“Welcome to Talkeetna.”
Talkeetna was established as a mining town and trading post before Wasilla or Anchorage existed. Several of its buildings are historical landmarks. The Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers join the Susitna River at the end of Main Street and the town takes its name from an Indian word K’Dalkitnu, meaning, “rivers of plenty”
Legends, lore and history abound in Talkeetna. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover fascinating stories of Talkeetna’s past, Mt. McKinley climbers, and frontier living as you stroll through the Downtown Historic District, perhaps stopping in at the Historic Fairview Inn to whet your whistle, where President Harding did as much when he paid the town a visit in 1923. Many artisans, crafters and musicians make this their home. Summer events include ‘Moose on Parade’, which kicks off in May presenting decorated ‘Moose’ all over Talkeetna. Pick up a map marking locations from one of the stores in town or at the Chamber’s info kiosk. The event ends with a ‘Moose Art’ parade on the 4th of July followed by a fund-raising auction.
There are also kennels that offer dog team rides with or even without snow! Iditarod teams and expert mushers are available.
Mountain climbers from all over the world come to Talkeetna to challenge Mount McKinley, adding an international flavor to the town. Most of the climbers fly to the Kahiltna Glacier Base Camp, located at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Scenic flights are offered by local air services and give visitors the thrill of seeing North America’s tallest mountain up close.
Talkeetna was established as a mining town and trading post before either Wasilla or Anchorage existed. Several of its old log buildings are
historical landmarks. The Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers join the Susitna River at Talkeetna and the town reportedly takes its name from an Indian word meaning "where the rivers join".
Information/Emergency
Talkeetna/Denali Visitor Center at the junction of the Parks Highway & Talkeetna Spur Road and also has an office on Main Street next to Nagley’s General Store.
Chinook Wind Cabins is located on Second St. The six cabins have private baths, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes. Families welcome, some cabins sleep up to six. Three of the rooms have shared baths. No pets are allowed. Open year-round. 907-733-1899 or toll free 1-800-643-1899
Denali Overlook Inn - B&B and Cabin is only five miles from downtown Talkeetna. Situated on the tip of a spectacular bluff which provides unobstructed views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. They offer an included full breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Excellent place for a romantic wedding. Mile 8.5 Talkeetna Spur Road. 907-733-3555
Susitna River Lodging on the banks of the Susitna River in the historic village of Talkeetna. The cabins and suites havesu kitchenettes, private baths and scenic views. Open year round operated by friendly knowledgeable local residents. Summer or winter there is adventure waiting for you to enjoy. 907-733-0505 1-866-733-1505
Talkeetna Motel long known for its casual atmosphere and is located downtown. Comfortable convenient and affordable. Complimentary coffee. 907-733-2323
The Talkeetna Roadhouse. Private rooms, hostel-style bunks and two private cabins with bathrooms “down the hall” in typical roadhouse fashion. Wi-Fi, satellite TV, coin-op laundry, extensive library and bakery famous for cinnamon rolls and a hearty breakfast. Lunch and dinner is also available. Open year round on Main Street. 907-733-1351
Talkeeetna Camper Park mile 13.7 Talkeetna
Spur Road,. A full service RV park, laundry, private
baths, close to downtown. Reservations recommended. 907-733-2693
Alaska
Railroad is famous for its fun atmosphere, casual dining, passenger comfort, spectacular scenery and wildlife. Alaska Railroad passenger trains feature large picture windows, friendly onboard hosts, forward-facing reclining seats, open-air vestibules, non-smoking cars, onboard dining for additional cost, and reserved seats. Lifelong Alaskan tour guides inform and entertain with an insiders look at the Great State of Alaska.
Alaska Railroad has daily service to Talkeetna and continuing on to Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Board the train at the Anchorage Depot for a beautiful three-hour trip north to Talkeetna.
When in Talkeetna join Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures for a two-hour, 10-mile riverboat trip aboard the “Talkeetna Queen” with Mahay’s Riverboat for panoramic views of Mt. McKinley. Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin. Tour includes a guided quarter-mile wilderness walk. Chances are great that you’ll see wildlife on this exciting trip. 800-544-0552 or 907-265-2494
Northern Susitna Institute located in downtown Talkeetna is the home of Alaska Folk School, CEAL Academy, Talkeetna Build - a - Plane, and Classroom with a View. These programs give participants of all ages an opportunity to experience “real learning in the real world”.
Class offerings range from making a birch canoe paddle at the Alaska Folk School to trekking for a week in the tundra with Classroom with a View. Learn more about NSI programming or the July Birch Festival. 907 733-7111
Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures Unique opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beavers, moose and black bear in their natural habitat. Fish clear water streams for salmon and trout. Charters and packages can include accommodations and meals. 907-733-2223, 1-800-736-2210
Talkeetna Air Taxi Enter the ice age world of the Alaska Range with Talkeetna Air Taxi. Mt. McKinley Scenic Flights, Glacier Landings and Mountaineering Support since 1947. Voted “Best Flying Service in Alaska” by Alaska Magazine Readers. 1-800-533-2219
Fly Denali. Land on ancient glaciers in Denali Park, fly over the towering McKinley summit, and soar through the magnificent Alaska Range on a flight from Denali Park or Talkeetna with Fly Denali and Talkeetna Aero Services. See Denali Park from the air and ground in one day with a day trip from Talkeetna or Anchorage. For reservations call 888-733-2899
Denali Zipline Tours, Experience the boreal forest in an exciting and eco-friendly 3-hour adventure. The course includes 9 ziplines, 3 aerial suspension bridges, and spectacular views of Mt. McKinley and the beautiful south side of the Alaska Range. You are securely harnessed as the DZT guides take you on an incredible journey through the trees. This thrilling tour is a great way to experience the breathtaking, natural environments in which we operate.
907-733-3988 or toll free 1-855-733-3988
There is a museum in The Little Red Schoolhouse which has local art, old books and historical items. Talkeetna’s NPS Ranger Station offers Ranger programs during the summer months in the Museum’s Mountaineering Exhibit Room.
Take a river boat tour or a float trip and explore over 200 miles of beautiful rivers in the area. There are guided hiking tours that explore Talkeetna and its wild and vast surroundings!
Most of Talkeetna’s lodging and restaurants are open year-round which gives you a place to stay and enjoy December’s month long celebration, Winterfest: Motorized Parade of Lights, Bachelor Weekend (which includes the Wilderness Woman Contest and Talkeetna Bachelor Auction), Taste of Talkeetna and locally produced plays and music. Northern light viewing, dog mushing, flight-seeing, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing on maintained trails all make Talkeetna a great winter destination. The annual Oosik Classic Nordic Ski Race attracts over 400 skiers and takes place the third weekend in March.
