Guided Fly-out & Boat Alaska Fishing Adventure

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Location of Soldotna

The History of Soldotna

Soldotna is on the Kenai Peninsula, 150 highway miles south of Anchorage through incredibly scenic roads, at the junction of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. It lies 10 miles inland from Cook Inlet, and borders the Kenai River. The area encompasses 7 sq. miles of land and 1 sq. miles oKenai Alaska.htmf water. It is named after nearby Soldotna Creek.

The Peninsula has historically been the home to Kenaitze Indians, and was developed by non-Natives for its rich resources, including fish, timber and oil. Soldotna was named for a nearby stream; it is a Russian word meaning "soldier." Others believe it is derived from an Indian word meaning "stream fork." The first homesteaders were World War II veterans, given a 90-day preference over non-veterans in selecting and filing for property in 1947. That same year, the Sterling highway right-of-way was constructed from Cooper Landing to Kenai. Soldotna was the site for the bridge crossing the Kenai River. A post office opened in 1949, with stores and a community center shortly thereafter. Soldotna continued to develop because of its strategic location at the Sterling-Kenai Spur Highway junction. In 1957, oil was discovered in the Swanson River region, bringing new growth and development. Soldotna was incorporated as a city in 1960.

Sport fishing and tourism are currently the mainstays of the economy in Soldotna. It also receives some economic advantage from being the seat of the Kenai Peninsula Borough.

Come visit some of the remaining history of this wonderful town.  In 1947 a few cabins where built for some of the first homesteaders of Soldotna.  The town has fortunately preserved some of these first homes!  Come and see how they these adventurous souls lived, schooled their children and worked.  Many of the artifact used in those early years have also been preserved and displayed at the museum.  If you are lucky you may have the chance to speak to one of the homesteader of that time!  The museum is opens in the month of May and their schedule is 10:00-4:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 4:00pm on Sundays.  Closed on Mondays.

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