Step inside the 14-story Kennecott Concentration Mill with a knowledgeable guide and walk a frozen-in-time mining town. This two-hour guided tour gives exclusive access to the mill and a concise history of early 20th-century copper extraction in Wrangell–St. Elias.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low wind pushes glacier dust across the low plain as visitors step into a 20th-century industrial neighborhood frozen in cold dry air. The Kennecott Mill Town Tour moves through compact wooden houses, rusted gear, and the hulking silhouette of a 14-story concentration mill — a vertical machine that once forced copper from rock. Guides lead small groups along graveled paths and into the cavernous mill where sunlight slices through broken windows onto belts, pulleys, and stamped steel.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking on uneven ground and ascending/descending stairs
Wildlife
History
Kennecott was operated by the Kennecott Copper Corporation until 1938 when ore shipments declined; many buildings and machinery were left in place, creating a preserved industrial town.
Conservation
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park manages the site to balance public access with structural preservation; visitors are asked to stay on designated routes and avoid disturbing artifacts.
Reserve your spot on the Kennecott Mill Town Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear sturdy footwear
Uneven gravel and interior mill floors require solid shoes with good traction; no open-toed footwear allowed.
Bring a warm layer
Temperatures inside the mill are colder than outside; a fleece or windproof shell helps for the full two-hour tour.
Arrive early for shuttle connections
Shuttle seats fill—plan to take the Copper Town or Blackburn Heritage Shuttle at least 1.5 hours before your tour time.
Hard hat provided, but watch your head
A hard hat is included; low beams and debris mean you should move deliberately inside the mill.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects ankles and provides traction on gravel paths and inside the mill.
Warm midlayer
Mill interiors and high-elevation breezes make temperatures feel several degrees cooler.
Headlamp or small flashlight
Useful for photographing interior machinery where light is limited, though not required.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while on-site and during shuttle waits on warm days.
summer