Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

The feel

The visitor center sits on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna, next to the refuge headquarters, in a building with a sod roof, solar panels and a soapstone masonry heater. Inside, the Icefield to Ocean exhibit hall looks out on the 1940s Elwell Cabin, and a multipurpose room shows wildlife films and hosts ranger programs.

Outside, nearly three miles of well maintained trails and boardwalks run through varied habitats and past Headquarters Lake. The Keen-Eye Trail is a 3/4 mile walk through spruce forest and wetlands, and moose, eagles, ravens, owls, snowshoe hare and red squirrels turn up there often.

What to expect

What it is

The visitor center for a refuge of nearly two million acres, with an exhibit hall, an Alaska Geographic bookstore and nearly three miles of trails and boardwalks.

Crowds and best time

Programs for visitors and local residents run year-round.

Hazards

Wildlife encounters are possible on area trails.

Season and access

From Sterling Highway mile 95, cross the Kenai River Bridge, turn left onto Funny River Road, then turn right at once onto Ski Hill Road. Drive 1 mile up the hill and turn left, and look for the big bronze bull moose statue.

Mingo says

Stop here before you head onto the refuge. Come in winter if you ski, since the grounds are a good place to cross-country ski and snowshoe.

Before you go

• Call (907) 252-9852 to confirm the visitor center hours before you drive out.
• The Elwell Cabin is open daily, but the 1920s Andrew Berg Homestead Cabin opens only for guided tours and scheduled field trips.
• Bring layered clothing, binoculars, bear spray and insect repellent for the trails.
• Reserve a refuge public-use cabin on Recreation.gov: $45 to $55 per night plus a $9 registration fee.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.