Wrangell St. Elias National Park Lodging - Kennicott Glacier Lodge

For all its remoteness, McCarthy-Kennicott boasts what may be the most romantic, picturesque hotel in the state: the quintessentially Alaskan Kennicott Glacier Lodge. A replica of one of the historic copper-mining buildings, it's a luxurious property that sits in the heart of the ghost town and the center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, surrounded by spruce and mountains. Curl up by the fireplace with a book, enjoy the home-cooked meals, and linger with a glass of wine on the deck that nearly juts out over the Kennicott Glacier.

The Main Lodge (built in 1987) has a 190-foot-long front porch with a panoramic view of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. It offers 7 downstairs guest rooms and 18 upstairs guest rooms with shared, private-use, spotless bathrooms, a family-style restaurant, a cozy Reading/Family Room, and a large Gathering Room with TV, couches, slide-projection equipment, and plenty of space. Your quiet, intimate bedroom is decorated with old mining artifacts and photos.

The new South Wing was built in 2004. Just 75 yards from the Main Lodge, its 10 guest rooms offer the same commanding views of the Kennicott Glacier. South Wing guest rooms are $60 more—and worth it. They’re larger than rooms in the Main Lodge, and each has its own private bath as well as two queen-size beds. As with the Main Lodge, mining artifacts and photos grace guest room walls, and first floor rooms access a panoramic front porch. The South Wing also has its own spacious Gathering Room. See the Virtual Tour

The two must-do activities while staying at Kennicott Glacier Lodge are a Tour of the Historic Mill and a Glacier Trek. Ever walked on a glacier? Kennecott offers one of the most scenic and certainly the most economical opportunity in Alaska to put on crampons and walk on the ancient ice of an Alaska glacier. No helicopters needed here; just walk out the front door in the company of an experienced guide. On a half-day or full-day hike onto the Root Glacier, you’ll safely explore a world of moulins, ogives, and sapphire-blue water pools.

You can also take a leisurely stroll along forest paths, hike mountain trails, and explore old copper mines, with stupendous views of the area around you. The Kennicott and McCarthy area is great for mountain biking, since there are plenty of old mining roads and little or no traffic. Discover more about this historic mining area by visiting the museum in nearby McCarthy.

The lodge offers a casual atmosphere and congenial staff for dining. Breakfast and lunch are served from a menu, and dinner is served family style at a single seating. The "wilderness gourmet" dishes feature homemade soups, pastries, breads, and delicious desserts.

After dinner, join a guide for a leisurely stroll through the ghost town, watch a slide show or an Alaskan video, or just enjoy the evening sunshine from the front porch and listen to the glacier creak, pop, and groan. It's that close.

Photo Album for Kennicott Glacier Lodge

More Kennicott Glacier Lodge Photos»

Highlights

Located in ghost town of Kennicott, in the center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Right next to Root Glacier
Far away from the crowds

Lodge Features

	25 guest rooms, two living rooms, and a 190-foot-long front porch with a panoramic view of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. Annex offers 10 guest rooms and two living rooms. Living rooms offer slide programs, library, and games. Dining room serves breakfast and lunch from a menu; dinner is served family style at a single seating (7pm). Kennicott Glacier Lodge will gladly try to accommodate special dietary requirements if you let them know in advance. Families with children are welcomed at Kennicott Glacier Lodge; no babysitting available. High chairs, yard toys, folding cribs available on request. There are no phones in the rooms, but there is a pay phone available for guests' use. No pets allowed. Private-use bathrooms and showers close to guest rooms. Activities include slide shows, hiking, park service walks and talks. Mountain bike rentals available nearby. Optional activities (additional cost) include flightseeing, glacier hiking, rafting. Front desk offers concierge service.
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Room Features

	25 rooms can accommodate 80 - 100 guests, with views of the mountains or Kennicott Glacier. Single-occupancy rooms have one queen bed and are limited in availability. Annex rooms are larger, w/two queen size beds and private bathrooms. Rooms are decorated with old mining artifacts and photos. Cold-water sink. No private bathrooms (except in Annex).
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2012 Dates & Prices

Vacation Packages

Dates	Room Category	Main Lodge Price	South Wing Price
Late May – Early Sept	Double Occupancy	$295 - $325 per night	$389 per night
	3rd person, same room	$90 per night	$90 per night
	4th person, same room	$90 per night	$90 per night
	Private Single Room	$225 - $265 per night	$329 per night

Note:

Prices are all per person, and include your room in the lodge, 3 meals daily, and transportation between McCarthy and Kennicott upon arrival and departure
Guided activities are an extra charge
Gratuities are not included
Check-in is 2pm; earlier check-ins available if room is ready. Check-out is at 11am. Space for luggage storage is available
Children 4 - 12 years old are half-price in the same room as 2 adults, and children 3 years and under are free
All South Wing rooms have two queen size beds and a private bathroom with a shower
Private single rooms in the Main Lodge have one queen bed, are mountain view, and are limited in availability

Room-Only Rates

	Dates	Single	Double	Triple	Quad
Main Lodge	Late May – Mid Sept	$165 - $205 per night	$175 - $205 per night	$235 per night	$265 per night
South Wing	Late May – Mid Sept	$269 per night	$269 per night	$299 per night	$329 per night

Note:

Rates include your room in the lodge, and McCarthy transfers
Meals and guided activities are extra charges
Gratuities are not included
Single-occupancy rooms in the Main Lodge have one queen bed, are mountain view, and are limited in availability
All South Wing rooms have two queen size beds and a private bathroom with a shower
Special group rate for 10 or more

What To Bring

Casual and comfortable clothing is the order of the day here. Outdoor clothing that can be layered for warmth works great.
Lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes are suitable, unless you want to do some serious ice or rock climbing.
Be sure to bring some lightweight rain gear. A hat and gloves might be welcome out on the glacier.
Don't forget your camera and extra film. A day pack, water bottle, and binoculars may come in handy also.

Directions

At the end of the road near McCarthy, you must park your car and cross the Kennicott River on a footbridge. There is a paid parking lot next to the footbridge on private property. The charge is $10 per day, and there is an attendant to watch your vehicle. Pull in the lot and register with the attendant. Near the footbridge there is a courtesy phone and a public phone. You may call Kennicott Glacier Lodge and let them know you have arrived. Someone from the lodge will then start down to pick you up for the five-mile ride to the lodge. It will take them 30 minutes to get there.

NOTE: To cross the two forks of the Kennicott River there are two footbridges with a short walk of about two city blocks in between. Most times the second fork is dry and the lodge shuttle van can drive out to the first bridge you will cross. If the river is flooding, you will need to walk to the second bridge for pickup. Kennicott Glacier Lodge will give you instructions when you call for a ride.

Payment Policy

To reserve your room, a 50% deposit is required. You may pay this by sending a check or by authorizing Kennicott Glacier Lodge to place a charge on your credit card. KGL accepts AE, DISC, MC, V. Upon receipt of your deposit, a written confirmation letter and other information will be mailed to you. Final payment is required 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date. Late payments may result in releasing your reservation, and rebooking will then be subject to availability. Reservations made less than 30 days out must be accompanied by full payment. A reservation commits a party to the scheduled period of time guaranteeing payment for the entire period. KGL recommends you purchase travel insurance.
	Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your reservation, please call or write as soon as possible. For cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the scheduled arrival date, a full refund of your deposit will be made. For cancellations 30 to 15 days prior, a cancellation fee of 50% of each room charge will apply. Less than 15 days prior, a cancellation fee of 100% of each room charge will apply.
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McCarthy Kennicott Alaska