The city is centrally located on the Kenai Peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Kenai River. Originally settled as early as 1000 A.D. by Dena’ina Athabascans, Kenai expanded with the influx of Russian fur traders in 1791. Stroll sandy beaches that command a spectacular view of Cook Inlet, experience the history and culture by taking a walking tour through Old Town, or enjoy some of the best fishing around on the world famous Kenai River.
Kenai is on the Cook Inlet, 156 miles south of Anchorage and 90 miles north of Homer. Considered the transportation hub of the Kenai Peninsula, it is home to the peninsula’s biggest and busiest airport. Dubbed the “oil capital of Alaska”, Kenai’s modern economy is based on the oil and gas industry and commercial fishing, but tourism is now playing a more important role.
Kenai has a population of 7,464 and boasts magnificent views of Cook Inlet and Mt. Redoubt volcano. At the ‘end of the road’ is Captain Cook State Park, the western end of the Swanson River canoe system and the city is surrounded by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Kenai Map (PDF)

History
Shortly after establishing Kodiak as a trading center in 1784, the colonizing Russians began to look for other places where similar communities could be set up as "controls" for area rule. Kenai was the first of these "controls."

In 1791, Russia built Fort St. Nicholas (also known as Saint Nicholas Redoubt) in the midst of an Athabascan Dena'ina community near the present site of Kenai. This became the Russians' second permanent settlement in Alaska. The Dena'ina hunted, fished, farmed, and trapped in this area but the Russians were only interested in the fur trade.

Alaska became part of the U.S. in 1867. The U.S. Military in Kenai established Fort Kenay from 1867 to 1869. A post office soon followed and a village grew up around it.

In 1957, oil was first discovered in Alaska near the Swanson River in Kenai and oil's "boom years" were ushered in.

Today, Old Town Kenai still shows remnants of its Russian history. A self-guided walking tour takes visitors to the site of the old Russian parish, and the  Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church where church services  are still held. Many Alaska Native and Russian artifacts are on display at  the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center, where walking tour maps can be had at no charge.

Information

Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council Check out Online Specials, a Free Kenai Peninsula Travel Planner and a Free Passport to Adventure on the Kenai. Full of discount coupons for your visit to the Kenai Peninsula. 35571 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna 800-535-3624

Emergency only 911: State Troopers - in Soldotna 907-262-4453, Hospital - in Soldotna 907-262-4404.

Accommodations

Kenai Landing offers some of Alaska’s most unique lodging. Originally built as a cannery in 1912 it has been fully restored with restaurants, lodging, a theatre, indoor market warehouse and more, this one-of-a-kind Alaskan landmark is a state-designated “Cultural and Recreational Interest Area”.

Camping

Kenai City Park, near the beach and ballpark, has picnic tables and fire pits, day-use park only. Within walking distance of downtown Kenai, the park is reached by following the Kenai Spur Highway and turning left on Forest Drive, which leads toward the beach. An additional picnic area can be found at the Cunningham Memorial Park off Beaver Loop Road.

Kenai RV Park. 907-398-3382. One block from the Kenai River where the ocean breeze keeps mosquitoes away. A small biker and tent friendly RV park with 13 full hook-ups and grassy sites available. Walking distance to the visitor center and downtown Kenai.  Free WI-FI and clean restrooms and showers.  

Dining
Louie's Steak & Seafood Restaurant. Located in the Uptown Motel, 47 Spur View Drive, in downtown Kenai. Where the `locals' go for dining out. Enjoy a full-service menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 907-283-3660.

Things To Do

Kenai Landing, 907 335-2500. At the mouth of Alaska’s famous Kenai River and overlooking a spectacular wildlife preserve teeming with marine life and waterfowl is Alaska’s most unique historic waterfront: Kenai Landing. Originally built as a cannery in 1912 under the trade-name Libby-McNeil-Libby and later Columbia Wards Cove, Kenai Landing is a centerpiece of Alaskan fishing tradition dating back to the early twentieth century.

Self-guided Old Town Kenai Walking Tour. Pick-up the brochure at the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center and set off on your own to learn about Kenai's interesting history, from its Alaska Native origins, to the Russian's presence, to its 20th Century influences.

The Russian Orthodox Church, next to Fort Kenay, was built in 1896. The original church was founded in 1846 on the same site. A National Historic Landmark, the church, with its three onion-shaped domes, is well preserved and an excellent example of Russian architecture in Alaska.