eklutna village historic park

A visit here doesn't take a lot of time but we found it very interesting. Nice to see how different cultures adapt to each other.Behind the little church is a cemetary with spirit houses.Take some time to listen to the guide, he does an excellent job.

Very interesting to see all the little spirit houses and the Russian Orthodox Church. Small fee but you can look around free. I enjoyed the information about the area that came with the fee.

Very hard to find as Google maps took us to the other side of the lake.....but once here I stood in the rain nearly an hour marveling at the spirit houses and how the blending of religious beliefs were represented. I really liked this. Short tour was worth small fee.

A quick stop into tiny Eklutna Village north of Anchorage is well worth an hour or two. We opted for a short (15 minute) guided tour and were able to visit the inside of the Russian Orthodox Church and were given explanations of the native spirit houses and the melding of Alaskan Native culture with the Russian Orthodox beliefs. We were then free to roam the grounds and take some very interesting pictures.

There's a 5 dollar admission fee( 2.50 for seniors), but this is a nice stop to learn about the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. The volunteer is enthusiastic and knowledgeable and very pleasant.

So interesting to find out about the background of the Russian Orthodox Church in AK. The oldest church structure is on the site as well as the church that is currently in use. The cemetery along with its spirit houses are very interesting and a unique combination of orthodox church and native traditions. The guide was very informative and answered all questions that we asked. We also were able to purchase some unique souvenirs not available in other AK locations.

The tour is very informative and the guide is patient and eager to answer questions. He doesn't drag it out so you can be on your own after 15 minutes or he will stay and talk to you as long as you want. He is very lively and has a great personality. The cemetery is fascinating and the 2 churches are something you should see! One of the little churches still has weekly services. The houses I. The cemetery and all different and it is very fun to walk around and look at them all. Entrance is $5 for adults. Great little gift shop with interesting items and decent prices. If you can, go see it!

An easy drive out of Anchorage, this little Russian Orthodox/Yakut Eskimo cemetery is a beautiful and touching link to a history and time that are fading into history and, at least as far as we could tell, have no parallel anywhere else. A combination of Christian and native burial traditions, the site features a number of small, brightly painted wooden burial houses scattered among the trees and paths along with a contemporary and a very old Orthodox Church. There is something extraordinary at work here that is hard to define. It has something to do with the entwining of two hugely different but somehow complementary cultures; but, more than that, there is a sense that something magical happened here and that these bright markers bear witness to it.The church and its active parishioners maintain the site, charge a nominal admission fee, and give a very informative introductory lecture to each group of visitors. There is something both serene and moving about the spot, and it is well worth a visit. And besides, they found the wallet I dropped while getting back into the car, called me, and returned it to me. And they have mosquito repellent available when you walk out into the site, and you'd best use some...

We were staying in Eagle River, had just hiked around Eklutna Lake, and saw in a travelers guidebook that this was recommended and was right near where we were at. Totally worth it! Eclectic, cool history tour and I was fascinated with the spirit houses. We didn't do anything like this in a Alaska, so definitely glad we made this stop.

If you are not going to take a personal tour, this place may not make much sense, and may not be worth your time. We found it absolutely fascinating and spent a bit more than an hour here. You might find this valuable if you are interested in history, Native Alaskan history, religious practices, burial rituals and practices or architecture.Our guide spent time describing the history of the Russian Orthodox missionaries coming to Alaska, the fascinating mix of Orthodox Christianity with traditional Dena'ina Athabaskan Native beliefs, and the contemporary believers and practices.The Old St. Nicholas Orthodox Church probably dates from the mid-19th century, and was built in Knik (just in case you don't know, the k is not silent in this name). The church was moved to Eklutna c.1900, and is the oldest standing building in the greater Anchorage area. It was used for services until the New St. Nicholas Orthodox Church was built in 1962. The new church is still used for services. You will recognize the "onion domes" as being the traditional shape of Russian Orthodox churches, and can make for nice photos.If you visit during a service, they ask that you be respectful of the believers by not pointing your camera at their children. There are about 40 believers currently, and they stand throughout the 1-2 hour services in the very small church.The "spirit houses" in the cemetery immediately behind the churches are one of the things that seem to be misunderstood by those who don't take time to learn about the history. The Athabaskan people believed that the dead stayed present with us on the Earth "for a period of time", before passing on to the Spirit World. Because of this, they would build the little "houses" for the spirits to inhabit. They are not maintained, because the spirit will be moving on. Instead, they are allowed to simply return to the Earth. These very bright and interesting little structures are painted with beautiful colors and patterns that completely identify the person and their family. Some are very simple, others rather elaborate "doll house" style. There are primarily two large families in this cemetery. While this tradition is not part of the Orthodox practices, the missionaries wisely allowed the local people to follow their own traditions, and thus Native and Christian became intertwined here. You will see this mix in the spirit houses with a 3-barred Byzantine cross. As I understand it, this is the only cemetery that still allows the "spirit house" tradition to continue. The main part of this cemetery has been recently closed for burials, and they are preparing a new area in the back for current use. Because markers and spirit houses were made of wood, it would be impossible to know where all the graves might be located.This is an intriguing look into one aspect of Alaskan history, a fascinating story of how some missionaries did not feel the need to obliterate local traditions and replace them with foreign practices, and it can be a really fun photo opp for the photographers.Stop and take the time to learn about this unique and fascinating part of Alaskan history. Depending on your personal style, I would plan on 30-90 minutes.NOTE: Do take your Mosquito Repellant, lest You become the picnic! The mosquitoes here do seem to love foreign food, whether slow or fast.

Follow the signs off the parkway. Easy to find.Moon book suggested a visit and they were right on.If you are not interested in the religious aspect of the role of the Russian orthodox church, you will still want to stop here for the history. The church played a role very similar to the missions of California. It is a living, working church and graveyard.The personal guide who ran the site was a member of the church.Very nice young lady full of historical information about the area, the role of the Russians in Alaska and what the Orthodox church played in it. She was very open to answering questions about the Orthodox church but only if asked-not pushing religionNice exhibits in the old church and a tour of the lovely new church.Pretty site, lovely churches and I learned a lot.Very enjoyable.Small gift shop chuck full of wonders too.

Very fascinating cemetery which reflects the association between Athabaskan peoples and the Russian Orthodox Church. The graves are covered with Spirit boxes ( some of them quite elaborate) Visit during the week when it is actually open, so the person in the ticket /gift shop and add detailed and informative explanations. at other times you can still visit ( there is a donation box) Many of the spirit boxes are in need of repairs and every dollar helps. The two church are also fascinating. This place is about 1/2 mile off the Glenn highway. Take the exit to Eklutna at about mile 26

I live near here and had often stopped in and or just passed by. It is quite worth the trip. Learn the history of the two churches. Stop by when the office is open and take time for the tour. The history of the spirit houses in the cemetary is most informative. I learned so much and have such an appreciation for the cultural background of the Eklutna tribe and this park.I now bring all my visitors here and the place is a bit magical.

Well worth the exit off the highway. Very interesting cemetery with burial houses. Also nice to be able to explore the two Russian Orthodox churches on the site. Try to visit during the week day when the site is actually open so that you can get background information from the person in the gift shop.

The two old churches and the adjoining graveyard with spirit houses are just fascinating. Truly unique and special. Very close to Glenn Highway and easy to get to. Unfortunately, the weather is hard on the spirit houses and many are in need of maintenance. Anyone who stops will be charmed and will want to contribute to their maintenance. Don't miss it! (And if you want to spend much time in the cemetary, don't forget the mosquito repellent - they are not a problem in the front near the churches, but quickly get worse.)