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Talkeetna

About Talkeetna, Alaska

AlaskaCruises.com visits Talkeetna, Alaska.

Talkeetna is one of the gateways to Denali National Park and known as the staging area for climbers to begin their ascent of mighty Mt. McKinley. Three glacier-fed rivers meet in this town - the Susitna, Chulitna and the Talkeetna. Not only will you find some of the best trout and salmon fishing this side of the lower 48, but you can also take in the beauty of nature aboard a relaxing river float trip.

Talkeetna, Alaska Facts & History

The Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers join the Susitna River at Talkeetna, an Indian word meaning "where the rivers join." Originally the site of a Tanaina Indian village, Talkeetna was established as a mining town and trading post in 1896, before either Wasilla or Anchorage existed. A gold rush to the Susitna River brought prospectors to the area, and by 1910, Talkeetna became a riverboat steamer station. In 1915, Talkeetna was chosen as the site for the Alaska Engineering Commission, who would build the Alaska Railroad, and the community peaked near 1,000. World War I and completion of the railroad in 1919 dramatically decreased the population. Several of its old log buildings are historical landmarks, and Talkeetna was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1993. During 1998, the community petitioned the Local Boundary Commission for incorporation as a home rule city

Things To Do in Talkeetna, Alaska

View Mt. McKinley
You'd think the best place to see Mt. McKinley is from Denali National Park, but you'd be wrong. Talkeetna is the best place to see spectacular views of Mt. McKinley. This is because the southern side of Mt. McKinley is often more visible than the northern side. Air tours are available from both ends of the mountain, and while the biggest thrill may be the close-up sight of McKinley itself, these tours are packed with topographical drama from start to finish. From the sky, stunning glaciers -- rivers of ice -- are dramatically visible.
Hiking
Talkeetna is the access point for many beautiful trails. Take a peaceful walk and look for Alaskan plants and wildlife.
Visit West Rib Pub
Located behind a small general store, the West Rib is a popular spot for climbers, locals, and tourists alike.? Here you can enjoy great microbrews from Alaska; including a high-alcohol blonde ale made at Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage - limit of 2 beers per person!? The fish and crab sandwiches are amazing and the patio is very inviting (at least in the warm months).? Pool tables and dart boards are inside along with a rock climbing wall across from the bar!
Museums
Take a tour of Talkeetna's two museums, the Museum of Northern Adventure and the Little Red Schoolhouse Museum.
Annual Moose Dropping Festival
The annual Moose Dropping Festival in July features a Mountain Mother Contest in which women split wood and run an obstacle course with snowshoes on - all with the equivalent weight of a baby strapped on their backs.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bikes are the preferred method of transportation in Talkeetna during the summer as the parking situation can become extreme at times during the summer rush. Bike rentals are available from many outfitters in town. The bus and shuttles to Denali National Park also have bike racks so that you can explore the park at your own pace. Denali ranks as one of the most bike-friendly national parks.

Optional Land Excursions in Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna River Raft Float Trip
River beauty abounds on this float tour. Learn about the flora and fauna of this special area. See spawning salmon, beaver dams, bald eagles and their nests, and ferns draping the rivers banks. The Talkeetna River is a glacially fed stream, with cold, swift water.
Weather permitting views of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and the Talkeetna Mountains are breathtaking. Snacks and refreshments are provided. All rafting gear including raingear, boots, and PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) is supplied. Good for all ages.
Talkeetna Canyon Tour
On this tour you will experience unforgettable beauty as your guide navigates the river in a jetboat. For the adventurer wishing to experience some excitement on an Alaska river, this is the tour for you. You will travel several miles up river before finding yourself surrounded by awe-inspiring, sheer rock walls. Encounter some exciting rapids on your way to visit an authentic trapper's cabin with its rustic furnishings. Your guide will display fur pelts from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. A box lunch and a beverage are provided while on shore.

McKinley Flyer with Glacier Landing
While you have the opportunity, add a spectacular glacier landing to your flightseeing journey. After completion of touring the south side of the Alaska Range, descend into the immense Don Sheldon Amphitheater and land on the gentle slope of the Ruth Glacier, located at 5600 feet above sea level. Stand among the rugged peaks of the Amphitheater and experience the stillness of Denali National Park broken only by the far-off rumble of distant rock and ice slides. Snap photos of the incredible granite walls that frame towering Mt. McKinley. Note: Glacier landings are weather dependent.
Sled Dog Kennel Tour and Cart Ride
Don't miss this opportunity to visit a kennel with working sled dogs. Upon arrival at the kennel guests will meet several Alaskan huskies. Guests then have the opportunity to take a cart ride with an Iditarod team in training. The sled dogs are hooked up to the front of the cart, much like they are to the front of the sled, and off you go. The cart ride is approximately 4 miles in length along tree-lined trails. Upon returning to the kennel, guests will hear from an Iditarod competitor about the winter gear used for both the mushers and their dogs, not to mention strategy for the last great race. The tour concludes with a visit from the newest additions to the kennel the puppies!
McKinley Jetboat Tour
A jetboat ride, folklore, an authentic trappers cabin, and a panoramic view of Mt. McKinley (weather permitting) combine to make this an interesting land and river outing. At the start of your tour, you will board an enclosed jetboat designed to navigate the river. Your guide will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system, while you learn about the unique river itself. During the next portion of the tour, you will walk to an authentic trapper's cabin where your guide will display fur pelts. Finally, you will have the opportunity to step inside a typical trapper's cabin and imagine life as a homesteader.
McKinley Jeep Backcountry Safari
After you are transferred from your hotel, the adventure begins at Trapper Creek where you will meet your guide, get into your Jeep Wrangler with up to three others, and head to the historic Petersville Mining District. This is a remote area, accessible only by off-road vehicles, in the shadow of Mt. McKinley where prospectors still mine gold from rugged claims. With your guide in the lead, motor along roads and trails that range from smooth to extreme with plenty of bumps, dips, and obstacles. Interactive two-way radios allow your guide to explain the history of the area, the life of the prospectors who still work these claims, and gold mining practices of yesterday and today.
Talkeetna Sportfishing
Experience premier sportfishing in Talkeetna. Your fishing guide will take you to the best fishing spots around. Expert and novice anglers will enjoy fishing for five species of salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Grayling. All gear is provided including fly fishing and spinning tackle. Services to pack and ship fish are available at an additional charge. An Alaska fishing license is required and may be purchased on site.

Additional Shore Excursions are available. Please call us toll free at 1-800-201-6937 for more information and reservations.

More About Denali Talkeetna, Alaska - Talkeetna Links

Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce