There are several places to visit in Glennallen, Alaska. These include the Kennecott mill, the North Fork of Eagle River, and the Eklutna Tailrace. These attractions are a great way to experience the local culture and history.
Kennecott mill
A visit to the Kennecott mill is one of the best things to do in Glennallen, Alaska. This historic site is one of America’s tallest wooden buildings with 14 stories. It was built by the Guggenheim Family, a group of wealthy individuals who were part of the “1%.” Although there is a steep admission fee, the mill is well worth the trip.
The Kennecott Mill is currently undergoing a renovation project. You can tour the 14-story mill from top to bottom in about two hours. You can even climb ladders and check out some of the old mining equipment. While you’re there, make sure to check out the nearby Root Glacier Trail. It’s a moderate four-mile round trip, but you’ll be rewarded with views of the glacier.
While at the mill, you can also tour the grounds of a historic school. There’s an exhibition hall and park movies, and you can book a guided tour of the town. During the summer, you can also take guided hikes to Root Glacier and historic mining structures. The hike starts out easy and becomes steeper as you get closer to the glacier. Make sure you have sturdy footwear, and remember to wear sunscreen.
The Kennecott mines are located at the foot of the Kennicott Icefall and Kennicott Glacier. You can hike around this scenic area and see many historic buildings. If you have a vehicle, make sure you FUEL it in Glennallen, Chitina, or Copper Center before you make the trip. Also, make sure you bring a full-size spare tire and a good jack. This area has very limited cell phone coverage.
If you’re looking for a way to get a true taste of mining history, the Kennecott mill in Glennallen, Alaska is a great place to start. It was an active mining town from 1911 to 1938, processing $200 million worth of copper in total. In addition to the mill, the town was home to a general store, a skating rink, tennis court, and a dairy.
North Fork of Eagle River
There are many things to see and do in Glennallen. The town is surrounded by towering peaks, including the massive Eagle Glacier, which is 12 to 15 miles away. Hiking in the area is a popular activity. From the parking lot, you can take a trail that winds through thick forest. At the end, you’ll reach rocky terrain and scenic views.
The trail follows the river, which is a beautiful sight. You can also try your hand at photographing the northern lights. Beach Lake is a prime location to view the aurora, and you can also take a trip to the secluded Eklutna Lake.
The falls are a popular destination for locals, but you can also go on a guided hike if you prefer. The trail is fairly easy, but does get a little difficult near the end. You’ll enjoy the stunning views of two distinct lakes, as well as the opportunity to camp overnight.
The town is home to the Eagle River Nature Center, which was founded in 1995. It was established to provide an opportunity for people to interact with nature and explore the region. The Center offers programs for all ages, and features docent-guided hikes throughout the year. You can also participate in nature walks and storytimes.
The city of Glennallen is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a jumping off point for exploring the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The town has a rich history, as the Athabascan people lived here for centuries.
Cantwell
Located in the Denali Borough of Alaska, Cantwell is the southernmost town and is located near the north end of Broad Pass. The town is home to a large population of Ahtna Indians. This area was once home to abundant game that attracted miners. It later became a flag stop for trains between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The area around Cantwell is breathtaking, with soaring mountains, forests, meadows, and mountain lakes. Nearby, Denali State Park and the Denali National Preserve are excellent places to go for outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking. The town has several lodging options, including inns, lodges, and RV parks.
The town got its name from a military explorer. It started as a flag stop on the Alaska Railroad, but today, it’s a year-round community of about 200 people. It has several small subdivisions and its school is part of the Denali Borough School District. There are also several museums in the town.
The town is known for its rich history and scenic views. It is also the location of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Reindeer Research Station. It is located near the Denali Highway. The town also has historic ties to the Copper River Valley.
If you’re looking for scenic views, the Denali Highway connects Cantwell with Paxson. The 134-mile-long road was originally opened in 1957. Until 1972, the road was the only way to access Denali National Park. This road has breathtaking views and is rarely traveled.
Eklutna Tailrace
You can find a lot of interesting things in Glennallen, Alaska. This small city is located in the Chugach Mountains. While you are there, make sure to check out the Eklutna Tailrace. The trailhead for the trail leads you to a beautiful waterfall. This trail is also popular for fishing.
If you’re looking for some fishing action, you can head to the Eklutna Tailrace, located off the Old Glenn Highway. The tailrace dumps into the Knik River and is open seven days a week. While you’re here, you can also fish for salmon. You can also use bait in the tailrace, which makes it a great place to catch a fish.
The tailrace is a scenic area that is also popular with tourists. The area is rich in forests and provides plenty of hiking opportunities. You can also fish and raft along the river, and explore the native culture in the area. The Delta Wild & Scenic River is also located in Glennallen.
In addition to hiking trails, you can also try fishing the Knik River, a popular place for fishing. You can catch Chinook and King salmon here. The water is partly occluded by glacial silt and is emerald green. In contrast, the Knik River waters are darker and opaque. Those with good luck can also try using Fire Cure salmon roe, which is a good bait for catching salmon.
Coldfoot
Coldfoot isn’t your typical town, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. Located just outside of the Arctic Circle, this small town is home to the Slate Creek Inn and a truck stop cafe. Originally, the Inn was a bunkhouse for oil field workers on the Dalton Highway, which runs from Fairbanks, Alaska, to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields.
If you’re interested in photographing the northern lights, head to Eklutna Tailrace, which is surrounded by mountains, and is a great place to view the northern lights. The Eureka Roadhouse is another great location, situated in the darkest part of the sky.
Coldfoot is also a great place to see the aurora. It’s right underneath the northern Aurora Oval, which is a band of the sun’s energy that collides with atmospheric particles. This is where the aurora borealis is most visible.
For those who enjoy fishing, the Gulkana River and Paxson Lake provide public access. These lakes are well stocked with fish, and you’ll also get to enjoy the scenic views of Mount Sanford and Mount Drum. You can also check out the Trans-Alaska pipeline from the town’s viewpoint.