Kenai

Kenai is named after the Kenai Peninsula. The name Kenai is probably derived from Kenayskaya, the Russian name for the Cook Inlet and translates to "flat, barren land". Or, it could refer to the Inuit word kenai (black bear).

Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was first occupied by the Kachemak people from 1000 B.C., until they were displaced by the Dena'ina Athabaskan people around 1000 A.D.

Before the arrival of the Russians, Kenai was a Dena'ina village called Shk'ituk't, which means "where we slide down." When Russian fur traders first arrived in 1741, about 1,000 Dena'ina lived in the village. The traders called the people "Kenaitze," or "Kenai people."

In 1791, a Russian trading post, Fort St. Nicholas, was constructed in the middle of the village for the purposes of fur and fish trading. It was the second permanent Russian settlement in Alaska.

The establishment of shipping companies in the early 1900s broadened Kenai into a port city. Canning companies were established and helped fuel the commercial fishing boom that was the primary activity through the 1920s. In 1937, construction of the Kenai Airport began.

In 1940, homesteads were opened in the area. The first dirt road from Anchorage was constructed in 1951; pavement would not arrive until 1956 with the construction of the Kenai Spur highway.

A military base, Wildwood Army Station (later Wildwood Air Force Station), was established in 1953 and served as a major communications post. Wildwood was conveyed in 1974 to the Kenai Native Association in partial settlement of Alaska Native land claims. The facility was leased and later purchased by the State of Alaska and presently serves as the Wildwood Correctional Complex.

In 1957, oil was discovered at Swanson River, 20 miles northeast of Kenai. This was the first major oil discovery in Alaska. In 1965, offshore oil discoveries in Cook Inlet caused a period of rapid growth.

 

4 °C


Clouds, overcast clouds


Wind0 m/s
Cloudiness100 %
Temperature (min/max)3/5 °C
Pressure1013 hpa
Humidity84 %
Last update: 25 Apr 2024 @ 09:47

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Featured Businesses

  • Hi-Lo Charters and Riverside Lodge2009-04-15

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Hi-Lo Charters and Riverside LodgeThe main goal of Hi-Lo Charters and Riverside Lodge in Kenai, is to make your Alaskan experience the best it can possibly be. If you want to fish, see bears, go hiking, or even catch some razor clams, we can help you with any of these activities and more.READ MORE

  • Uptown Motel2009-04-14

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Uptown MotelUptown Motel is the ideal base whether visiting Kenai on business or planning your yearly fishing trip to Alaska. We are approximately one mile from Kenai River, renowned for world class fishing. READ MORE

Featured Businesses

  • Kenai Performers 2009-04-17

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Kenai Performers Kenai Performers have been entertaining the Central Kenai Peninsula for over 30 years, as well as offering education in the performing arts and in the power of live theatre to enrich the community, and awarding scholarships for training in the field.READ MORE

  • Hooky Lodging2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Hooky LodgingHooky Charters in Kenai wants to make your Alaskan fishing trips as enjoyable as possible, therefore, we want to help you with any ideas for activities and reservations as well as offering offers bed and breakfast services.READ MORE

  • Foster Landing Log Cabins2009-04-14

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Foster Landing Log CabinsFoster Landing Log Cabins in Kenai are perfectly located, far enough off the beaten path to give you the feeling of fishing rural Alaska, yet just minutes away from the shopping and tourist attractions the city of Kenai has to offer.READ MORE

  • William Heath WM Images2009-04-15

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    William Heath WM ImagesThe purpose of William Heath WM Images in Kenai is to provide high quality print reproductions of original artwork done by artists living and working in Alaska.READ MORE

  • Challenger Meetings2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Challenger MeetingsChallenger Meetings in Kenai is a technically advanced event facility and has smaller breakout meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, and dorms for overnight groups or custom camps, depending on your requirements.READ MORE

