McCarthy
and Kennicott
These frontier towns came to play a major role
in Alaska's history just after the turn of the century. Copper
was discovered on Bonanza Ridge and that discovery led to the
development of the famous Kennicott mines. The boom town of McCarthy
sprang up 5 miles away and became the miners town, with saloons,
gambling and a thriving red light district. In 1938 the mine closed
and left two "ghost" towns, right in the middle of what
was to become the largest and most spectacular National Park in
the United States.
 Today
they offer the visitor a unique Alaskan experience
and make for an excellent jumping
off place for more extensive exploration of the wilderness backcountry.
In McCarthy and Kennicott you'll find Lodges, B&B's, a range
of guided activities including Glacier hikes and River Rafting.
There are restaurants, gift shops, espresso, and gourmet ice cream
for those hot summer days. A scheduled van service runs every hour
that will take you to Kennicott. Guided tours of the town of Kennicott
and the 14 story mill building are also available.
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