Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve spans an incredible 13.2 million acres—larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined—making it America's largest national park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects part of one of the world's largest non-polar ice field systems, with over 150 named glaciers including the massive Malaspina Glacier, which alone covers 1,500 square miles. Families can explore historic Kennecott Mill Town, where copper mining operations once thrived in the early 1900s, and witness the dramatic Copper River system that's famous for its world-class salmon runs. The park's unique position where four major mountain ranges converge creates a landscape of unparalleled diversity, from coastal fjords to 18,008-foot Mount Saint Elias.
Junior Ranger Program at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
The Junior Ranger program at Wrangell-St. Elias introduces kids to glacier science, wildlife tracking, and wilderness survival skills through hands-on activities and exploration. Young adventurers complete age-appropriate challenges while learning about the park's unique ecosystem, from massive icefields to diverse wildlife habitats. The program emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and teaches children how to be responsible stewards of this pristine wilderness.
- Learning about massive glaciers and how they shape the landscape
- Spotting Dall sheep, caribou, and possibly bears in their natural habitat
- Exploring historic mining sites and learning about Alaska's gold rush era
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Ages 4–6
Young children complete any four pages marked with a red squirrel symbol, featuring activities like scavenger hunt bingo, drawing salmon, and simple nature observation exercises. The program introduces them to Alaska's wildlife through coloring and basic identification activities that work well during short attention spans. Simple glacier and mountain concepts are presented through hands-on drawing and matching games.
Ages 7–9
This age group completes any four pages marked with a spruce cone symbol, tackling more detailed activities about copper mining history, subsistence living, and Alaska Native culture. Kids this age truly enjoy the animal scramble puzzle and learning about the five types of salmon found in Alaska's rivers. The historical elements about Kennecott Mill Town and Katie John's story resonate well with their developing sense of fairness and justice.
Ages 10 or older
Older participants complete any four pages marked with a silver salmon symbol, diving deep into complex topics like World Heritage Site designation, ecosystem protection, and career opportunities with the National Park Service. These activities challenge them with detailed word searches, understanding cultural significance, and exploring conservation concepts. The program encourages critical thinking about environmental stewardship and Alaska's unique position in global conservation efforts.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
The main visitor center sits along the Richardson Highway, 200 miles east of Anchorage and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, with no entrance fees or reservations required. McCarthy Road provides access to historic Kennecott, though it's a challenging 60-mile gravel road requiring high-clearance vehicles. The park and preserve remain open year-round, but visitor facilities operate only during summer months from roughly May through September.
Van & RV Notes
Our Sprinter van handles the Richardson Highway to Copper Center easily, but McCarthy Road's rough gravel surface and potential for tire damage makes it challenging for larger RVs. Dry Creek State Recreation Site near Glennallen offers the closest full hookup camping, while the park itself provides only primitive camping options. Stock up on fuel, water, and supplies in Glennallen or Anchorage, as services within the park are extremely limited.
Best Time to Visit
June through August offers the most accessible conditions with 16-20 hours of daylight, though weather can change rapidly from sunny to stormy within hours. July typically provides the warmest temperatures and best road conditions for reaching Kennecott, while late August brings stunning fall colors but potential for early snow. Shoulder seasons in May and September offer fewer crowds but limited visitor services and unpredictable weather conditions.
How Long to Spend
Plan at least a full day to complete the Junior Ranger program and explore the visitor center exhibits, with an additional day if driving to Kennecott. Families often spend 2-3 days to truly appreciate the park's scale and complete ranger-led programs at different locations.
Don't Miss
The park movie "Crown of the Continent" provides an incredible aerial perspective of the park's massive scale and glacier systems that kids find absolutely captivating. Exploring the historic Kennecott Mill Town offers a tangible connection to Alaska's mining heritage, where families can walk through preserved buildings and imagine life in this remote copper mining community over a century ago.
Fun Facts for Kids
Wrangell-St. Elias contains some of the nation's largest glaciers, with the Malaspina Glacier alone covering an area larger than the state of Rhode Island
The park is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, and the Copper River is famous worldwide for its prized red salmon
Mount Saint Elias, at 18,008 feet, is the second-highest peak in the United States and can be seen from over 100 miles away on clear days
The park holds evidence of more than 3,000 years of human history, including traditional fish camps still used by Alaska Native families today
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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