The city of Kenai is on the eastern shore of Cook Inlet at the mouth of the Kenai River, 156 road miles south of Anchorage and 90 miles north of Homer.

Kenai is the transportation hub of the Kenai Peninsula home to the peninsula's biggest and busiest airport. Dubbed the `oil capital of Alaska", Kenai's economy has traditionally been based on the oil and gas industry and commercial fishing. Over the past few years, tourism is playing a more important role.

The city boasts magnificent views of Cook Inlet and Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Spur  and Mt. Iliamna. One of Kenai's best-kept secrets is its public beach. Within a short drive from Kenai, lies Captain Cook State Park, the Swanson River canoe system and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. You can reach Kenai from Soldotna by taking the 11-mile Spur Highway at Mile 95 of the Sterling Highway.

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

The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center is located in the heart of Kenai and is a must stop for anyone visiting Kenai. The Center features a cultural museum & wildlife displays. Make sure you stop by to see the summer art exhibition “The Kenai Experience” April 28th thru September 9th. 2006. $3.00 Admission Children and Students Free 11471 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611; 907-283-1991. It is the best place to begin your visit to the Kenai area .

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”.

The Uptown Motel, in downtown Kenai. 52 spotlessly clean rooms, close to all facilities, plenty of parking. Excellent restaurant and lounge on premises. 907-283-3660.

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.  Ask about available fishing and hunting guides. 

Dining
Louis's Famous 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. All major credit cards accepted. 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. 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” surrounded by endless recreational possibilities.

Alaska Pacific Northwest Fishing Adventures and Alicia's Eagle Rock  Lodge. World Class fishing guides on the famous Kenai River, all gear furnished.  Hosts Jack and Alicia O'Neil, 5743 Kenai Spur Highway, (between Kenai and Soldotna) Kenai, AK 99611; 907-283-3788.

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 Kenai Fire Arts Center in the Old Fire Hall on Cook Ave., exhibits paintings, soapstone, carvings and photography by local artists. Sponsored by the Kenai Art Guild, it is open 10am to 4pm daily except Sundays.

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.