Kennecott Mill & Town Tour — Kennecott / McCarthy, Alaska

Discover the Kennecott Mill & Town Tour in Alaska

Located in Kennecott near McCarthy, Alaska, the Kennecott Mill & Town Tour offers visitors a remarkable look at one of the most famous industrial mining sites in Alaska. Guests explore the massive red mill buildings, learn how copper ore was processed in the early 1900s, and walk through the preserved company town where miners once lived and worked. The tour combines industrial history, engineering, and frontier life within the spectacular landscapes of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.

Why it’s special: The Kennecott Mill is one of the best-preserved early 20th-century copper mining complexes in the world, standing dramatically against the glaciers and mountains of Alaska’s largest national park.

History & Story of Kennecott Mill & Town

The Kennecott copper mining operation began in the early 1900s after incredibly rich copper deposits were discovered in the mountains above the town. Industrialist Stephen Birch and investors quickly developed a large-scale mining and milling operation, constructing a company town and a massive processing mill to handle the ore.

Between 1911 and 1938, Kennecott became one of the most productive copper mines in the world. The ore was transported down from mountain mines to the towering 14-story mill building where copper was concentrated before being shipped south via railroad and steamship. After the mines closed, the town was abandoned until preservation efforts began decades later. Today the site is protected within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve.

What You’ll See & Do on the Kennecott Mill & Town Tour

• Explore the towering Kennecott Concentration Mill building
• Learn how copper ore was crushed, separated, and processed
• Walk through the historic Kennecott company town buildings
• See original mining equipment and industrial infrastructure
• Discover stories of miners and engineers who worked in this remote operation

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and demonstrations explain ore processing and copper mining technology.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted throughout the historic site and outdoor areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Local gift shops in Kennecott and McCarthy offer mining-themed souvenirs, books, and Alaska history memorabilia.

Pricing of the Kennecott Mill & Town Tour

Adult price: $33 per adult

Guided tours are typically required to enter certain parts of the mill building due to safety restrictions.

Visiting information for Kennecott Mill & Town Tour

Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Historic structures include stairs and uneven terrain; limited accessibility for mobility devices
Working Hours: Monday–Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tours generally operate during the summer visitor season when access to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is easiest.

Nearby attractions to Kennecott Mill & Town Tour

• Root Glacier
• Wrangell–St. Elias National Park Visitor Center
• McCarthy Historic District

FAQs About Visiting the Kennecott Mill & Town Tour

Is Kennecott located inside a national park?
Yes. The historic mining site is located within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the United States.

Can visitors enter the large red mill building?
Yes, but access to certain sections is only available through guided tours due to safety considerations.

What metal was mined at Kennecott?
The mine produced extremely high-grade copper ore, along with smaller amounts of silver.

How do visitors reach Kennecott?
Most travelers drive the McCarthy Road to the town of McCarthy and then walk or take a shuttle across a footbridge to reach Kennecott.

When is the best time to visit Kennecott?
The main visitor season runs from late May through early September, when tours and services are available.