky Beach (K-Beach) Road at Centennial Park Road
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and closed Monday. May 15 th to Sept. 15 th only
COST: Free (donations appreciated)
PHONE: 907-262-3832
Central Kenai Peninsula Farmers Market
For fresh produce and the art and crafts of local artisans, this is a fun weekend event that appeals to travelers.
WHERE: Intersection of East Corral Avenue and Kenai Spur Highway, Soldotna
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June to September
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-262-5463, Clayton Hillhouse or Juanita Hillhouse
E-MAIL: clayton@alaska.net
Tsalteshi Trails
Over nine miles of groomed trails for cross country skiing during winter months, and for hiking, running, mountain bikes and leashed dogs in the summer.
WHERE: Entrances behind Skyview High School and across from the Soldotna Sports Center on K-Beach Road
WHEN: Year-round
COST: Free (donations appreciated)
WEB: www.tsalteshi.org
SOLDOTNA EVENTS
Kenai River Festival
Celebrate the wonders of the Kenai River during the 20 th anniversary of this fun and educational two-day festival filled with food, music, arts, crafts and more. Visit the website for a full listing of activities and events.
WHERE: Soldotna Creek Park, downtown Soldotna
WHEN: June 10-12
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-260-5449
WEB: www.kenaiwatershed.org
Kenai Peninsula Air Fair
This is a fun event for the family and aviation enthusiasts. The barbecue and Air Show run among eight airports on the Kenai Peninsula.
WHERE: Starts at Soldotna Municipal Airport on Funny River Road and ends at Kenai Municipal Airport, 305 North Willow, Kenai
WHEN: First week of June
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-283-7951
WEB: www.kenaiairport.com
Soldotna Progress Days
Attend Soldotna's biggest annual event, celebrate Soldotna's progress, and experience two days of rodeo competitions, a parade, a community dinner and dance, car shows, races, and arts and crafts. Games for kids and live entertainment.
WHERE: Parade begins at the corner of Marydale and Binkley streets; all other events are at the Soldotna Creek Park, downtown Soldotna
WHEN: July 23 through July 24. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
COST: Free
PHONE: 907-262-9814
WEB: www.soldotnachamber.com
Kenai Peninsula State Fair
Don't miss the Kenai Peninsula racing pigs! The Kenai Peninsula State Fair is fun for everyone and includes animals, vendors, rodeo activities, games, live music and food.
WHERE: Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds, Ninilchik
WHEN: Aug. 19-21; gates open daily at 9:30 a.m.
COST: $8 general admission, $6 for seniors, children under 5 are free. Friday is family day: whole family admission is $20 plus three cans of food for donation.
PHONE: 907-567-3670
WEB: www.kenaipeninsulafair.com
E-MAIL: kpsfair@acsalaska.net
