Talkeetna

1. See historical exhibits at Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station

Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station serves as Denali National Park’s southern district’s main checkpoint, a must-stop for all hikers to receive permits and mountain orientations. The station was constructed in 1997 and was named for Alaskan Native Walter Harper, the first person to climb to the summit of the 20,310-foot Denali Mountain, the highest peak in North America.

All of the park’s rangers are on site throughout the spring and summer months to assist with climbing emergencies and rescue operations, but the station also serves as a major tourist attraction for non-climbers, offering historical exhibits on mountain climbing gear and showings of a 30-minute documentary film on those who have scaled the mountain. During the summer months, family-friendly interpretive events are also offered.

Address: 22241 B Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-2231

2. Visit Alaskan War Veterans Memorial

Alaskan War Veterans Memorial is located inside the 325,240-acre Denali State Park and was constructed in 1983 to honor the state’s Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast and Alaska National Guard, and Merchant Marine veterans, including a number of state residents who were awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor. The site for the memorial was selected due to its even proximity between Fairbanks and Anchorage and showcases five 20-foot concrete panels arranged in a semi-circle, representing each branch of the United States military. A statue by Canadian artist George Pratt depicts Alaska Territorial Guards, and smaller memorials nearby honor the passengers of downed military planes within the state.

Address: Route 3, Talkeetna, AK 99654

3. Learn about local history Talkeetna Historical Society Museum

Talkeetna Historical Society Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the town of Talkeenta, which was listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The museum is the public project of the Talkeetna Historical Society and is located within the historic Territory of Alaska Talkeetna school building, which was originally opened for used in 1936. Museum exhibits emphasize the region’s indigenous and European history, including stories of famed aviators, explorers, trappers, and gold rush seekers throughout the region. Walking tour brochures also guide visitors to the Society’s other historic buildings, including relocated railroad buildings. Guided tours are offered for small groups and organizations, and several annual special events serve as Society fundraisers, including a Fourth of July Moose on Parade event.

Address: PO Box 76, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-2487

4. Go fishing in Byers Lake

Byers Lake is a family-friendly campground located along Byers Lake, near the bottom of Kesugi Ridge, offering stunning views of the 20,310-foot Denali Mountain, also known as Mount McKinley. The lake is a prime spot for rainbow trout and burbot fishing by canoe and kayak, though visitors should note that the lake is closed to gasoline-powered boats to preserve its natural ecosystem. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from nearby Denali Southside River Guides, and firewood sales are offered seasonally. 73 campsites are available, offering tent and RV hookups, and three public use cabins may be rented for more private overnight accommodations. Modern toilets, dump sites, and picnic sites are provided for overnight visitors.

Address: 147 Parks Highway, Talkeetna, AK 99676

5. Have a picnic at Kahiltna Gold Birch Syrup

Kahiltna Gold Birch Syrup is the flagship product of Kahiltna Birchworks, which was the vision of Michael East and Dulce Ben-East. The couple began harvesting and bottling birch tree sap in 1990 for their business, which has steadily grown to tap more than 11,000 trees annually and become the world’s largest commercial birch syrup company. Since 2010, the company has operated its Taste and Tour production seasonal facility out of Talkeetna, which showcases Kahiltna Birchworks and Alaska Wild Harvest, LLC products. In addition to syrups and flavored birch waters, Alaska Supreme Ice Cream is served at the facility, along with a variety of snacks, baked goods, and locally-roasted coffee. A picnic area is provided for enjoying delicacies, surrounded by the facility’s vegetable and flower gardens. A video documentary also explores the tapping and production process.

Address: 38139 Talkeetna Spur Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-1409

6. Indulge in ice cream at Nagley's General Store

Nagley's General Store was founded by Horace Negley, who opened his first store in the Talkeetna region at the turn of the 20th century. In its current incarnation, the store has been in operation since in 1921 and is the longest continuously-operating general store within the Northern Sustina Valley. The general store is preserved as part of the Fairview Gold Mining District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a local institution for more than a century. In the 1990s, part of the store was burned to the ground, but it was completely rebuilt by local volunteers. Today, it still serves as an essential morning stop for products such as Kaladi Brothers coffees, hand-scooped ice cream, and a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and sodas.

Address: 13650 E Main St, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-3663

7. Go beer tasting at Denali Brewing Company & Tasting Room

Denali Brewing Company & Tasting Room was opened to the public in 2009 as a microbrewery and has since expanded to two locations, including a brewery and tap room and a brewpub. The brewery emphasizes sustainable brewing practices, high-quality ingredients, and community involvement as a central gathering place, one of the few year-round restaurants and pubs in the Talkeetna region. A variety of creative, flavorful dishes are offered at the brewpub, while more than 20 taps are stocked regularly at the tap room. The brewery’s flagship line produces a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including its Chuli Stout, Twister Creek IPA, Single Engine Red, and Mother Blonde Ale. High-quality spirits are produced under the brewery’s Denali Spirits line, and unique ciders and meads are released by its Alaska Ciderworks and Alaska Meadery lines.

Address: 37083 Talkeetna Spur Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-2536

8. See rotating exhibits at The Dancing Leaf Gallery

The Dancing Leaf Gallery is one of Talkeetna’s top art galleries, serving as a venue to promote the works of local Alaskan Native and non-Native artists. The all-local gallery showcases the works of more than 150 local artisans in rotating exhibits, with most artists living within walking distance of the gallery. The gallery’s emphasis is on contemporary works by local cottage industry artisans, presenting pieces crafted in a variety of mediums, including jewelry, textiles, basketweaving, ironworks, photography, glass, and oil paintings. Regular studios on display at the gallery include Stray Cat Designs, Northern Adornments, the Woodsprite Shop, and Mountaintop Woodshop. Other artists highlighted include Shannon Cartwright, Peg and Kevin Foster, Karen Mannix, Steve Durr, Ryan Pierce, and Joanne Noyles.

Address: 13618 E Main St, Talkeetna, AK 99676, Phone: 907-733-5323

9. Admire the view from Talkeetna Riverfront Park

Talkeetna Riverfront Park is located just past the western edge of the city’s Main Street at the confluence of the beautiful Chulitna, Susitna, and Talkeetna Rivers, which join to form the Big Sustian River. On clear days, the park provides unparalleled city views of the Alaska Range and its Denali, Hunter, and Foraker peaks, showcased in spectacular red alpenglow during the morning hours. The large park features wide undeveloped spaces and is perfect for romantic strolls, campfires, and watching rafters and jet boats on the rivers’ waters. Visitors should note that the park’s main trail is unpaved and that winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog mushing, and snowmachining are prevalent during the winter months.

Address: 2nd St, Talkeetna, AK 99676

10. Explore the outdoors at Talkeetna Lakes Park

Talkeetna Lakes Park is located a mile and a half south of downtown Talkeetna and spans 1,040 acres around six pristine lakes. The park is one of 10 borough-owned parks and has been in the process of development since the early 21st century, with 90 acres of adjoining state-owned land in the process of being developed into a park addition. Its lush forests and expansive lakefronts offer a taste of the true Alaskan wilderness close to the city, featuring wildlife such as moose, bears, foxes, beavers, and 100 species of native and migratory birds. A 3.5-mile walking trail is provided, along with sites for fishing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and boating. During the autumn months, the park also serves as a popular regional blueberry picking site.

Address: Talkeetna, AK 99676