Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area

Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a National Heritage Area in Southcentral Alaska, within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. It links Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound through mountains, glacial valleys and rivers, and tells the story of Alaska Native travel routes, early exploration, gold mining and the railroad.[1]

Themes

The heritage area is organised around early Alaska Native travel routes and clan cultures, the early explorers’ search for a Northwest Passage, and the Turnagain Arm Gold Rush, which began during Russian occupation and drew prospectors for nearly 20 years after the 1867 purchase of Alaska. Fish camps, mining claims and railroad roadhouses are also part of the story.[1]

Communities

Communities in the area include Bird, Girdwood, Moose Pass, Seward, Cooper Landing, Sunrise, Hope, Portage and Whittier.[1]

Management

The Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm Corridor Communities Association develops and carries out the management plan with local residents, organisations, Alaska Native entities and state and federal agencies.[1]

FAQs

What is the heritage area? A National Heritage Area on the Kenai Peninsula.

Who manages it? The Corridor Communities Association.

What stories does it tell? Native travel, exploration, gold mining and the railroad.

Sources

1. National Park Service: Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue