Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is a small wooden structure with traditional Russian architecture located within Eklutna Historical Park. The church and neighboring buildings display authentic details such as the bell tower, while a newer 1962 building complements the site.

The church was built in 1894 from local spruce logs and moved to its current location in 1900 near the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. This relocation preserved the structure and allowed it to become part of a growing historical collection.

The church displays Orthodox traditions through its iconostasis and characteristic onion dome style, reflecting Russian heritage in the community's daily spiritual life. Visitors can observe how these architectural details shape the religious practice and identity of people in the area.

The grounds are easy to access and allow visitors to explore both the historic building and the more recent structure. The best time to visit is during warmer months when pathways are easy to walk and outdoor areas are fully visible.

The building is the oldest structure in the entire Anchorage area and documents early Russian presence in Alaska through its original construction method using carefully dovetailed spruce logs. Recent restoration work reinforced the foundations and preserved the wood structure to keep the heritage accessible for future visitors.

Location: Anchorage

GPS coordinates: 61.46092,-149.36150

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21