Ninilchik

Ninilchik extends north and south along the Sterling Highway from the original settlement that dates back to the early 1800s. Some of the old buildings still exist and reflect the story and charm of early times. Commercial fishing and tourism provide livelihoods for most of today's residents.

There is a gravel landing strip (unattended) and a small boat harbor with boat fuel available.

Ninilchik has hotel, rental cabins, bed an breakfast homes, trailer spaces (some with full hookups and showers), state campgrounds, restaurants, groceries, tackle, gift and general merchandise shops, video rentals, taxidermy, custom processing, storage and shipping services, fishing charters and laundromat. Most are found in the one-mile stretch between Ninilchik River and Deep creek.

The Ninilchik Public Library has local information, a book exchange, and lists of guides.

As to see a brochure which lists historic buildings in the old village as well a as current buildings in the new section along the highway.

The original village, reached by a road that turns from the Sterling Highway near the Ninilchik River bridge, was believed to have been started by Russians who had been assigned to posts in Alaska and chose to retire here with their Native wives and children. They subsisted by hunting, trapping, fishing, gardening and gold panning. Many of their descendants still live here.

The Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Orthodox Chapel on the hill was built around the turn of the century and is an active house of worship, served by the Kenai priest. You can visit the church by way of a foot path from the village or drive in on Coal Street which connects with the Sterling Highway.

Graves with traditional Orthodox crosses are enclosed in the churchyard.

If you take a walking tour of the old village, residents ask that you respect private property and do not walk through yards. Please don't litter.

King salmon fishing in the Ninilchik river and Deep Creek lures thousands of anglers on the specified weekends from late May to Late June. In August silver salmon enter the rivers here.

Saltwater fishing in Cook Inlet off Deep Creek has been a favorite for catching king salmon.

Halibut fishing is also popular in these waters. An enormous halibut was taken in 1987 by 70-year-old Kathleen McCann of Ninilchik. She and her husband towed it in behind their 18-foot boat but couldn't find a scale big enough to weigh it. They did measure it, however , and a biologist form the Department of Fish and Game took that figure (94 3/4 inches) and estimated the fish to be 460 pounds - more than the existing world record! There is a local halibut derby from May first through August thirty-first.

Ninilchik River and Deep Creek also have Dolly Varden, silver salmon and pink salmon. Check regulations! You can dig clams at Ninilchik during minus tides. A tide of -3 is suggested.

Watch commercial fishing boats off load fish in summer. The commercial boat harbor is accessible only at high tide. Look for whales, seals and otter offshore. On land moose are common year round.

Winter sports include snow machining, cross country skiing, sledding, skating and ice fishing.

Ninilchik sate recreation area: Three separate state park campgrounds comprise the Ninilchik State Recreation Area; Ninilchik View, Ninilchik Beach and Ninilchik campground offering privacy and seclusion on the Ninilchik River above the highway. Off road vehicles are restricted to saltwater beaches only.

Deep Creek state recreation area: This popular beach area has space for parking and camping and a boat launch. Tables, fireplaces, sanitary facilities and drinking water are provided.

A tractor launch service will launch boats up to 28 feet directly into the Inlet.

Marine and freshwater fishing and clamming are available.

Special Events:
May 5th - August 31st - Annual Halibut Derby
$2500 Grand Prize for the Biggest Halibut. Sponsored by the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce

May 27th(Memorial Day) - Ninilchik Rubber Duck Race
Race starts at the Sterling Highway bridge and finishes at the Old Village bridge. Race time 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce

July 6th & 7th Ninilchik Rodeo
Ninilchik Fairgrounds

August 16th, 17th, & 18th - Kenai Peninsula State Fair
Ninilchik Fairgrounds - The "Biggest Little Fair in Alaska" the 3rd weekend in August since 1951. Folks for miles around bring their garden produce, home crafts and livestock to the fair. The Kenai Peninsula State Fair has many foods to sample, exhibits to enjoy and fun for all!