Kennicott - McCarthy

Kennicott-McCarthy Sightseeing, Mine Tours & Outdoor Adventures

Located in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy, and Kennicott have a colorful past. The cities began around 1900 when copper ore was discovered in the area. With the creation of the Kennecott Mines Company six years later, the town quickly grew to over 500 people. A hospital, store, grade school, dental office, dairy, and recreation hall were built. The nearby town of McCarthy was also growing at the same time. With a population of nearly 800, the town offered restaurants, pool halls, hotels, saloons, two newspapers, a dress shop, a photography shop, a garage and auto repair shop, a shoe shop, and a hardware store. With the closure of the Kennecott Copper Corporation in 1938, train service ceased, and most residents left.

Today, McCarthy and much of Kennicott are privately owned, with about 50 year-round residents. With unique accommodations at both the Ma Johnson Hotel, part of McCarthy Lodge, and at Kennicott Glacier Lodge you have a great base for exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Find out more about Kennicott in this video produced for Kennicott Glacier Lodge:

 

Browsing 4 Day Tours in Kennicott - McCarthy

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Root Glacier Hike with Kennecott Mill Tour

On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott’s history and landscapes on this hiking and sightseeing combination tour!  First, enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue... Browse itinerary

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Ice Climbing on Root Glacier

For those traveling to the Kennicott-McCarthy area to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and want to find a fun Alaska day tour, enjoy this introduction to ice climbing! Root Glacier offers the perfect venue for people of all... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike (Full Day)

On this glacier hike day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, enjoy all the benefits of the half-day hike but with additional time to explore the Root Glacier’s dynamic features.  After “lunch with a view,” the possibilities are endless.  You... Browse itinerary

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a pool of water atop a glacier

Root Glacier Hike (Half Day)

On this half-day glacier hiking out of Kennicott-McCarthy, depart Kennicott hiking down a two-mile trail built in the 1920s as a wagon road.  Along the way, stops will be made to discuss glaciology and local geology and enjoy... Browse itinerary

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