Cooper Landing History

Native Heritage

Cooper Landing is the traditional, seasonal home of the Alaska Native Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Their ancestry is tied to the Dena’ina, some of whom likely migrated here from north of the Alaska Range.

The Kenaitze Tribe remains here to this day and partners with Chugach National Forest to help showcase their heritage at two interpretive sites. The K’Beq archaeological site at MP 52.6 features short, guided tours on a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and offers visitors a view of a Dena’ina house pit and cold storage pits. "Footprints" is a self-guided interpretive nature trail at MP 52.1.

Gold Rush History

In 1884, gold miner Joseph Cooper and his crew traveled up the Kenai River from Cook Inlet. Ten years later he discovered gold near what is now known as Cooper Creek, and Cooper Landing was born. The discovery brought an influx of people. When mining faded around 1910, many chose to stay on and either subsisted on hunting, fishing and gardening, or became guides, trappers, and fur farmers. A school and post office opened in the 1920's. Cooper Landing was eventually connected to the town of Kenai by road in 1948 and to Anchorage in 1951.

Cooper Landing Today

Cooper Landing has long been known as a popular summer tourist destination because of its scenic wilderness location and proximity to world-class fishing. It is a tight-knit, thriving community that shares activities and events together in the community hall, museum and library. It also has a very active retirement community.

Accommodations — Lodging & Camping

Cooper Landing boasts a wilderness lodge overlooking the Kenai River, quaint lodges, motels, B&B's, cabin rentals and access to some of the best campgrounds known in Alaska. Make your reservations early; popular months can fill up as much as a year in advance.

Cooper Landing Community Hall

The Hall is the center for social activities in the Landing, hosting fundraisers, community meetings, weddings, holiday functions, and music performances. Events are held frequently here, so it’s best to reserve early.

Cooper Landing Museum & Historical Society

Rich in history, stories, artifacts and even a full sized adult brown bear skeleton.

Cooper Landing Community Library

The most charming library in Alaska! It features free Wi-Fi, computers available for public use and an excellent collection of books.

Eagles View and Ravens View

Representing seniors (those age 55 and above) in the area of Cooper Landing, Moose Pass and Hope, the Cooper Landing Senior Citizen Corporation has their corporate office and major meeting site located in the Helen Gwin Commons at this independent living facility. Residents are extremely active in the community and enjoy spectacular views of Kenai Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Sunday Worship

Cooper Landing Community Lutheran, Kenai Lake Baptist Church, and St. John Neumann’s Catholic Church offer Sunday services.