Nikiski

Nikiski is an unincorporated area that stretches for several miles on either side of the road. Until recently it was called Nikishka. You will hear both these names regularly, and the name "North Kenai," applies to the area as well.

The North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has an office in the Nikishka Mall. Visitors are welcome to drop by in person, or telephone 776-8369 for information.

Motels, trailer and camper parks, grocery store, restaurants, convenience stores and numerous shops are here, many clustered in the Nikishka Mall.

Call 911 in care of fire or accident. Nikiski Fire Department's two stations serve an extensive area that not only includes the northern peninsula and Cook Inlet but reaches across the inlet to a section on the mainland. In addition to general emergency calls, personnel and equipment are further geared to respond to calls from offshore oil and gas platforms as well as oil and chemical industries onshore. Boat and helicopter support is available for water rescue operations.

The department was a leader in developing paramedic services; the Arctic, Subarctic Aquatic Pararescue Team and fire training as a combined operation on the peninsula. Mutual aid agreements are held with Kenai, Kalifornsky and Soldotna departments

Although the area was home for fishermen, native peoples and later trappers and a few others before it was opened to homesteading, it was the post World War II homesteading activity that gave the population a real boost. Hardy people built small cabins, chopped wood, lived without utilities and got about on rutty trails that passed for roads.

The 1957 oil discovery provided additional momentum and generated a healthy tax base.

Arness Dock, originally built in the '60s was expanded in 1986 to include more office and storage space, a heliport and warehousing in order to service offshore oil operations and other marine industries.

North road residents and visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, skiing, boating, swimming, beach combing, etc., in the immediate vicinity or at Captain Cook State Recreation Area a few miles up the road.

The North Peninsula Recreation Area hosts a swimming pool, nature and fitness trails, overnight camping, ski/running trail, picnic area, ice rink, and multipurpose field. In the summer, swimming lessons are offered as well as numerous other programs for young people.