Ninilchik Village & Holy Transfiguration Church
Ninilchik
A seaside village founded by Russian-era settlers. The white Orthodox church on the hillside overlooks Cook Inlet and the volcanoes, making it a classic stop along the highway.
Ninilchik lies about 60 km north of Homer along the Sterling Highway. In the 19th century it was founded by retired employees of the Russian-American Company and Indigenous families. The village is best known for the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1901 on the cliff. It has white wooden walls and green onion domes and sits with its back to Cook Inlet. On clear days the Iliamna volcano appears behind the church, making it one of the classic photo spots on the Kenai Peninsula. The interior is usually open only during services, but the cemetery can be visited. Down the hill, the old village has several Russian-style wooden houses and a beach, where people dig for razor clams at low tide.
Opening hours
Open all day (church interior generally not open to visitors)
Nearby sights
- Anchor Point
- Baycrest Overlook
- Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
- Pratt Museum
- Bishop's Beach
- Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
- Homer Spit
- Homer Harbor & Halibut Charters