Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read over some frequently asked questions so you are fully prepared for your trip to Kennicott.
When can I make a reservation for Summer 2025?
We are currently accepting reservations for 2025 by phone and through our online booking system. We recommend booking as soon as possible to guarantee availability.
How do I get from the end of the McCarthy Road to Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
The McCarthy Road ends at the footbridge that crosses the Kennicott River, approximately 5 miles from the town of Kennicott. To get to Kennicott, you must park your car, walk across the bridge with your bags, and take our shuttle van to Kennicott. The Lodge shuttle provides complimentary transportation for arriving Guests from the footbridge to Kennicott on the hour from 12pm to 8pm
How do I get from the McCarthy Airport to Kennicott Glacier Lodge?
The Lodge shuttle provides complimentary transportation for arriving Guests from the McCarthy Airport to Kennicott Glacier Lodge.
Is transportation available between Kennicott and McCarthy during my stay?
Yes, there are local shuttle companies that provide transportation between Kennicott and McCarthy. Please visit the Front Desk during your stay for schedules and pricing.
Do you have rooms with private bathrooms?
Kennicott Glacier Lodge is a remote, wilderness lodge and a replica of a historic mining company building. As such, all but one of the rooms in the Main Lodge do not have a private bathroom. There are several individual bathrooms and showers throughout the building for the use of our Lodge Guests. All rooms in the South Wing have a private bath in the room.
Do I need a reservation for dinner?
Yes, reservations are required if you would like to eat dinner with us. You can either call us before you arrive or stop by the Front Desk to make a reservation. Reservations are not required for breakfast or lunch.
If you choose the Room Plus Meals option when you make your reservation, we will automatically make a dinner reservation for you for each night of your stay.
Dinner is served one seating at 7pm and there is one entrée served each night.
We are able to accommodate gluten free, dairy-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan diets as well as most food allergies if you pre-order these meals before you arrive. We cannot guarantee availability of special meals requested at or after Check In.
What time is Check In and Check Out?
Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 11am. If you arrive before 2pm, or want to stay in Kennicott after 11am, baggage storage is available at the Front Desk.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
There is a two night minimum for rooms in the South Wing. Please call or email us for availability of select one night stays.
There is no minimum stay requirement for rooms in the Main Lodge, however, we highly recommend staying two or more nights because of the multitude of activities available in Kennicott and also the travel time required to reach our lodge. Many of our returning guests choose to stay three or more nights in order to have more time to explore this spectacular area.
Do you get internet, TV, or cell service in Kennicott?
When you stay at Kennicott Glacier Lodge, you can escape from the world of constant communication for a few days while you enjoy exploring this spectacular National Park. We do not have TV in Kennicott and there are no phones in the rooms. There is a television in the common room of the Main Lodge that can be used to watch dvds about Alaska.
If you need to stay connected, we do have limited wireless internet available for our Guests. The internet works in all common areas and most Guest rooms and you should bring your own computer or mobile device. This internet is best for basic email communications and is not meant for video streaming. If you have a Verizon cell phone, it will most likely work in Kennicott. Most other cell phone providers, including ATT, do not work in Kennicott.
What is the weather like in Kennicott?
Alaska weather can be very changeable. Kennicott is at 2200′ elevation and sits right next to a glacier. We are in a cul-de-sac surrounded by mountains on three sides. Our summer weather is generally good and we get very little wind. On sunny days the temperature may get up to 80 degrees F, with nighttime lows in the 50’s. On rainy days, however, the 25 mile long icecube in front of town cools things off to the 40’s very quickly! May through August temperatures run 40 to 80 deg. F, and September runs 30 to 60 deg. F.
What is the best time to come?
That’s a tough one. The beauty of the lodge setting is unsurpassed throughout our May to September season. From springtime greening of the meadows and the midnight sun of the Summer Solstice, to autumn’s brilliant leaves and maybe some northern lights, Kennicott is a great place to visit anytime you choose to come.
Do you have laundry facilities for Guests? Microwaves? Refrigerators? Hair Dryers? Ice?
Due to our remote location, we do not have laundry facilities, microwaves, or refrigerators available for Guests. Hair dryers are available at the Front Desk and hot water and ice for coolers (limit one gallon size bag per person) are available in the restaurant. If you travel with medication that requires refrigeration, we can store it in the Lodge refrigerator during your stay.
Is there a store in Kennicott?
There are no grocery or general merchandise stores in Kennicott. There are gift shops, but items like batteries, cigarettes, groceries, and toiletries are not available.
There is a general store in McCarthy, 5 miles from Kennicott.
What should I bring?
Casual and comfortable clothing is the order of the day here. Outdoor clothing that can be layered for warmth works great. Lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes are suitable, unless you want to do some serious ice or rock climbing. Be sure to bring some light weight rain gear. A hat, gloves, and sunglasses might be welcomed out on the glacier. Don’t forget your camera. A day pack, water bottle, and binoculars may also come in handy for your trip. Click here for more suggestions on what to bring.
Can kids come to Kennicott?
Families with children are welcome at Kennicott Glacier Lodge. There are high chairs and folding cribs available for use. Please mention that you need one when you reserve your room. We do not have a babysitting service.
Can I bring my pet?
While we love animals, we do not have facilities for them here at Kennicott.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING PETS to our lodge. A $200 cleaning fee will be assessed if a pet is kept in a room.
What is your gun policy?
We encourage you to leave your gun at home during your visit. Guns are not allowed in the restaurant so if you do choose to bring a gun, you will need to leave it locked in your room during meals.
Can I send mail from Kennicott?
There are no post offices in Kennicott or McCarthy. The mail is flown in twice a week, on Monday and Thursday, from the post office in Glennallen. Due to our remote location, we recommend that Guests do not send mail or packages to the Lodge. You may leave postcards, or other mail, with us and we will send it out on the next Monday or Thursday.
Are there guiding companies in Kennicott?
Yes, there are several local guide companies in Kennicott that offer guided activities from glacier hiking, to flightseeing, to river rafting. We recommend making reservations in advance directly with the guiding companies to guarantee availability. You can also make reservations for most activities through our Front Desk after you arrive.