Renovations to SS Nenana to reopen public access to ship bow

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - As part of an ongoing waterproofing project on the SS Nenana, officials said renovations will allow the public to once again gain access to parts of the historic landmark that have been closed for multiple seasons.

Following the start of the project in Pioneer Park, which began in 2024, contractors have been replacing rotting wood on the bow of the ship. The ship is considered the “only large wooden sternwheeler” remaining in the United States, according to the National Park Service.

Once the wood on the bow of the ship is replaced, officials and contractors will continue their work of putting a waterproof membrane on the vessel, allowing public access to the bow once more. That work is expected to be complete “before the snow flies,” according to Lee Williams, the superintendent of Pioneer Park.

He said the prospect of opening that part of the boat to the public again is “super exciting”.

“It was always a place that people that come on the cargo deck to see the dioramas... could also walk out, get a little fresh air, stand on the valve, get a feeling of what it was like to go down the rivers,” Williams said.

He added that once renovations are complete, the park will be able to utilize the space for events as they did in the past.

“We also get to go back to having Army bands and speakers stand up there on the bow and and talk to people, which is just a real nice touch when we’re having a public events around here,” he explained.

He also believes that allowing the public access to more of the boat is another benefit for the park.

“It will actually enhance public support just because it’ll give people a better experience overall,” Williams said.

“There’s only a couple of these left that people can actually touch, look at, explore and it’s a centerpiece to the park.”

In total the project has cost $2,691,975.

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