Discover Kennicott Glacier Lodge: An Alaskan Hidden Gem

Get ready for an incredible adventure at Kennicott Glacier Lodge! This unique and storied hotel overlooks Root Glacier in Alaska’s Wrangell St. Elias National Park. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s a gateway to stunning landscapes and extraordinary experiences.

Kennicott Glacier Lodge: Getting There

This extraordinary lodge finds its home in the historic mining town of Kennicott. It is slightly over 4 miles from the small town of McCarthy, AK.

Getting to Kennicott Glacier Lodge is an adventure in and of itself.

Visitors traveling by car must traverse the rugged McCarthy road. This 60-mile stretch is unpaved and winds through the wilderness to the Kennecott River.

Unfortunately, guests can’t drive to the lodge. On the west side of the Kennecott, you must leave your vehicle behind in a designated parking area.

Next, grab your luggage and head across via the Kennecott River Pedestrian Bridge (aka the footbridge). (If you are a heavy packer like me, there are carts to make this easier.)

On the east side of the river, a hotel shuttle transports guests to the lodge.

The McCarthy airport is on the east side of the river. Guests arriving by air can take the hotel shuttle to the lodge.

Kennicott vs Kennecott

So, is it Kennicott or Kennecott? I’ve seen it both ways.

This Alaskan wilderness is rich in beauty and resources, and the spelling depends on what you’re talking about.

Kennicott is the name of a glacier in the region.

Around 1900, the mining community discovered there were deposits of high-grade copper ore in the area, which led to the Kennecott Copper Corporation.

So, Kennecott refers to the mine. Since the glacier was there first, the mine spelling is thought to be a bit of a mix-up.

The Kennecott mining town was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 to protect and preserve this historic mill town.

About the Kennicott Glacier Lodge

Family-owned and operated Kennicott Glacier Lodge opened in 1987.

This unique lodge, located next to the mining town, was designed based on the town’s historic structures.

Historical photos and artifacts from the Kennecott Copper Corporation decorate the hallways and lodge rooms.

The surroundings and views are gorgeous!

Guests not only enjoy the comfort and charm of the lodge but can also step outside to explore the past in the mining town and embark on outdoor escapades such as glacier hiking, ice climbing, and rafting.

Lodge Layout

Kennicott Glacier Lodge has two buildings. The main lodge building houses the lobby, dining room, and 23 guest rooms. Some rooms face the glacier, while others face the woods.

Guest rooms in the main lodge have an in-room sink with a shared bathroom and shower in each hall.

The south wing building is a short walk from the main lodge.

It features 20 guest rooms with two queen beds and private baths.

South wing rooms have outside doors and face the glacier.

Both buildings offer common rooms for guests to relax, play games, and exchange stories of the day’s adventures.

Dining

Dining options in this area are limited. During our visit, the only two places to eat in Kennecott were the lodge and a food truck. So we purchased the dining plan and ate our meals at the lodge. The food was delicious. Check out Kennicott Glacier Lodge Restaurant.

Kennicott Glacier Lodge offers a peaceful escape in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. Though we only stayed for two nights, the lodge’s backdrop of towering mountains, glaciers, and expansive wilderness made us wish for a longer visit. It’s like having a front-row seat to the incredible beauty of the Last Frontier.