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Although the varied fishing opportunities
that are available here is the reason why most people visit the Kenai
Peninsula, there are many other things to see and do while in the area. You will probably want to stop by the Soldotna
Visitor Information Center to see the
largest Chinook salmon ever caught on rod and reel, it weighed in at a
whopping 97 1/4 pounds and holds the worlds
record. Just up the hill from the Visitors
Center is the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Headquarters and Visitor Center, where you can view a very nice display
on managing and protecting wildlife and
habitat. Short educational movies are shown during the summer months.
The Joyce Carver Memorial Library also shows Alaska videos during the
summer.If you prefer to take a scenic drive, follow the Swanson River
Road and the Skilak loop Road. Enjoy the inspiring view from the
mountain top to the deep valleys, lakes and rivers that can be seen.
Chances are that you may see moose, birds and other wildlife. Another scenic drive takes you through the city
of Kenai and continuing clear to the end of the road where you
will arrive at Captain Cook State Park. You
will be awed by the spectacular view of the mountains
looking across Cook Inlet.
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You may even
get a chance to see a pod of Beluga whales. Take a picnic, relax,
beachcomb and enjoy the view. On the way
back through Kenai be sure and stop at the new Visitor's Center and at old "Fort Kenay", which is the second
oldest settlement in Alaska. Visit one of
Alaska's oldest Russian Orthodox Churches and nearby museum.
If you want to try your hand at clam digging the Peninsula
has nearly a 50 mile stretch of coastline beach, all you need is a
license, clam shovel and a bucket. Smokin Joe will even set you up and
tell you how. For the outdoor enthusiast
there are nearly 200 miles of established trails and routes. They vary
from level to steep and strenuous. Photographic
opportunities abound on the Peninsula, all you need is a good camera
and a little bit of imagination to come up with shots most people can
only dream about. Soldotna has a nice
challenging nine hole golf course. The golf course in Kenai is even
more challenging, consisting of 18 holes with variation in
tees and greens. With so much to offer it is
no wonder that visitors who come here want to
return time after time to take the memories home with them to savor
until the next trip.
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