Page 163 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

The wilderness towns of

Kennecott and McCarthy

Have you ever wondered what is located at bathroom. Also available is the Lancaster’s activities, please see the detailed information
the end of the road? Could adventure be waiting Backpacker Hotel, which is a budget-friendly below.
for you, sites unseen or maybe soul searching hostel style with 10 private rooms.
solitude? For travelers who arrive at the end of Embrace the local flavors of Alaska by dining There’s A Surprise inside Wrangell St-Elias
the McCarthy road in the heart of the Wrangell at The Salmon & Bear Restaurant. Copper River National Park: Your access to more Mountains,
St. Elias National Park, it is a footbridge. Walking Red Salmon, which is celebrated throughout Glaciers and Wildlife
across the bridge will take you to the off-the- the world for its deep color and buttery texture, Drive, Fly-in, or take a shuttle to the end of
grid town of McCarthy, which was the pleasure is central to the menu. This restaurant offers the McCarthy Road (starting 60 miles away in
town for workers of the Kennecott Copper travelers an unforgettable dining experience Chitina) Once you get to the end of the McCarthy
Corporation. Kennecott is just five miles away in the heart of a national park, along with an Road, your real adventures begin.
from McCarthy and is Alaska’s most famous extensive wine offering and ingredients that the Access Your McCarthy-Kennecott
ghost town. Millions of dollars’ worth of copper chef forages from the forest. When nothing but Adventures with Copper Town Shuttle
and silver flowed from the mill and in 1938, an ice cold beer will do, you can belly up to the Copper Town Shuttle is a Scheduled Shuttle
because of the prohibited costs of railroad bar at the Golden Saloon, where the spirits and Fleet, authorized by the National Park Service in
repairs and declining copper profits, the copper the tall tales flow in equal abundance. Wrangell St-Elias National Park .
mill abruptly closed. Leaving behind buildings, There is much to see and do in McCarthy, Embark on your journey with the “Park Pass
equipment and personal belongings, people including exploring icy glaciers, the thrill of for Shuttles,” your ticket to unlimited travel
walked away from the mill town of Kennecott. whitewater rafting and hikes into secluded and between the vibrant communities of McCarthy
The sister town of McCarthy suffered the same untamed wilderness. Copper Town Shuttle, and Kennecott. It’s your all-access shuttle
fate, however, with the interest in outdoor authorized by the National Park Service, system in the heart of the park. Whether you’re
adventure and tourism, this small town of a operates a shuttle between McCarthy and staying for a day or a week, this pass ensures
bygone era has come back to life. the ghost town of Kennecott. The staff at the you can explore the ghost towns of McCarthy
The McCarthy Lodge Resort offers three McCarthy Lodge Resort can help facilitate your and Kennecott.
different accommodations for visitors. Ma adventure by connecting you with local guides Entertainment at Your Fingertips
Johnson’s Historical hotel was a 1923 boarding and services. Their unparalleled enthusiasm The shuttle service includes evening service
house that combines original artifacts and and expertise in the area are an indispensable for the Celebration at the Saloon, or events in
furniture with modern comfort. While staying resource for your outdoor excursions. the Kennecott Recreation Center. Enjoying a
in the charmingly decorated rooms, guests can Whether you fly into McCarthy, or drive the night of lively music at the Golden Saloon or
step back in time and surround themselves seven hours from Anchorage, this gem, tucked participating in the spirited Open Mic nights
with frontier history. The Kate Kennedy House in at the bottom of the Wrangell Mountains, will becomes effortlessly convenient. And when the
is a fully restored former madam’s home from leave visitors wanting to experience more end- night winds down, the shuttle pass ensures you
the 1920s. This two-bedroom home features a of-the road adventures. return to your hotel with ease.
screened back porch, wood stove and a modern For more information on lodging, dining and Modern Fleet: The Copper Town Shuttle

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