Kennicott Glacier Lodge
#15 Kennicott Millsite, Kennicott, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
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About
4.5
#1 of 1 lodge in KennicottLocation
4.9
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Value
4.3
Kennicott Glacier Lodge is a family owned lodge located in America's largest National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias. Try glacier hiking or ice climbing on the Root Glacier, one of the few easily accessible glaciers in North America. Get a breath taking view of the park on a flightseeing tour, or spend time alpine hiking, river rafting, and exploring the National Historic Landmark of the Kennicott Copper Mine.
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Property amenities
Free private parking nearby
Free internet
Public wifi
Restaurant
Hiking
Walking tours
Free airport transportation
Baggage storage
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Outdoor dining area
Free shuttle or taxi services
Shuttle bus service
Room types
Mountain view
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
#15 Kennicott Millsite, Kennicott, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 52 out of 100
52
Chisana Field
49.1 mi•
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1 Attraction
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Detailed Reviews
Property's Favorite Review
We stayed two nights at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, and it was a great experience. We had booked a room in the newer section of the hotel so we had our own bathroom. The room was spacious and comfortable, and had a nice view of the surrounding area. We started out with a delicious meal the first night of filet mignon out on the porch. The breakfast was good and they packed me a great sack lunch to take on my hike to the glacier as well. The other meals were also very good. The staff was uniformly friendly and nice, and everything was well organized. They shuttled us to and from the airstrip in McCarthy to catch our plane. All in all, an unexpected level of comfort in a fairly remote area.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our first trip to Kennicott Glacier Lodge but it won't be our last. The location is amazing, the employees are great and enjoy where they work, who they work with and treat the guests like family. We bought the meal package for 3 nights and stayed in a large room in the South wing. All the rooms out there have their own bathroom, two queen beds and two doors outside, one leads to a porch with two rockers and an excellent view toward the mountains and glacier. This lodge (next door) and all the rooms are not accessible for wheelchair and there are multiple steps to go up. The cost per night is not inexpensive but your stay will be memorable and very enjoyable. Book early because this is a very favorite place for tourists and local Alaskans.
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Date of stay: June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First, if you're coming to Wrangell-St. Elias NP, you really need to stay a few nights at least to truly capture this area. This lodge is historical, very clean and well-maintained and managed, and what it may lack in frills is compensated by tranquility, the feeling of being comfortable in a seemingly isolated location, and surrounded by natural beauty. Without exception, every staff member was friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. The lodge and Wrangell Mountain Air work well together, and your shuttle from the plane ride as well as the shuttle back to the airstrip are well organized. The lodge can help you organize flightseeing trips on WMA (highly advised!!!), and two excursion companies have offices at the foot of the Kennicott steps for hikes or tours. We had a room in the south wing with a private bath; we might suggest a first level room there. Ours was top floor which was very quiet and had a nice view, but took longer to cool because direct sun was hitting it up until late. We just opened our windows and front door, and the breezes came through to cool it, but others not wanting to do that may prefer the lower floor. Be sure to check out the common rooms of the lodge, take an evening meal on the deck, enjoy a few quiet moments in the adirondack chairs appreciating the view, and take some strolls around the immediate area. We selected to have breakfast included in our stay and have dinner a few nights at the lodge so we could also try out other options; ex: Meatza food truck nearby and by taking the shuttle to McCarthy for The Potato and the bar The Golden Saloon (best fries ever!). The breakfasts at the lodge were buffet style and had many tasty options to choose from. We also loved that this is a family owned and operated lodge; if you've ever stayed in other np lodges, you know they're usually handled by an off-site management company. The level of attention, hospitality, and care given to the Kennicott lodge and its patrons were much more effectively executed and provided that personal touch.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We selected the Explorer Package with all meals included. The package included flights from/to Chitina. We did not want to drive the difficult road from Chitina to McCarthy, and our car rental company would not approve it anyway. Our comfortable room in the South Wing had two queen beds and plenty of room for the two of us, but could accommodate more. There were doors at the front and back of the room, with chairs on the front porch for relaxing and enjoying the view of the mountains and Root Glacier. All meals in the dining room were delicious and filling. Breakfasts were prepared to order and always included a large bowl of fruit. Due to COVID there was no lunch seating, but the sack lunch included a large sandwich, soda, chips, and large bowl of tasty clam chowder or large cookie. Dinners always included a fresh salad and a delicious dessert. Every member of the staff was friendly and courteous. Christina coordinated EVERYTHING. She stopped by each table at dinner to make sure all activities for the next day were properly scheduled. The rest of the staff made everyone very comfortable -- they made us feel like friends, not just guests. Katelyn, Mia, Jess, Bethany and Alexandra were all terrific.
We took a flightseeing trip with Wrangell Mountain Air while we were there. Highly recommend this method of viewing America's largest national park. Christina even coordinated our travel to/from the airport for the flightseeing trip.
