You can spend the night in Alaska’s atmospheric ghost towns, where historic mining camps and frontier relics offer unforgettable accommodations. Kennecott’s restored lodges let you sleep within the copper mining complex in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, while McCarthy’s Ma Johnson’s Hotel and McCarthy Lodge provide rustic charm in preserved buildings. Juneau’s allegedly haunted Alaskan Hotel delivers Victorian-era ambiance, and remote sites like Erie Mine Bunkhouse offer raw, unrestored experiences requiring camping nearby. Each location provides authentic immersion into Alaska’s gold rush past, with varying amenities and accessibility to match your adventure level.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska’s ghost towns offer overnight stays in historic mining camps and preserved frontier buildings like Kennecott and McCarthy.
- Remote locations require special access arrangements, often via Alaska Railroad or flights to isolated wilderness areas.
- Accommodations range from rustic historic hotels to preserved mining bunkhouses, with limited modern amenities and frontier conditions.
- Overnight stays enable exploration of abandoned structures, glacier hikes, and immersive experiences in Alaska’s mining history.
- Some sites prohibit indoor sleeping due to safety; nearby camping options provide secure alternatives with scenic wilderness views.
Alaskan Hotel: Juneau’s Most Haunted Historic Accommodation
In the heart of Juneau’s Downtown Historic District stands a Victorian-era building where the past refuses to stay buried. The Alaskan Hotel, operating since 1913, offers you more than just a night’s rest—it’s Southeast Alaska’s oldest hotel with a seriously haunted history.
You’ll find 46 rooms inside this three-story structure, but Room 315 draws the most attention. Guests report unexplained sounds, mysterious movements, and overwhelming unease within its walls.
Room 315 stands out among the hotel’s 46 rooms, where guests consistently experience unexplained sounds, movements, and overwhelming unease.
Owner Bettye Adams has felt unexplained presences during her four-decade tenure. The hotel maintains historical decor with minimal modern elements, preserving its authentic turn-of-the-century atmosphere.
The hotel’s stained glass and period furnishings complement its eerie reputation, attracting paranormal enthusiasts worldwide. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, cementing its status as a preserved piece of Alaska’s frontier history.
Built during the gold rush boom, this National Register property lets you experience authentic Victorian architecture while potentially encountering spirits who’ve never checked out.
Kennecott Mining Ghost Town: Lodge Options in Wrangell-St. Elias
Deep within America’s largest national park, where 14 of the continent’s highest peaks pierce the sky and 25 miles of glacial ice sprawl across the landscape, you’ll discover Kennicott Glacier Lodge—the sole accommodation nestled among the skeletal remains of a once-thriving copper mining empire.
Built in 1987 as a replica of 1930s mining structures, the lodge offers 23 Main Lodge rooms with shared facilities or newer South Wing accommodations with private bathrooms. Mining history permeates every corner through authentic photographs and artifacts adorning your walls.
From the 180-foot panoramic porch, glacier views stretch endlessly while 40 historic structures stand monument to the company town’s 1910 origins. The family-owned establishment operates seasonally from May through September, welcoming guests during Alaska’s prime summer months.
You’ll hike Root Glacier, explore abandoned mills, and disconnect completely—no phones, Wi-Fi, or modern distractions interrupt your wilderness immersion. Adventure seekers can embark on glacier ice climbing experiences, navigating the frozen terrain of Root Glacier’s moulins and ice pools.
McCarthy’s Historic Inns: Ma Johnson’s Hotel and McCarthy Lodge
Where McCarthy’s two-block downtown once bustled with thousands during Alaska’s copper and gold rush, Ma Johnson’s Hotel now stands as an award-winning living museum where you’ll sleep in rooms adorned with authentic relics from the frontier era.
You’ll find Pete and Ma Johnson’s restored boarding house filled with local history—from Kate Kennedy’s madam artifacts to a WWI practice shell and a dressmaker’s original tools.
The preservation efforts shine through fabric-covered walls, handmade quilts, and antique bedframes salvaged from pre-1923 homes.
Your included breakfast comes from the Michelin Guide-recommended McCarthy Lodge across the street, serving Wild Copper River salmon.
Without TVs or phones, you’re free to absorb authentic frontier stories while positioning yourself perfectly for Wrangell-St. Elias adventures—the Kennicott Glacier sits just five miles up valley. Since McCarthy is accessible only by foot or shuttle from the parking area approximately half a mile away, a complimentary shuttle service is included with your room rate. The hotel transforms into McCarthy’s central gathering point during summer weekends, with live music and celebrations filling the town center on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Erie Mine Bunkhouse: Unrestored Mining Camp Experience
While McCarthy’s restored accommodations offer comfortable glimpses into Alaska’s mining past, the Erie Mine Bunkhouse presents an altogether rawer encounter with frontier history. You’ll earn this unrestored relic through nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain within half a mile—exposed rock scrambles included.
