The Kennecott Recreation Hall, situated in the heart of historic Kennecott, Alaska, is available for weddings, conferences and special events. Built in 1916, it once hosted silent films, dances, and Christmas pageants for mill workers and their families. Today it provides space for a variety of interpretive, educational, and recreational activities. This newly restored hall, nestled between the mountains and the KennicottGlacier, is part of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

 

Restored Rec Hall

 

Atmosphere and Amenities

The historic character and location in the remote wilderness make the Kennecott Recreation Hall different than a commercial banquet hall or big-city convention center. The hall is a rustic, simple building with large windows looking up to the mountains on the east and out over the Kennicott Glacier on the west. Its many windows can be covered with room-darkening shades or left open to the daylight. The space can be set up for a lecture, reception, dance, party, or any special event.

Local businesses provide catering for those who desire food service. Local labor may be employed for hall set-up or clean-up. You can discuss your needs with our representative when you make your reservation, who will be happy to provide more information on rates and available local services and amenities.

 

  Download the Rec Hall Brochure for more information


Wrangell Mountains Center

Wrangell Mountains Center, a locally-based nonprofit organization, manages the Kennecott Recreation Hall for community and private use on behalf of the National Park Service and the American public from May through September. The Wrangell Mountains Center fosters understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska through scientific and artistic inquiry in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

Wrangell Mountains Center accepted management responsibilities for the Rec Hall from another nonprofit organization called Friends of Kennicott, whose mission is to protect the natural, historic, and community values of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in cooperation with National Park Service. Friends of Kennicott was instrumental in saving the iconic Mill Building from ruin and in subsequent Park acquisition of what is now Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, which includes the Rec Hall; Friends also raised funds and negotiated the restoration of this facility for use by the community.

 

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