Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

The radiance of Kenai lies within its deep roots in Alaska's history. The largest city of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai is known for being a village with a past and a city with a future.

Click to enlarge

AL GRILLO / Associated Press archive 2004
Mount Redoubt looms behind a fish processing plant along the Kenai River in Kenai.

Editor's Picks

• Walk through history: Old Town Kenai is worth an hour or more of your time. There is a nice walking tour, and the view from the bluff out over Cook Inlet is outstanding. The historical buildings are among the oldest in Alaska, some dating from the 1880s.

• Watch the dipnetters: As a visitor, you can't share in the annual sockeye salmon harvest at the mouth of the Kenai River. But the neoprene-clad dipnetters hauling fish after fish to shore in oversized nets are worth watching. Dipnetting takes place in late July.

• See some art: The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center's annual art display is always outstanding. This year's show focuses on the state's 50th anniversary. There also are several art galleries in town; enjoy what the locals create.

• Hit the bus: The Burger Bus is just around the corner for the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. You can grab something quick and tasty. It's one of those places you go for a little grease and come away satisfied.Editor's picks

While the area has been made popular with its world class fishing records, Kenai Mayor Pat Porter said the city has much more to offer visitors.

"Kenai is the gateway into a world of exploring. There is the mouth of the beautiful Kenai River, along with unlimited views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding majestic mountain ranges. Mount Redoubt, an active volcano, can easily be seen from the banks of the river," Porter said. "The commercial fishing fleet is located in our harbor and is a sight to be seen during salmon season, along with the beluga whales and bald eagles.

"Our rich Native culture is represented by the historic Russian Orthodox Church, parsonage and Russian Shrine. On the Kenai flats you will find opportunities to explore the many species of birds and waterfowl alike with even the possibility of watching caribou stroll by."

The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center is a great first stopping point to discover the wonders of Kenai. In late April, the center will unveil its annual exhibit. This year the theme is "Reflections on Alaska Statehood: The 49th at 50."

"As in years past, the organizers hope to capture the flavor of Alaska through imaginative contemporary works of art by recognized artists from across the state. This year's theme gives us a special opportunity to reflect on the diversity and range of interests, communities, lifestyles, landscapes, weather, politics and much more that make up our northern homeland. ... Some artists will want to deal with overarching issues that have affected all of Alaska during these 50 years of statehood, but it is my hope that most will look locally to say something about the special nature of their part of the 49th state. Even with our widely varied climate and topography, we Alaskans have more in common than not. I always find it fascinating to experience well-made, thoughtful art that plays to regional topics with local flavor and at the same time manages broad appeal -- hard to do, but so worth the effort," guest curator Barry McWayne, wrote for the show.

The exhibit will feature the Heritage Portrait Project, a collaboration with the Kenai Peninsula College-University of Alaska Anchorage. The project will focus on images and personal stories of residents of Kenai near the time of Alaska statehood.

According to Laura Forbes, KVCC director of programs and exhibits, the center will also introduce an installation exploring Kenai's place in Alaska history.

"In 2009 we will examine the way Kenai fits into the larger picture of Alaska's history, and its journey toward statehood," she said.

The center also offers interpretive programs at 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program topics range from homestead life to contemporary art to bear safety and are included with the price of admission to the center.

Visitors also will find vast historical information in Old Town Kenai. A walking tour of Old Town allows viewers to admire homesteaders' cabins, unique restaurants, Moose Meat John's cabin, Meek's Crossing and much more.

The Kenai Golf Course, located off Lawton Drive just outside of Kenai, is an 18-hole course with great Alaska fauna as well as the occasional wild animal.

"Our 18-hole golf course is a must for golfers who have missed playing the game," Porter said. "Where else can you golf and have moose or caribou tee off with you?"

Kenai has various areas for Alaska visitors just to relax and enjoy the quiet side of Alaska. Kenai has 10 parks totaling 180 acres.

A popular park for families is the Municipal Park on Forest Drive. The park has a playground, covered shelter for picnics, a Kenai Lions Club Handicap accessible trail and handicapped portable restroom. Patrons of the park can view Cook Inlet from the bluff, or there is a nearby beach access trail to enjoy the view from the beach.

Another spectacular photo opportunity is the Kenai Wildlife Viewing area on Bridge Access Road. The pull-off has a paved parking area with a boardwalk and several telescopes to view the breathtaking view of the Kenai River tidal flood plains and Mount Redoubt.

Birders will find the area especially interesting with area snow geese and cranes that migrate to the tidal flats. The area is also known for swans, ducks, widgeons and various mammals including caribou, coyote and moose.

For those visiting Kenai on the first week in July, a busy yet fun experience is the annual Fourth of July parade that winds through the heart of the city. Area businesses and organizations bring out their best floats and entertain a large crowd that lines the streets.

No matter how visitors spend their time in Kenai, they will leave knowing that Kenai is a special place to be.

Freelance writer Sara J. Hardan-Smith lives in Nikiski.