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Eklutna is a community 25 miles northeast of Anchorage proper along the Glenn Highway in Alaska, and is home to one of the most important Anchorage parks. With a population at 383 this Dena'ina Athabascan village is the oldest inhabited location in the Anchorage area, having been inhabited for over 800 years. The present population of the Eklutna area is still home to a significant community of Alaskan Native Americans, most of whom are members of the federally recognized Native Village of Eklutna.
Russian Orthodox missionaries came here in the 1840’s. The melding of Orthodox Christianity and native practices resulted in the brightly-colored spirit houses built over the graves of the deceased at the Eklutna Cemetery, which has been in use since 1650 and is now a historical park. Visitors here can visit St. Nicholas Church, the oldest standing building in the greater Anchorage area. Hiking around the area provides a scenic a glacier view, as well as opportunities to see Alaska wildlife like foxes, eagles, and black bears. |
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