Over the past few years, tourism is playing a more important role. The city boasts magnificent views of Cook Inlet and Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Spur and Mt. Iliamna. One of Kenai's best-kept secrets is its public beach. Within a short drive from Kenai, lies Captain Cook State Park, the Swanson River canoe system and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. You can reach Kenai from Soldotna by taking the 11-mile Spur Highway at Mile 95 of the Sterling Highway.
Knowledgeable staff are always on-hand to provide traveler information.
The Center is open 7 days per week in summer, and 6 days per week the rest of the year. This became the Russians' second permanent settlement in Alaska. The Dena'ina hunted, fished, farmed, and trapped in this area but the Russians were only interested in the fur trade. Alaska became part of the U.S. in 1867. The U.S. Military in Kenai established Fort Kenay from 1867 to 1869.