  • Litzen Guide Service2009-03-10

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Litzen Guide ServiceThe Litzen Guide Service in Kenai offers fully guided coastal brown bear hunts by boat as well as grizzly bear, moose, dall sheep, caribou, black bear, and wolf hunts from our camp near Denali.READ MORE

  • Stedi RV Park2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Stedi RV ParkIt is not uncommon for moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife to be seen up close and personal right here at Stedi RV Park in Kenai. READ MORE

  • Kassik's Kenai Brew Stop2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Kassik's Kenai Brew StopKassik's Kenai Brew Stop is a small independent microbrewery in Kenai that specializes in quality craft ales. Kassik's has six ales on tap and is open daily. Stop by try a sample, and buy a growler to go.READ MORE

  • Great Outdoor Cabins2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Great Outdoor CabinsLet Great Outdoor Cabins in Kenai help you fill your photo album with amazing reminders of your once in a lifetime, Alaskan vacation.READ MORE

  • The .406 Sportsmans Lodge2009-04-14

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    The .406 Sportsmans LodgeThe .406 Sportsmans Lodge in Kenai is the perfect place to launch all your Alaska Fishing and outdoor experiences. We offer competitive seasonal rates through out the year.READ MORE

  • Tanglewood Bed and Breakfast2009-04-15

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Tanglewood Bed and BreakfastChris and Delora Garcia are long time hosts at Tanglewood Bed and Breakfast, and they extend a warm welcome to visitors to their home where many breakfasts are interrupted by moose, caribou, seals, and bald eagles. READ MORE

  • Alaskan Gamefisher2019-01-08

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Looking for bear viewing in Alaska then Alaskan Gamefisher is a best guide for you. We are one of the best commercial operator providing guided Alaska bear viewing trips by boat and we also offer bear viewing trips by plane to other locations.READ MORE

  • Alaska Salmon Fishing2009-09-08

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Alaska Salmon FishingAlaska Salmon Fishing located on Kenai provides Alaska fishing trips for salmon, halibut, trout, and bear viewing. After a memorable day on the water return to the Alaska Salmon Fishing base at Alaska Salmon Fishing Lodge.READ MORE

  • Harborside Cottages2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Harborside CottagesRelax on the deck of your private cottage at Harborside Cottages in Kenai, overlooking the Kenai River and Cook Inlet and take in the fantastic view. READ MORE

  • Wilson's RV Rentals2009-04-17

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Wilson's RV RentalsTour the Kenai Peninsula and other areas in Alaska with a RV rented from Wilson's RV Rentals in Kenai. Enjoy the spectacular sights and adventure of the "Last Frontier"READ MORE

  • Kenai RV Park2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Kenai RV ParkWatch fishing boats return and beautiful sunsets over the mouth of the Kenai River from Kenai RV Park in Kenai.READ MORE

  • Peninsula Oilers Baseball Club2009-04-16

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Peninsula Oilers Baseball ClubThrough continued community support, Peninsula Oilers Baseball Club in Kenai, look forward to an exciting future of bringing top quality baseball to the Kenai Peninsula.READ MORE

  • Blonde Bear Bed and Breakfast2009-04-15

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Blonde Bear Bed and BreakfastWhen you stay at Blond Bear Bed and Breakfast in Kenai, expect to mingle with other guests and hosts, and we provide a campfire setting in the evening that has been raved about from California to Switzerland and beyond. Your hosts love people and enjoy the company and conversation of our guests from all over the world.READ MORE

  • Alaska Salmon Fishing Lodge2009-09-11

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    Alaska Salmon Fishing LodgeOur luxury Alaska Salmon fishing lodge in Kenai offers luxurious accommodation and world class Alaska salmon fishing, fly fishing, halibut fishing and fishing guides as well as bear viewing trips.READ MORE

  • The 406 Sportsmans Lounge2009-04-14

    Located in Kenai, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States

    The 406 Sportsmans LoungeMaybe you would like to try your voice out for karaokee. Come to The 406 Sportsmans Lounge in Kenai for Karaokee with Debbie and Steve every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Come on in and sing.READ MORE

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