Alaska has a fascinating history, packed with tales of the gold rush, railroads, and settlers coming in to explore this beautiful state. One incredible historical landmark combines all three: the Kennecott Mine, an abandoned copper mine outside of McCarthy – also known as the Mother Lode Mine in Alaska – and tucked inside the gorgeous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Kennecott Mine was open for business even before the railroad to the mine was completed, in 1911.
John E / TripAdvisor
The first shipment of copper left the mine and was an estimated $250,000.00 worth of the mineral. It was ready to go just 11 days after the railroad was finished!
In its heyday, Kennecott had 300 people working at the mill in town.
Tony K/TripAdvisor
200-300 more men worked up in the mines. But the mill and mines were only shut two days a year, July 4th and Christmas!
The town’s small hospital was the only building in town painted white.
Wikipedia/Sueswim03
Entire families lived in Kennecott year-round. The town had a recreational center, post office, general store, and skating rink, among other things.
Perhaps one of the most striking things about Kennecott is the unbelievable view.
Aga1963/TripAdvisor
When the town was constructed, however, the glacier was a hundred feet higher! You were unable to see the mountains on the other side of the valley.

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The mines ended up producing almost $200 million dollars worth of copper before shutting down in 1938.
Linda H / TripAdvisor
The town ended up being abandoned for 60 years, and this mine is one of about 760 abandoned mines in AK. The National Park Service and Friends of Kennecott organization work together to preserve as many of the buildings as they can.
Nowadays the National Park Service operates this historical landmark, which received its designation in 1986.
Tony K/TripAdvisor
Many wonder, "Is the Mother Lode Mine open for tours?" There are informative, guided tours so that you can safely walk through the abandoned buildings and learn more about the history of the mine and town. The National Park Service even runs the old General Store, now a gift shop!
But is the Mother Lode Mine open for tours? Yes! There are informative, guided tours so that you can safely walk through the abandoned buildings and learn more about the history of the mine and town. The National Park Service even runs the old General Store, now a gift shop.
rgklever/TripAdvisor
The inside is just as (or even more cool?) than the outside.
You can visit this fascinating trip back in time by heading out to Kennecott yourself!
CrowdAvoidance/TripAdvisor
You can find them at the end of the thrilling McCarthy Road. Hire a shuttle or hike up the four miles to get to Kennecott Mines, located inside Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve.

To learn more about this incredible piece of history, check out the Kennecott Mine page on the National Park Service website.  And be sure to contact the Kennecott Visitor Center with any questions! The Mother Lode Mine is open for tours, but hours do vary.

Have you ever visited Kennecott or any other abandoned places in Alaska? What did you think, and what other places have you visited? Let us know in the comments!

Headed out to see the mine? Make sure to check out more about McCarthy, Alaska – this surprising Alaska town is perfect for a weekend getaway! In fact, this cabin is packed with amenities AND views.

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Mother Lode Mine

Jackie Ann | March 01, 2021

Can I visit any abandoned places in Alaska?

Abandoned places to visit in Alaska include:

  • Homer abandoned boat graveyard
  • King Island Inupiat village

Visiting abandoned places can make you feel as if you’ve discovered a forgotten time capsule and adventurous explorers will find many deserted destinations all across The Last Frontier. The astounding glacier views and striking stony beaches of the Kenai Peninsula make it a popular tourist destination in Alaska and the charming town of Homer is a perfect basecamp to explore the region. Tucked away on the Homer Spit is a little-known abandoned boat graveyard easily accessible along the 4.5-mile walk down to Kachemak Bay. About 40 miles off the west coast of Alaska is King Island where travelers can find the remnants of an abandoned Inupiat village. The settlement was once home to 200 residents but has been a ghost town since the 1970s, making it an unforgettably eerie ghost town.

What are the best man-made attractions in Alaska?

The best man-made attractions in Alaska include:

  • Aurora Ice Museum
  • Mukluk Land
  • Dr. Seuss House

You could spend a lifetime trekking our state’s majestic natural landscapes and still not see everything. When sightseeing in Alaska, allow time to check out some of the unique manmade attractions as well. An hour north of Fairbanks is the stunning Chena Hot Springs resort home to the dazzling Aurora Ice Museum. Built with 1,000 tons of ice and snow this museum features ice sculptures and a bar where guests sip cocktails while admiring the works of art.

In Tok, check out the whimsical Mukluk Land deemed the "Most Alaskan place in Alaska" by locals. This amusement park was once a junkyard now scattered with old arcade games, a Santa Claus rocket, and the largest mukluk in the world. Nestled in the woods outside of Talkeetna, the outlandish architecture of a private residence has garnered the nickname the “Dr. Seuss House” which stands at 185 high.

What places in Alaska should I see before I die?

Places to see in Alaska before you die include:

  • Denali National Park
  • Borealis Basecamp
  • Exit Glacier

Our state boasts the most jaw-dropping terrain in the nation making it nearly impossible to narrow down the must-see places in Alaska. The mind-boggling 6 million acres of Denali National Park is home to the highest mountain peak in North America making it the most popular Alaskan destination. Catching a glimpse of the northern light’s brilliant colors is an unforgettable experience and there’s no better spot to see them than Borealis Basecamp. Located just outside of Fairbanks, modern geodesic igloos dot the boreal forest where guests can view the night sky through the clear ceiling of their cozy dome. In the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains, an easy trail winds through pristine woodlands to an outlook where hikers can marvel at the dramatic ice-blue Exit Glacier.

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