Cities and Towns in Copper River Census Area, Alaska
Founded in, Copper River Census Area is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 66, Copper River Census Area has a population of 2,630 and area of 24,692 square miles (63,952 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Copper River Census Area, Alaska
Glennallen
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 115.0 square miles
- Population: 483 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99588
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 62.1097° N
- Longitude: 145.5467° W
Location and History
Glennallen is a small community located in the Copper River Census Area, Alaska, at the junction of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway. The town was established in the 1940s during the construction of the Glenn Highway, which was built to connect Anchorage with the interior of Alaska. Glennallen serves as the commercial and administrative center for the surrounding rural areas, including numerous smaller villages and remote communities. The town’s location near the Copper River Basin makes it a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Despite its small size, Glennallen plays a vital role in the region, providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and supplies to residents and travelers alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glennallen is served by the Copper River School District, with Glennallen School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center, which offers exhibits and information about the largest national park in the United States. The nearby Copper River is renowned for its salmon runs, attracting anglers from around the world. Glennallen’s location makes it a gateway to some of Alaska’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Copper Center
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 13.8 square miles
- Population: 328 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99573
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 61.9558° N
- Longitude: 145.3053° W
Location and History
Copper Center is a historic village located in the Copper River Census Area, Alaska, along the Copper River. The village was established in the late 19th century during the Klondike Gold Rush as a supply center for prospectors traveling to the interior of Alaska. Copper Center quickly became a key stopover for those seeking fortune in the goldfields, and its strategic location along the river made it an important trading post. Over time, the village developed into a permanent settlement, with many residents involved in subsistence activities such as fishing, hunting, and trapping. Today, Copper Center is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and proximity to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Copper Center is part of the Copper River School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Glennallen. The village is home to several significant landmarks, including the Copper Center Lodge, one of the oldest continuously operating roadhouses in Alaska, which serves as a reminder of the area’s gold rush past. The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a major attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore vast wilderness areas, glaciers, and mountains. The Ahtna Cultural Center, located in the village, provides insights into the history and culture of the Ahtna people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Kenny Lake
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 128.7 square miles
- Population: 355 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99573
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 61.7156° N
- Longitude: 145.0286° W
Location and History
Kenny Lake is a small rural community located in the Copper River Census Area, Alaska, approximately 30 miles south of Glennallen along the Edgerton Highway. The area was originally settled in the 1950s as part of a government homesteading program aimed at encouraging agricultural development in Alaska. Kenny Lake’s fertile soil and relatively mild climate compared to other parts of Alaska made it suitable for farming, and the community grew as homesteaders established farms and ranches. Today, Kenny Lake remains a close-knit agricultural community, with many residents engaged in farming, gardening, and raising livestock. The community’s rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kenny Lake is served by the Copper River School District, with Kenny Lake School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The community is known for its agricultural heritage, and the annual Kenny Lake Fair showcases local produce, crafts, and livestock, reflecting the area’s farming traditions. The nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Kenny Lake’s location along the Edgerton Highway makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Copper River Basin and the surrounding wilderness areas.
Chitina
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 95.0 square miles
- Population: 126 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99566
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 61.5150° N
- Longitude: 144.4286° W
Location and History
Chitina is a small village located in the Copper River Census Area, Alaska, near the confluence of the Copper and Chitina Rivers. The village was established in the early 20th century as a supply and transportation center for the Kennecott Copper Mines, located in the nearby Wrangell Mountains. Chitina became a bustling town during the copper mining boom, with the Copper River and Northwestern Railway transporting ore from the mines to the coast. However, the town’s fortunes declined after the closure of the Kennecott Mines in the 1930s, and Chitina gradually became a quiet, rural community. Today, Chitina is known for its scenic location, historical significance, and as a gateway to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chitina is served by the Copper River School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby communities such as Kenny Lake or Glennallen. The village’s most notable landmarks include the Chitina Emporium, a historic general store that dates back to the town’s mining days, and the remains of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which can still be seen in the area. The nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve offers access to some of Alaska’s most remote and rugged wilderness, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring historic mining sites. The Chitina River is also a popular spot for dipnet fishing, particularly during the annual salmon runs, attracting both locals and visitors.
Map of Cities in Copper River Census Area, AK
