Top Things to Do in Talkeetna

With our second backpacking trip aborted due to so much rain, we spent the next three days taking day trips from Anchorage. Our first day trip was to Talkeetna, approximately 2.5 hours away unless they are doing road construction in the summer which makes the trip over 3 hours. An alternative to driving is taking the train, though it is very slow moving.

Talkeetna which began in 1916 after being chosen as the district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Susitna, the Chulitna, and the Talkeetna. Approximately 800 people call Talkeetna, the gateway to Denali, home.

Map thanks to Wanderlog, a trip planner app

Things to Do in Talkeetna

Watch the Mt. McKinley (Denali) film at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station

We stopped by the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station on the northside of the small town to watch the Mt. McKinley film. It is only 19 minutes and plays regularly. The film was very eye-opening, and confirmed I would not wish to make the three-week journey up to 20,000+ while waiting out drastic storms and low temperatures even in the summer. The elevation gain is more than that of Everest due to the low base camp. As an added bonus, there are currant bushes right outside of the building for picking a few berries!

Take a Walk Along the River

At the north side of town, is the confluence of three rivers. The river is GIANT with a FAST moving current for its size. It’s worth taking a look and walking along its shore.

Visit the Cemetery

Talkeetna’s cemetery features a memorial to the climbers who have lost their lives on Mt. McKinley (Denali).

Eat at the Roadhouse

This restaurant (and lodge and cafe) has been around since 1917. The Roadhouse serves giant breakfasts and fantastic reindeer chili. It’s family style seating invites customers to meet one another. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cookies at the café are excellent!

Learn About Salmon at the Sustina Salmon Center

The bottom floor of the Sustina Salmon Center features a variety of local art and trinkets which are very nice. The stairs to the second floor include fun facts about salmon. Aquariums with salmon line one corner of the upstairs while a movie plays in another room. I didn’t know much about salmon, so I found the Center interesting. Plus, the heat was running, and it was cold outside!

Admire the Northern Lights

Stop in Aurora Dora and admire this gallery’s Northern Lights photography. The woman running the gallery is the photographer and she knows exactly where and what time she took each image.

Ride the Train to Denali

Talkeetna is the hub for climbers flying to Denali base camp at 7,000 feet to begin their climb up North America’s tallest peak. But others who might just want to see the mountain can take the train to the National Park. It takes just over three hours and requires an overnight stay for the return schedule.

Stroll Main Street

Talkeetna’s main street is line with a few restaurants and a variety of tourist shops which sell anything from antlers, to birch syrup, to native art, to hats and T-shirts. Stop in and browse the shelves.

Learn Some History

On the way to the river is a short, “historical tour” path. Learn about the first nomadic people in the area as well as settlers like Belle Lee McDonald who ran a trading post. ETB

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Shop

Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop. Each card has a travel story associated with it. 20% of proceeds are donated to charity.