The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. This small distinctive community of less then 500 is often said to be the inspiration behind the television series “Northern Exposure”. The town is also the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Mt. McKinley ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view “the Mountain”. The area also offers visitors the chance to experience some true Alaskan small-town flavor, yet offers easy access and a number of nice lodging choices.

The area surrounding Talkeetna is also often referred to as South Denali Park due to its strategic location near the Southern border of both the National and State Parks. For the purposes of this web site, we group services in the “Talkeetna Area” or “South Denali Park” that are located between the actual town of Talkeetna, and the McKinley Princess Lodge located roughly 45 road miles to the north on the boundary of Denali State Park. It is also important to keep in mind that the McKinley Princess and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge are 105 and 150 miles from the actual entrance to Denali National Park, respectively.

Talkeetna Area Hotels
The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is a great choice, and is located just a few miles from the town of Talkeetna. On a clear day, the lodge offers a wonderful view of Mt. McKinley from the grounds. About 45 minutes north of Talkeetna is McKinley Princess Lodge, another nice property, particulary if you have your own transportation. Many people spend two nights near the Denali Park entrance to the north, then a night or two on the south side in the Talkeetna area. Note both lodges are served by the Park Connection Motorcoach, but the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is usually a better choice if you are traveling to Talkeetna by railroad or need connecting bus service between Talkeetna and Seward. Check out our Talkeetna Area Hotels page for more information on Talkeetna Lodging.

Talkeetna Area Tours and Attractions
This area, without a doubt, offers some of the best flightseeing trips in Alaska. We suggest fixed-wing flightseeing trips that operate out of the town of Talkeetna. Many other options, including jetboat trips, fishing and wagon rides, are also available. See more information on our Talkeetna Tours page.

Talkeetna Area Transportation
People usually reach Talkeetna by rental car, bus line or via the Alaska Railroad. The Park Connection Alaska bus line offers twice daily service to and from Denali Park, Anchorage and Seward, and offers service to both Talkeetna and the McKinley Princess Lodge. The Alaska Railroad offers daily summer service to the town of Talkeetna from Anchorage, Denali Park or Fairbanks. A full list of options is available on our Talkeetna Transportation page.

[graphic version Talkeetna Alaska (South Denali Park)]