Every bit of our stay at this lodge was comfortable and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
We took a flightseeing trip with Wrangell Mountain Air while we were there. Highly recommend this method of viewing America's largest national park. Christina even coordinated our travel to/from the airport for the flightseeing trip.
Every bit of our stay at this lodge was comfortable and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Recommend rooms in the South Wing with private bathrooms.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel has excellent views. The dining service is fine and staff very helpful. Even the rules regarding late arrivals are understandable but the lodge may use a bit face lift especially in bathrooms... it may be an evening thing when many folks tend to take shower after a long day of hiking and sightseeing but our room's shower did not have hot water after 15 minutes of showering...
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had visited several years earlier and found on this trip that this lodge is still a nice destination. They were working hard to keep it a safe place during covid which was most noticeable in the dining room were service was no longer family style. Wondering if a more limited staff has lead to more basic meals. While we ate Copper River salmon with a sauce, it had bones and the skin, with a bland rice and roasted cauliflower. Instead of a variety of rolls, we had sliced bread. It was the greatness of the meals that drew returnees back. There is no longer a naturalist to walk with you and discuss the history of the mines but you can pay for a guided tour. The employees couldn’t say enough good things about the owners and how well they are treated which says a lot about the lodge. If staying in the original part, we recommend getting rooms on the opposite end from the kitchen. The road in was in good shape.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Was really excited to hit Wrangell-St.Elias and had a hunch that this would be a secret gem. I was wrong.
First off you can’t drive there, you have to drive down a horrible road risking a flat tire to use a pay phone where they come pick you up and drive you back 5 miles. The sheet on the pay phone with all of the towns phone numbers had the area code included on it so it took me a little to figure out to ditch the “907”.
The woman who drove us seemed so bothered by us arriving at 9pm. So passive aggressive and was a shame to be welcomed after a 5 hour drive by this attitude. It was also an extra $50 bc we were “after hours” for the shuttle.
The rooms were great and clean so no complaints there. After breakfast we were rushed out of the room. They would let us do late check out even tho only 30% of the hotel was booked for the next night.
Aside from the waitress who was very cool and interesting, It just seemed like the staff hated their jobs. I understand it’s a tough season but we paid $350 for 12 hours and we drove 5 hours to get there.
The flightseeing with Wrangell Air was terrific but in all honesty, I’d skip these two towns (Kennicott + McCarthy) and catch Copper Valley Air from Glenallen and not even bother with the awful drive and rude service.
(Saw a guy broken down with a flat and it was HOURS before he could get help; make sure you have a spare and / or a satellite phone)
First off you can’t drive there, you have to drive down a horrible road risking a flat tire to use a pay phone where they come pick you up and drive you back 5 miles. The sheet on the pay phone with all of the towns phone numbers had the area code included on it so it took me a little to figure out to ditch the “907”.
The woman who drove us seemed so bothered by us arriving at 9pm. So passive aggressive and was a shame to be welcomed after a 5 hour drive by this attitude. It was also an extra $50 bc we were “after hours” for the shuttle.
The rooms were great and clean so no complaints there. After breakfast we were rushed out of the room. They would let us do late check out even tho only 30% of the hotel was booked for the next night.
Aside from the waitress who was very cool and interesting, It just seemed like the staff hated their jobs. I understand it’s a tough season but we paid $350 for 12 hours and we drove 5 hours to get there.
The flightseeing with Wrangell Air was terrific but in all honesty, I’d skip these two towns (Kennicott + McCarthy) and catch Copper Valley Air from Glenallen and not even bother with the awful drive and rude service.
(Saw a guy broken down with a flat and it was HOURS before he could get help; make sure you have a spare and / or a satellite phone)
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christina Kirkwood, General Manager at Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Responded Aug 1, 2020
Dear Christopher K, Thank you for taking the time to review our Lodge. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your room and the flightseeing trip. Kennicott Glacier Lodge is in a remote location and it takes several hours to drive here, including 2+ hours on the 60 mile, gravel, McCarthy Road. We highly recommend that Guests plan to stay for two or more nights so they have time to enjoy the area. The State maintained McCarthy Road is in relatively good condition right now, however, there is always the possibility of getting a flat tire. Services are very limited on the McCarthy Road and we encourage all Guests to travel with a full-size spare tire. As you mentioned, the McCarthy Road ends at a Footbridge across the Kennicott River. We provide free parking for our Guests next to the Footbridge and complimentary transportation from the Footbridge to the Lodge (5 miles) is available until 8pm each night. Transportation between 8 and 9pm can be arranged for a $50 fee. The Front Desk closes at 9pm and transportation is not available after that time. Our Check Out time is 11am. We are rarely able to offer later check out times, however, we are happy to store bags for Guests who want to depart Kennicott after 11am. Thanks again for visiting Kennicott and we hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Alaska.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Four of us (soccer moms!) were there from June 11-June 14, 2020. We had two rooms in the south wing. The rooms were spacious, clean, and the little front porch with rocking chairs was a great added bonus. The staff were so friendly, professional, helpful, courteous and did their absolute best to make our stay as great as possible. From the drivers, Mary and Mike, to our food servers, Samantha, Alexandra, and Bethany, to Christina (the concierge?) - she helped arrange our tours and went the extra mile to make our arrangements - they all were simply excellent. The food was so good! I was pleasantly surprised! Banana bread french toast, filet mignon, Halibut Olympia, breakfast burritos, amazing PB&J sandwiches, cookies, and the best homemade bread ever! We did sack lunches every day so we could pick them up in the morning (you pick the time) and take them on our hikes. I can't recommend this place enough. It is beautiful and the staff are amazing. Make sure you do a guided tour on the glacier with St. Elias Alpine Guides and take a dip in the blue pool. You won't regret it!
