Soldotna is located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough on the western Kenai Peninsula. It lies along the Sterling Hwy and Kenai Spur Highway.

The area has historically been the home of the Kenaitze Indians, and was later developed by non-natives for such rich resources as fish, oil, and timber. The first homesteaders in the area were World War II veterans given a 90-day preference over non-veterans to secure homestead property in 1947. That year, the Sterling Highway right-of-way was bulldozed from Cooper Landing to Kenai. Soldotna became the site of the Sterling Highway Bridge over the Kenai River. In 1957, oil was discovered in the Swanson River region, spurring new development.

Today Soldotna, population 3,759, is a major Central Peninsula administrative hub. It is home to Central Peninsula General Hospital, Kenai Peninsula College, headquarters of the Alaska State Troopers, and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Area recreation includes fishing, sightseeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming Alaska Events Are: Nutcracker Ballet Fairbanks December 4 thru December 6 Blues Train Anchorage continuing thru September 27 Jazz Festival Sitka February 4 thru February 6 Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival Seward January 15 thru January 17 Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival Anchorage January 15 thru January 16

Other upcoming events include: Jazz Festival Sitka February 4 thru February 6 Christmas in Ice North Pole December 3 thru December 31 Russian New Year & Masquerade Ball Kodiak January 14 World Ice Art Championships Fairbanks February 21 thru March 28 Harbor Stars Kodiak December 17