Kenai Peninsula Borough

The Kenai Peninsula stretches roughly 150 miles southwest from the Chugach Mountains, bordered by Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound. Numerous lakes and rivers flow through the landscape, creating a water-rich environment throughout the region.

The discovery of the Kenai oil field in 1961 transformed the region fundamentally and made it a center for petroleum and natural gas production. This development surpassed other mineral resources in Alaska in economic importance.

The region took its name from the Kenaitze, an Athabascan people who called the peninsula Yaghanen, meaning 'the good land' in their language.

Two main highways connect the peninsula to Anchorage, making road travel convenient for visitors and residents. Airports in Kenai and Homer offer additional transportation options for those seeking faster routes.

The region contains the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area spanning over 800,000 hectares with diverse animal populations. This refuge serves as home to moose, black bears, fish, and other wildlife living under protection.

Location: Alaska

Inception: January 1, 1964

Capital city: Soldotna

Part of: organized borough

Shares border with: Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Kodiak Island Borough, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Bethel Census Area, Anchorage, Chugach Census Area

Address: 144 North Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669

Phone: +19072624441

Website: http://borough.kenai.ak.us

GPS coordinates: 60.41667,-151.25000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 13:31