The village of Nenana (nee NA’ nah) was a popular fishing and hunting area for untold generations of Athabaskan Indians. Nenana translates to mean “a good place to camp between two rivers.” Nenana sits at the junction of the Nenana and the Tanana rivers.
Salmon fill the rivers, starting at the end of June or early July with the arrival of the mighty kings from the Bering Sea. The Tanana River provides not only transportation and fishing but recreational opportunities all year long. The banks of the river in the summer offer a great place from which to watch the traditional fish wheel operation of salmon fishing. Use of fish wheels is strictly regulated and they may be operated only at certain times. Recreational boating and commercial barge shipping are frequently evident on the Tanana, as are kayaks and canoes floating down from Fairbanks.
The population of Nenana is approximately 42% Athabaskan. The rich history of Nenana reflects traditions from generations of Native Alaskans. Dances, handcrafts and traditional use of resources are a present-day reminder of the heritage of today’s residents.
Settlers arrived in the early part of the 20th century with the establishment of the Episcopal Mission in 1905 for children from other Athabaskan villages.
Located at the northern rim of the Tanana Valley, it is 68 miles north of Denali Park. Please stop at the Nenana Visitor Center for more information about Nenana from the friendly personnel. There are several historic displays, the Nenana Ice Classic tripod and information on activities.