Nikiski, AK
Travel Guide
![The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 16 February 2015, it runs 66°33′45.6″ north of the Equator.
The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle.
The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore not visible at noon). On the Arctic Circle those events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively. However, in practice, because of atmospheric refraction and mirages, and because the sun appears as a disk and not a point, part of the midnight sun may be seen on the night of the northern summer solstice up to about 50′ (90 km (56 mi)) south of the Arctic Circle; similarly, on the day of the northern winter solstice, part of the sun may be seen up to about 50′ north of the Arctic Circle. That is true at sea level; those limits increase with elevation above sea level, although in mountainous regions there is often no direct view of the true horizon.
The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period,[2] notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. The Arctic Circle is currently drifting northwards at a speed of about 15 m (49 ft) per year; see Circle of latitude for more information.
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Visit Nikiski
Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake
Great place! We loved it and were very comfortable.Beautiful furnishings and thoughtful amenities!Great full range for foodies!Wish all VRBO's were at this level!
Reviewed on 7 September 2025
Unique Schoolie on a float plane lake in North Kenai.
Such an amazing space with gracious hosts. I will definitely be returning!
Reviewed on 22 August 2025
Aspen Hotel Soldotna
Convenient
Reviewed on 13 March 2026
Creekside Cottage near Daniel's Lake
Great place! We loved it and were very comfortable.Beautiful furnishings and thoughtful amenities!Great full range for foodies!Wish all VRBO's were at this level!
Reviewed on 7 September 2025
Evenson Heritage Lodge
The home was in spotless condition, and the hosts were extremely communicative. We had some very specific requests, and they were able to accommodate us, no problem. Needless to say, the area is gorgeous.Everything about this place is great...you won't be disappointed!
Reviewed on 26 February 2026
Unique Schoolie on a float plane lake in North Kenai.
Such an amazing space with gracious hosts. I will definitely be returning!
Reviewed on 22 August 2025
Popular places to visit
Cunningham Park
Explore the great outdoors at Cunningham Park, a lovely green space in Kenai. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the fishing spots.
North Peninsula Recreation Area
Explore the great outdoors at North Peninsula Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Nikiski. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.
Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
Enjoy an outing to Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center during your stay in Kenai. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply enjoy its seafood restaurants.
Challenger Learning Center
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Challenger Learning Center during your trip to Kenai. Amble around the area's riverfront, or seek out its fishing spots.
Kenai River Flats
Explore the great outdoors at Kenai River Flats, a lovely green space in Kenai. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the churches while you're in the area.
Captain Cook State Recreation Area
You can take time to visit Captain Cook State Recreation Area during your travels to Kenai. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.
