Eklutna Historical Park

Visitors to Eklutna Historical Park can take a guided tour to the old log Russian Orthodox Church, see the Spirit Houses, and visit the new Orthodox Church.  You'll learn about the history, culture, and customs of the Dena'ina Athabascans in combination with Russian Orthodox traditions. The interior of Alaska is home to the Athabaskan Native Peoples. Specific to the Eklutna area are the Danaina or Tanaina, Athabaskans. These colorful spirit houses are a uniquely Athabaskan tradition; according to cultural beliefs.  Spirit houses were built by the family after the person’s death.  A wonderful and unique mix of this native tradition with the practices and beliefs of Orthodox Christianity can be seen in the cemetery. The graves of the Athabaskan people are marked not only with their traditional spirit houses, but also with an Orthodox Christian Cross. There are also graves marked only with crosses, honoring the resting places of the Orthodox non- native members of the church.