Last updated: June 28, 2022
Thing to Do
Ghost Towns
NPS
Ghost towns are special historic places, once thriving communities whose populations dwindled over time, often created by the search for gold, copper, silver and other valuable minerals. Some vanished entirely after the boom or were absorbed into newer settlements, but many of these towns still stand today, allowing us a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
These places are where people ventured into remote areas to find their mineral fortune and endured the hardships of wilderness, wildlife and weather. Three places exist in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve that are like ghost towns, even though some residents still call it home: Bremner, Chisana and Kennecott.
Flight seeing adventures are a great way to visit these historic towns. Reserve an air taxi with one of the private companies which have a special use permit to fly commercially in the park. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
These places are where people ventured into remote areas to find their mineral fortune and endured the hardships of wilderness, wildlife and weather. Three places exist in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve that are like ghost towns, even though some residents still call it home: Bremner, Chisana and Kennecott.
Flight seeing adventures are a great way to visit these historic towns. Reserve an air taxi with one of the private companies which have a special use permit to fly commercially in the park. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
Details
Duration
6-8 Hours
The duration of the trip depends on which site you fly to and how long you spend in the area exploring and hiking.
Activity
Fixed Wing Flying
Three places exist in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve that are ghost towns, even though some residents still call it home: Bremner, Chisana and Kennecott. Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark can be accessed via driving McCarthy Road or fixed wing flying using one of the local flight seeing air taxis. To visit Chisana and Bremner, the only access is by plane with an air taxi. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
Age(s)
Check the air taxi companies if there are any age limits for flying in a bush plane. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed if you drive the McCarthy Road to the Kennicott River Footbridge, but check the private shuttle company if dogs are allowed in the shuttle to McCarthy and Kennecott town. Dogs are not permitted on flight seeing trips on private air taxi planes to Chisana and Bremner towns.
Activity Fee
Yes
Flights to remote areas with private air taxi companies can be expensive. Check the individual air taxi companies for tour availability and flight prices. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
Location
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Three places exist in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve that are ghost towns, even though some residents still call it home: Bremner, Chisana and Kennecott.
Reservations
Yes
You must make reservations with the private air taxi companies for flight seeing trips. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Flights are dependent on weather and seaons for safety of the passengers and pilot.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Check with the private air taxi companies if they have accessible flights available. https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/air-taxis-flight-seeing.htm