There’s one place in Alaska that’s an entirely unique tourist attraction. Surrounded by mountains, this place is rarely visited but it has fascinated those who have stumbled upon it. Kennicott in Alaska is a copper mining town which once provided work and a community to hundreds of residents.
It is surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes and located beside the Kennicott Glacier. Known for its incredible scenery and quaint style, the abandoned town has become a point of interest for tourists looking for a unique experience.
Decades after local workers left and the settlement was abandoned, Kennicott has been reclaimed and preserved, reports BBC Travel. Today, you can take a tour of the barren area.
The mine closed in 1938 after the ore deposits were depleted and global copper prices dropped.
At its peak, it employed 600 people who worked under gruelling conditions and long hours.
The low price of copper during the Great Depression took its toll on the Kennicott Mines, even though it has been successful to begin with.
In 1978, Kennicott was listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
In 1998, the US National Park Service acquired many of the buildings and much of the land and began restoring the site.
The recreation hall in the town is now available to rent for events, making it an exciting venue to host a special occasion. Just five miles away, you’ll find McCarthy, a sister village to Kennicott.
Between the two areas, you can find old mining buildings that look out over a glacier-carved valley and you can take one of the most scenic drives in Alaska.
You can join an activity such as rafting, guided hikes, or flightseeing if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re planning to visit, you can stay in a range of unique accommodations such as private cabins, historic hotels or even a lodge overlooking a glacier.
For a rare experience, this historic place is one that’s worth taking a tour of.