Soldotna Information

A Place for All Seasons

Location

Located just 147 miles via paved, scenic highway from Anchorage in south central Alaska, Soldotna borders portions of the famed Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (nearly 2 million acres), home to moose, caribou, brown and black bear, wolves, dall sheep, mountain goats, eagles, swans, ducks, geese and other beasts, birds and fish. Nearby state parklands are also rich in wildlife. Moose often wander right into town and eagles are a common sight.

Recreation

The world famous Kenai River is one of Soldotna's big attractions. You can fish from the bank or from a boat. King, silver red and pink salmon, rainbow, steelhead and lake trout, Dolly Varden char and several other species of fish occur either in the Kenai River or in nearby lakes, rivers and tributaries. Razor clams are abundant on beaches a short distance from town and excellent halibut fishing is available in Cook Inlet. In 1985, Soldotna resident Les Andersen, caught the world-record (sport caught) king salmon, weighing 97 lbs. 4 oz., in the Kenai River.

Other outdoor pursuits are "a natural" for people who visit Soldotna. Camping, hiking, canoeing, berry picking, cross country skiing and snowmachining on groomed trails, hunting and photography; flightseeing from a small aircraft over breath-takingly beautiful icefields or taking a float plance trip to a secluded lakeside area; driving a few miles to watch the white beluga whales in Cook Inlet or to witness the brief stopover of thousands of snow geese on their northern migration in April, are ventures for every taste and lever of ability.

Recreational opportunities are abundant in Soldotna. Tee off at the golf course or enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the city park. Take the family to one of the children parks, ball fields or the movie theatre. Bowling, roller skating, tennis, racquetball, swimming, relaxing in a hot tub, exercising at a fitness center and ice skating are some of the many activities available.

Special Events

The Peninsula Winter Games are held during the month of February. Dog sled races, a championship dog weight pulling contest, broom hockey, ice sculpturing and snow machine races are a few of the events that comprise this winter carnival. July's big event is the annual Soldotna Progress Days celebration which occurs during the fourth weekend of the month. Activities include a parade, rodeo, car show, communitiy barbeque/dance, arts and crafts show and more. In August, the Cook Inlet Professional Sportfishing Association sponsors the Soldotna Silver Salmon Derby. Several thousand dollars worth of cash and merchandise are available to participants in this yearly fishing event.

The city's multi-million dollar Sports and Convention Center boasts an Olympic sized ice rink. Youth hockey competition and open skating as well as professional shows are featured here. The arena can accommodate large crowds of up to 4,000 people. Conferences, conventions and trade shows are held at the center throughout the year.

History

World War II veterans were among the first Soldotna homesteaders. The area opened to filing in 1947 and veterans were granted a 90 day preference. A post office was established in 1949 and a Chamber of Commerce in 1959. Ideally situated at the junction of two major highways, Soldotna became a fourth-class city in 1967. A glimpse into early day Soldotna life can be seen at the Wildlife/Science Museum and Historic Village, where homesteader cabins and artifacts are displayed. Today, the commercial sector serves a market area of over 25,000 people plus thousands more who visit. Major chains and independent stores have built a business community in Soldotna that can provide nearly every commodity required or desired.

Visitor Services

A full range of amenities are available in Soldotna to make your visit an enjoyable one. Stop in at the Kenai Peninsula Visitor Information Center (operated by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce) for brochures, maps, information on Peninsula communities and a calendar of local events. Here you will find a world-class photo display of the Peninsula. A black bear, bald eagle, wolverine, snow geese and the world-record king salmon are among the featured exhibits.

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