Deep in the heart of Alaska lies a unique little area that barely sees any visitors. Surrounded by incredible scenery, the town was once a thriving hub. The town sits inside beautiful mountainous landscapes and is located beside a glacier. But today, no-one lives in this small place which once provided work and a community to hundreds of residents.

Kennicott in Alaska is a copper mining town but now, it remains a shell of what it once was. The only people to visit the town now tend to be tourists looking to see somewhere a little different from the usual places on offer. Those planning to visit can take a tour that allows visitors to explore the abandoned town.

Decades after local workers left and the settlement was abandoned, Kennicott has been reclaimed and preserved, reports BBC Travel.

The mine closed in 1938 after the ore deposits were depleted and global copper prices dropped. At its peak, it employed 600 people who worked under gruelling conditions and long hours.

Despite all the initial success, the low price of copper during the Great Depression took its toll on the Kennicott Mines.

In 1978, Kennicott was listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

In 1998, the US National Park Service acquired many of the buildings and much of the land and began restoring the site.

Alongside becoming a tourist attraction, the recreation hall in the town is now available to rent for events, making it an exciting venue to host a special occasion.

Five miles away, you’ll find McCarthy, a sister village to Kennicott. Between the two areas, you can find old mining buildings that look out over a glacier-carved valley and you can take one of the most scenic drives in Alaska.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join an activity such as rafting, guided hikes, or flightseeing.

If you’re planning a trip, you can stay in a range of unique accommodations such as private cabins, historic hotels or even a lodge overlooking a glacier.

This small and historic town is off the beaten path meaning it’s not one of the easiest places to visit, but it could offer a rewarding experience that allows you to step back into the past.