Kenai

Kenai is a city on the western coast of Kenai Peninsula, positioned at the mouth of the Kenai River. The town spreads along the shoreline with direct access to fishing grounds and surrounding wilderness areas that define its character.

Russian fur traders established Fort St. Nicholas in 1741 and built the first Russian Orthodox Church on mainland Alaska. These early settlements continue to influence the town's cultural identity today.

The Kenaitze people shape community life through their language, crafts, and regular gatherings that keep their ancestral heritage alive. You can see these traditions woven into how locals live and celebrate together throughout the year.

The Kenai Municipal Airport connects the city regularly with Anchorage, while the Sterling Highway provides access to other destinations on the peninsula. Most services and accommodations cluster in the central area within walking distance of each other.

The Kenai River draws sport fishers year-round who come seeking trophy salmon in its waters. The town's history as a major fishing destination has shaped its economy and daily rhythms for generations.

Location: Kenai Peninsula Borough

Inception: May 10, 1960

Elevation above the sea: 22 m

Website: https://kenai.city

GPS coordinates: 60.55444,-151.25833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:04