This unrestored 1916 bunkhouse demands serious effort—nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain and exposed scrambles—for an authentic frontier experience.
Perched 2,000 feet above Root Glacier, this smallest Kennecott operation rewards your hiking challenges with peeling paint, lopsided hallways, and authentic artifacts like hob-nailed boots scattered across caved-in floors.
The National Park Service’s mine preservation approach here means sealed shafts but unrestricted exploration of the deteriorating structure. You can’t safely sleep inside, but camping beside it offers stunning views across Kennicott Valley. Water tanks above the bunkhouse once supplied fresh water to the miners who lived in this remote location.
This 1916 bunkhouse, where miners once rested between shifts extracting copper from Bonanza Ridge’s cliffs, provides unfiltered connection to Alaska’s industrial frontier—no modern comforts diluting the experience. The area takes its name from Kennicott Glacier, which itself was named after naturalist Robert Kennicott, though the spelling differs from the mining company’s version.
Gateway Lodges Near Alaska’s Abandoned Towns and Remote Areas
Beyond the ghost towns themselves, a constellation of wilderness lodges serves as launching points for exploring Alaska’s most isolated territories—places where abandonment and raw frontier persist in equal measure.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge positions you within walking distance of the ghost town bearing its name, where your nearest neighbor sits five miles away amid spruce-covered mountains.
For remote adventures deeper into Wrangell-St. Elias’s 13.2 million acres, Ultima Thule Lodge offers flightseeing excursions to locations maps barely acknowledge.
Bettles Lodge plants you above the Arctic Circle among 23 permanent residents, accessible only by air.
McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson’s Hotel delivers sustainable, authentic experiences with recommendations from both National Geographic and Michelin Guide.
The Alaska Railroad connects these remote wilderness zones to gateway towns like Talkeetna and Seward, offering scenic rail journeys that bridge Alaska’s ghost town country with its accessible frontier communities.
These hidden wilderness outposts eliminate Wi-Fi, cell service, and road access—delivering the isolation you’re seeking while providing warm beds between explorations of Alaska’s emptiest corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Pack for an Overnight Stay in an Alaskan Ghost Town?
You’ll need a thousand layers for Alaska’s wild temperature swings! Pack weather preparedness essentials like waterproof gear, warm sleeping bags, and bear spray for local wildlife encounters. Don’t forget navigation tools—cell service vanishes completely out there.
Are Ghost Town Accommodations Suitable for Children and Families?
Yes, you’ll find ghost town lodges prioritizing family safety with spotless facilities and guided activities. Kennicott Glacier Lodge balances historical preservation with family-friendly amenities like reading rooms, private bathrooms, and wilderness adventures that’ll captivate adventurous kids.
Can I Explore Ghost Town Buildings Independently or Only With Guides?
You’ll find freedom exploring independently at McCarthy-Kennicott’s structures without guided tours. However, historic preservation concerns mean some buildings remain off-limits. Most accommodations encourage self-guided wandering, though optional tours provide deeper insights into Alaska’s mining heritage.
What Cell Phone Coverage and Internet Access Is Available in These Locations?
You’ll find minimal cell coverage—spotty GCI near McCarthy’s lodges, nothing at Erie Mine. Satellite internet options exist through personal devices, but aren’t guaranteed. Pack emergency communication devices for true off-grid freedom in Wrangell-St. Elias’s wilderness.
When Is the Best Season to Visit Alaska’s Ghost Towns?
Visit Alaska’s ghost towns from late May through early September when you’ll find ideal conditions for scenic photography and history preservation exploration. Lodges operate May 23-September 6, offering accessible trails, clear skies, and unrestricted access to mining relics.
References
- https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/the-alaskan-hotel/
- https://www.alaska.org/where-to-stay/adventure-lodges
- https://www.steliasguides.com/blog/blog-halloween-highlight-erie-mine-bunkhouse/
- https://gonorth-alaska.com/travel-center/kennicott-glacier-lodge/
- https://thedriftwoodinn.com
- https://www.alaska.org/detail/kennicott-glacier-lodge
- https://www.alaska.org/detail/mccarthy-lodge-ma-johnsons-hotel
- https://alaskatours.com/alaska-vacations/bettles-lodge-alaska-tour/
- https://www.ktoo.org/2018/10/29/a-sailor-requested-a-haunted-room-at-the-alaskan-hotel-he-barely-survived/
- https://uncruise.com/blogs/alaska/ghosts-of-juneau-discover-alaska-s-spirited-side