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Date of stay: June 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Level 100 rooms in the South Wing have the front porch with rocking chairs, although some of the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The atmosphere of the lodge is amazing, we loved all the decor, views, staff and the food was the best we had the whole trip. The breakfast buffet was incredible and splurge for the dinner. They only have 1 choice per night and it was delicious. They even accommodated our son with a grilled cheese substitute. The common room was cozy and we met great people.
We were nervous about not having a private bathroom but the room had a sink and the shared bathroom was extremely clean.
We arrived by plane and the shuttle picked us up and brought us to the lodge. Our room was not ready but they stored our luggage and we took the shuttle into McCarthy for lunch. Other activities we enjoyed were the Root Glacier hike and tour of the copper mill. Would highly recommend!
We were nervous about not having a private bathroom but the room had a sink and the shared bathroom was extremely clean.
We arrived by plane and the shuttle picked us up and brought us to the lodge. Our room was not ready but they stored our luggage and we took the shuttle into McCarthy for lunch. Other activities we enjoyed were the Root Glacier hike and tour of the copper mill. Would highly recommend!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Inquire about the meal plan, you can save a little and the only other choice is a food truck near...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 3 nights at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge and enjoyed our time there thoroughly. The travel to and from the lodge is part of the adventure, just be prepared that it does take a while. You are going to the very end of the road in the middle of nowhere. Have patience and give yourself extra time. The actual lodge was nice and is filled with fascinating paperwork and artifacts from the old mill. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Food was excellent and we were amazed how they were able to have such fresh and varied food in such a remote location. We appreciated the option to eat on the front porch. The room itself in the main building was sufficient: a bit like being at a nice sleep-away camp but we had no issue with the shared bathrooms and showers for the three days. We spent as much time as we could outside and exploring as we could anyway as that was the point in going to the area. This is not a place to watch TV or use your phone; if that is your goal, you are in the wrong place.
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Date of stay: August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
*I'm just now seeing this - yes...there is a shop across the street where you can buy snacks. There is no shortage of food.
Kennicott Lodge is open from late March to early September each year but check with them for actual dates and prices.
The weather will play a role in what your plans are while you there. We were there in early September 2018 and the weather was good but that can never be guaranteed in Alaska.
We did do the glacier walk but it is not as easy as it might be suggested as it requires a good degree of mobility. We had difficulties but had great help from the St Elias guide who was excellent and we are glad we did do it.
You can call and talk with them or email. We went at the end of the season in early September. Everything closed up September 9th. The rates were reduced at the Kennicott lodge and the weather was fabulous. There was less people which we did not mind. Alaska weather can be capricious so it may not be the same year to year. We loved being there at that time and look forward to returning.
It is a set menu which is displayed the night before. We didn’t have fish the two nights we were there. There is a salad starter and dessert too. Always a good selection of veg
I am pretty sure they are not.
There wasn't one in our room.
"If you stay either Mon-Thurs or Thurs-Mon, you can fly right in to McCarthy airstrip on the mail plane, and the lodge will pick you up."Read full review
"Be patient on the road to get there it is so worth it. Buy the dinning package the food is amazing. "Read full review
"Stay in the newest lodge on the first floor. That gives you a private bath and porch overlooking the glacier and mountains out your front d"Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
kennicott glacier hotel kennicott
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaWrangell-St Elias National Park and PreserveKennicott
NUMBER OF ROOMS
43
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Wrangell-St Elias National Park (0.02 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet, and shuttle bus service.
What food & drink options are available at Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, breakfast, and an outdoor dining area during their stay.
Is parking available at Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
Yes, free private parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Roadside Potatohead, The Meatza Wagon, and The Golden Saloon.
Does Kennicott Glacier Lodge have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Kennicott Glacier Lodge offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Kennicott Glacier Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Kennicott Glacier Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Kennicott Glacier Lodge located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Kennicott.