Located 314 miles from Anchorage, McCarthy (Population 54) is about 1 mile by road from the end of the McCarthy Road; Kennicott is about 5 miles by road from McCarthy. McCarthy and Kennicott both originated with the establishment of the Kennecott Mines Company in 1906. (A misspelling made the mining company Kennecott, while the glacier, river and town are Kennicott). The mining town of Kennicott, perched on the side of Bonanza Ridge above the wide and rocky Kennicott Glacier moraine, housed the mine offices, homes, a hospital, school and a movie theatre. Today, the 14-story Kennecott Mine mill and concentrator building is a favorite photo subject for tourists.

The National Park Service purchased the mill and several other historic structures, which are included in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. McCarthy, almost 5 miles away, sprang up to provide the miners with more housing, saloons, a newspaper, stores, hotels, restaurants and a red-light district. A number of these pioneer structures have been restored or rebuilt and now house a variety of businesses. Accommodations and dining in McCarthy at the McCarthy Lodge/Ma Johnson’s Hotel and Golden Saloon. Camping at end of McCarthy Road. Accommodations and dining in Kennicott at Kennicott Glacier Lodge.  Explore Alaska's wonders with our breathtaking Alaska driving tours and railroad/road combo tours that include a visit to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Whether by road or rail, our expeditions promise awe-inspiring views of Alaska's wilderness. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, seamlessly combining the thrill of the open road or the comfort of rail travel with the stunning landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Things to do

McCarthy and Kennicott, located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, offer a range of exciting activities:

Kennicott Mines: Explore the historic Kennicott Copper Mines, marveling at the well-preserved structures from the early 20th century.

Root Glacier: Hike or take a guided tour on the Root Glacier for a unique ice trekking experience.

Kennicott Glacier Lodge: Stay in the iconic lodge and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Venture into the national park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning landscapes.

Flightseeing Tours: Take a flightseeing tour for an aerial perspective of the expansive wilderness.

River Rafting: Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Kennicott or Nizina River.

Local Dining: Sample local Alaskan cuisine at McCarthy's charming restaurants.

Cultural History: Learn about the area's history and culture at the McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum. Located in the old railway depot, the museum has historical artifacts and photos from the early mining days.

These activities offer a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making McCarthy and Kennicott a unique and rewarding destination in Alaska.