Nearly $200 million worth of copper was processed in Kennecott (located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park) from 1911 to 1938, a self-contained mining town with its own hospital, skating rink, tennis court, and dairy. But most of the buildings have now been abandoned for around 60 years, some of which have deteriorated past the point of salvation—but are still quite lovely. The National Park Service acquired many of Kennecott’s buildings and lands in 1998; the visitor center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the recreation hall is available to rent for events.
