Experience Nicolai's Mine Camp 

Thank you for considering us as your choice of overnight accommodations. This property, while not originally a mining camp, carries the theme of an early to mid-century Alaska Territorial repurposed mining camp. This theme is based on the long-abandoned Kennecott Copper mining operations about 100 miles to our east, along the southwest slopes of the Wrangell Range, now within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Today Kennecott the ghost town is an absolute-must to visit during your stay within the Copper Valley. 

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The name "Nicolai's Mine Camp" is based on the original copper claim, the Nicolai Mine, that came into being in 1899 when  Ahtna Chief Nicolai of Taral made the infamous deal that traded a cache of food and other considerations in exchange for the revelation of where the Athnas gathered their native copper that they used for trade to the Eyaks and thence to the Tlingit Indians and the Russians. The Tlingits used this same copper to make some spectacular jewelry, some of which is on display at the Alaska Native Heritage Center  in Anchorage. The camp owner is a direct descendant of Nicolai. 

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Nicolai's Mining Camp includes Uncle Nicolai's Inn, Chief Nicolai's kitchen, and the Copper Rail Depot, where the rich mining history can be viewed in some of the most-spectacular historic photos of the early 20th Century. 

The rooms here should not be judged or reviewed in terms of stars, as these are basic accommodations that provide  you with the feel and experience of a now bygone era. The rooms are relatively-small, but quite comfortable for catching up on your rest while here. We DO have modern amenities, such as WIFI, DishNet, and coffee in the rooms. "Shared bath" often means that the lavatory and showers are in another building--which in this case is the ATCO--a remnant from the Alyeska Oil Pipeline Construction days. 

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The buildings are mostly red with white trim--very similar to those at Kennecott Ghost town. And we have a great view of a part of the Wrangells--Mounts Drum and Wrangell--to your east. Most of the buildings are aging, but that is part of the charm of this place. 

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We do not fall into any "star" rating category. But we ARE unique and we DO offer you a sense of the Old Days of Territorial Alaska while you are staying at what feels like a mid-20th Century mining camp. This is an experience like no other. Many have called it the highlight of their visit to Alaska after spending some time in our historic bar where we serve meals later than most of the other  places in the area. 

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So come on by and visit us. The owner is frequently at the bar ready to serve you and tell you some stories. Well into his 70s, he is aging and can, on occasion, appear to be a bit brusque. But when you converse with him on the local history and points-of-interest in the Copper Valley,  you WILL feel like you found the right place, if having a historic experience is the reason you came to this part of Alaska. Because he has deep historic Native roots within this valley and is the unofficial resident historian with regard to Kennecott & its Copper River & Northwestern Railway from a Native perspective. 

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Please remember to review us in terms of your  genuine Old Alaska experience that you could only have found here at Nicolai's Mine Camp. Why else would you have come all the way out here if not to find your own piece of "The Last Frontier?"

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