2025 SUMMER PROGRAMS
Click the link for Program Schedule and details. Please stay tuned as we continually update our program schedule.
Workshops
Field Sketching Weekend Workshop with Kristin Link: August 16 & 17 (optional add on day- August 18)
Kristin Link leads a weekend workshop with the option of a Glacier Hike on the 3rd day.
Residency
Meg Hunt Artist in Residence: This is one of our most beloved art programs, a two-week artist residency program, an immersive creative experience in North America’s largest National Park. The Wrangell Mountains Residency Program aims to support artists of all genres, writers, and inquiring minds. We invite applicants with creative and inquisitive minds who will both add to and benefit from the interdisciplinary efforts at our community hub in McCarthy, Alaska and the surrounding Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. In 2025 we will host two artists from: June 12-26. Applications are open until April 11.
Youth Programming
Geology Camp (Youth) - July 22-25
The WMC partners with WISE (Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment) to host this unique, immersive program for youth ages 12-16. Participants hear from geologists and naturalists, camp next to the Root Glacier, explore the glacier, and have plenty of time to connect with their peers. Space is limited so please contact sabrina@wrangells.org if you have interest in signing up your child.
Community Events
Workday Party - May 24, 9am - 4pm
Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend with WMC friends and show the Old Hardware Store some love. All skill levels welcome! Bring gloves (if you have ‘em), water bottle, and a smile. We’ll provide lunch and a gaggle of your WMC friends.
Spring Bird Walk with Mark Vail - May 25 @ 8am
We continue the annual tradition of walking with Mark Vail as he brings to life the fascinating social world of the summer birds who live in the Wrangell Mountains. Meet in front of the Old Hardware Store. The walk will leave promptly at 8am. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. $10 suggested donation.
“Rocks and Ice” Geology Presentation with Mike Loso - Dates TBA
A part of our Summer Arts & Lecture Series: Join Mike Loso, Wrangell St-Elias National Park Service Geologist, for an overview of the geologic history of the Kennicott Valley and an update on latest findings about the Kennicott Glacier. His talk is open to the public, and is aimed towards guides, interpreters, pilots, NPS staff, and others interested in learning more about local area geology and sharing it with friends and visitors. The presentation will be held at the Kennecott Recreation Hall.
“Origin Stories”: A Living Room Series - Dates TBA
Join long-time locals and special guest visitors to hear about their McCarthy or Alaskan origin stories. Cozy up in our Porphyry Place cabin for a historic story time as we hear what it means to them to be a native Alaskan, followed by time for open discussion and Q&A
More details and dates to come
Artist in Residence Community Engagement - TBA
Join our two selected Artists in Residents as they share with our community their work in the form of a presentation and workshop.
2025 artists have not yet been selected yet, so stay tuned for updates!
Word Jams - June 22, July 13, August 3 @ 6-8pm
Sundays at 6pm. Only THREE Word Jams this year, so mark your calendars! Join us in the Great Room at the Old Hardware Store for a night of open mic - WMC style - storytelling, poetry, song, comedy, skits, and any creative venture involving words. Come hungry! We will serve finger-style dinner by donation before the event. Stay tuned for our menus.
Interdependence Day Pancake Fundraiser - July 4, 8am-11am
Come on out to the Old Hardware store for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast! In collaboration with the McCarthy-Kennecott Museum. All proceeds benefit the Wrangell Mountains Center and the Museum. Thanks for your support!
Stories of Our Landscape - Dates TBA
A part of our Summer Arts & Lecture Series: Last year we hosted a two-day weekend artist exhibit and community event, where participants engaged with the inspirational, cultural, and foundational relationships to place in the Wrangell Mountains through community discussion, and presentations in the arts and sciences.
Stay tuned for this year’s event details and dates!
Wrangell Mountains Storytelling Festival - August 9 & 10
This charmed, grassroots event is held at The Old Hardware Store and the Glacier View campground on McCarthy’s west side, where local storytellers congregate to spin yarns, share lies and half-truths as well as tell honest-to-god true and incredible stories leaving the audience never quite clear on whether they have heard a true story or a tall tale. This event is the talk of the town every summer.
Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run - Sunday, August 31 @ 12pm
A race unlike any other through the largest National Park in America. Race starts at McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters (aka As The Glacier Melts Coffee & Ice Cream Shop) on the West Side (Mile 59 of the McCarthy Road). The route goes up to Kennecott National Historic Landmark and back down to historic, downtown McCarthy and follows gravel, dirt roads and packed dirt trails. $30 per person registration; $15 under 16. Proceeds benefit the WMC. Register online or at the starting line. Race starts at noon; registration opens at 11 am.
Academic Programming
The Wrangell Mountains Field Studies Program is now partnered with the University of Maine School of Earth Sciences. Together we offer a 7 week and 6 credit course to students from all over the world. Students will spend a total of 3 weeks on our campus and 4 weeks in the backcountry, led by instructors Kristin Link, and UMaine PhD student, Joey Boots-Ebenfield. The program will offer a public presentation on our campus towards the end of the course. The program runs from June 22 - August 10.
Podcast & Virtual Events
End of The Road Podcast: We explore the unique stories that shape our lives, out here in the remote Wrangell Mountains. Listen to Season 4, out now!
Check out past programs:
For more information, please email admin@wrangells.org or call 907-554-1500
Photo by Paul Scannell