Kennecott, Alaska - Historic Mill Tour

Kennecott, Alaska is a ghost town frozen in time. When the Kennecott Copper Corporation abruptly abandoned the town in 1938 they left behind their equipment, their buildings, and their personal belongings. However, their stories of discovery, perseverance, and ingenuity live on. Come see what it was like to live and work in this remote wilderness as you tour the town site with one of our knowledgeable guides; listening to tales of lucky fortunes, tenacious frontiersmen, and tragic endings. And, you’ll even be able to explore INSIDE historic buildings such as the 14-story Mill Building as our guide service holds the exclusive concession with the National Park Service to do so. With three tours departing daily, the 2 ½ hour Historic Mill Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Kennecott, Alaska.

Trip Highlights:

• Tour INSIDE the historic mine buildings
• Learn the fascinating history of one of the richest copper strikes in history
• Listen to amazing stories of the people who lived and worked in this remote, mountain wilderness
• See buildings, mining equipment, and personal artifacts left as they were in the early 1900’s

KENNECOTT, ALASKA - COPPER MINING IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS

From 1911 until 1938 the copper mining town of Kennecott, Alaska boomed as the Kennecott Copper Corporation extracted one of the richest bodies of copper ore ever found from the rugged peaks surrounding the town. Workers overcame extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, and grueling work to concentrate some $200 million worth of copper ore. The ore processed in Kennecott helped feed America’s hunger for copper used to electrify cities, build railroads, and supply munitions for WWI. With financing obtained from some of America’s wealthiest families (JP Morgan, the Guggenheims, and the Havemayers) larger-than-life figures like Mike Heney and Stephen Birch helped to build and operate the mill town and company that would eventually launch the Kennecott Copper Corporation into a global organization that is still in operation today. When the quality ore finally petered out and copper prices dropped, the company abruptly abandoned the town site leaving behind their equipment, buildings, personal belongings and a fascinating human legacy.

Today, the red and white buildings of Kennecott stand much as they did in the 1930’s. The exceptions are the few that the National Park Service has chosen to renovate for various purposes. Walking along the main street, visitors to Kennecott can soak up its rich mining history with all five senses. Beyond the town are breathtaking views of the 25-mile (40km) long Kennicott Glacier and 16,390 ft. (4,995m) Mt. Blackburn. The population of this remote wilderness town is but a fraction of what it was in the early part of the 20th century. Things are much quieter these days with the concentration mill shut down and no railroad. However, some traditions such as the annual Fourth of July baseball game between Kennecott and neighboring town McCarthy still carry on and if you’re lucky you just might be visiting at the same time as one of the Kennecott Kids.

Our historic mill tour is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, to experience the rich history of Kennecott. The 2 ½ hour tour begins at our office, located on the main street. Accompanied by one of our knowledgeable guides, you make your way through town and eventually down through the 14-story concentration mill and the ammonia leaching facility. As you walk, your guide points out the various buildings, answers questions, and tells the stories of Kennecott and its residents. Additionally, they are equipped with historic photographs and mineral samples to help visitors visualize the town in its heyday. Ample opportunity is given for photographs and a spirit of exploration is encouraged. Come join us for a mill tour and let the history of Kennecott come alive for you too.

Tours are at 9:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm througout the summer. The cost is $25 per person.

An early but dangerous rock crusher Photo by Chris Buchman	View coming down the tram lines from the mines above the mill building	Kennecott had one of the first industrial leaching plants. Photo by Chris Buchman
Children pose in front of their new two-room schoolhouse. Kennecott was surpringsingly progressive for its time, and supplied a number of recreation opportunities for its workers, including baseball, basketball, ice skating, tennis and this handball court... Copper was first discovered by the Ahtna people thousands of years ago... Local fauna turned mascot... Photo courtesy of the Anchorage Museum of History & Art. Inside the Kennecott Powerhouse Kennecott Post Office. Photo by Bruce Beck
Once a thriving town at the turn of the century, Kennecott now lies dormant. Our guides will tell your where to get this postcard view from just outside of town. Kennecott in its heyday!   More Historical Pictures

There is a day adventure that fits every level of experience, age and physical condition. St. Elias Alpine Guides will supply all the specialized gear for each trip such as crampons for half day glacier walks; ropes, ice axes, and climbing equipment for a full day of ice climbing; emergency and First Aid kits for all outings; and experienced, trained guides. Participants need only bring their personal gear, an openness to the outdoors and a sense of adventure.

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