Soldotna: River city is crossroads to peninsula

If "X" marks the spot, then "Y" points to an assortment of spots for all kinds of play. In this case, the "Y" is the intersection of the Sterling and the Kenai Spur highways, in the center of the city of Soldotna.

The city by the river offers fun for the entire family within its boundaries, and a crossroad to more adventure to the north in Kenai and Nikiski and the scenic south peninsula.

Soldotna's two business districts -- one up the Kenai Spur Highway, the other down the Sterling Highway, cater to every need a visitor may have.

Soldotna has much to offer those who take time to explore the side roads of this family-friendly town of 3,759 that serves as the seat of the Kenai Peninsula Borough government.

Soldotna has 10 city parks totaling nearly 400 acres, with more than a half-mile of elevated boardwalks along the river and more than 200 campsites.

There is a $9 fee for over-night camping at Centennial, Swiftwater and Rotary parks, and a $5 fee for day use at those parks.

The town's recreation facilities include the Soldotna Sports Center, ball fields, rodeo grounds, a golf course, recreation trails, a public library, roller rink and an airport that hosts small planes and ultralights.

Summer events culminate during Soldotna Progress Days with a parade, rodeo, community dinner and other family activities. This year's event will be July 26-28.

The Soldotna Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse of the town's original settlement by postwar homesteaders. It has restored original cabins, wildlife displays, pelts and Native artifacts. Reach the museum by turning north off Kalifornsky Beach Road on Centennial Park Road. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed Mondays.

The Soldotna Visitor Information Center displays a 97 1/4-pound king salmon, the world's largest sport-caught chinook, landed on the Kenai River in 1985. The center also offers free information on the community or viewing wildlife. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to Sept. 30 near the corner of the Sterling Highway and Kalifornsky Beach Road by the Kenai River bridge.

The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce is open year-round in the visitor center building.