About North Pole, Do you believe in Santa? If not, a visit to North Pole, Alaska is in order. This community of about 2,700 residents keeps the Christmas spirit alive all year long. Only a 15-minute drive south of, Fairbanks, on the Richardson Highway, North Pole features holiday decorations and trimmings–even if it’s 80 degrees in July. You can drive down streets like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, and Mistletoe Lane, or stay the night in the Santa Suite at Hotel North Pole. Santa Claus House in North Pole, Things to Do in North Pole, Santa Claus House, Celebrate Christmas year-round at the Santa Claus House - North Pole's best-known attraction. This sprawling store holds endless aisles of Christmas ornaments and toys, a live Santa to listen to your Christmas wishes, and walls covered with Dear Santa letters from children around the world. Stroll through the magical winter wonderland to shop Santa’s Workshop for unique toys, North Pole apparel,…, WinterFest & Holiday Bazaar, The town comes alive in December with the annual North Pole Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, which draws crowds with activities, local vendors selling crafts and gifts, and a fireworks show. During this time of year, it’s not unusual for national TV newscasts to broadcast live from the Santa Claus House. Santa Claus House in North Pole, LETTERS TO SANTA, Can't make it to North Pole to meet the man himself? You can order personalized Santa letters from Santa's Letters & Gifts, along with Official Good Girls and Boys Certificates (only for those on the nice list) mailed directly from the North Pole. At the North Pole Post Office (located on South Santa Claus Lane, of course), more than 400,000 pieces of mail arrive annually simply addressed to…, Outdoor Activities, Outside of the North Pole City is the town's beloved totem pole and a replica homesteader's cabin. Located near City Hall is the trailhead for Beaver Spring Nature Trail, a half-mile path that winds through a northern conifer forest to North Pole Park. Located on Santa Claus Lane, Terry Miller Memorial Park features a picnic area and playground. Chena Lake Recreation Area North Pole is an ideal…, Chena Lake Recreation Area, with 80 campsites along with a swimming beach, paved bike trails, and canoe rentals. Divided between the lake and river park, the 2,000-acre area is surrounded by birch forests and overlooks waters where beavers, muskrats, otters, and mink live. In the winter, reserve space at the cabins to try ice fishing. In the summers, bike along paved trails to take a dip in the lake or float down the river…, History of North Pole, First homesteaded in 1944, North Pole was given its holiday-themed name by a development company selling property and hoping to attract a toy manufacturer that could advertise products as being made in North Pole. The name stuck although a toy factory never materialized. North Pole’s association with the spirit of Christmas began in earnest in the 1950s by Conrad Miller. The young trading-post…
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About Sitka ( Tlingit : Sheet'Ká), Sitka is the only, Inside Passage, community that fronts the Pacific Ocean, hugging Baranof Island's west shore in the shadow of the impressive Mount Edgecumbe. Located on Sitka Sound, the city of about 8,500 residents is known for its, Tlingit, culture and picturesque remnants of its Russian heritage, including the onion-shaped domes and gold-colored crosses of the beloved Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral . The city and borough limits include most of Baranof Island, where the city of Sitka is located, along with south Chichagof Island and many other small, forested islands along the coast., History of Sitka, Sitka was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people who called the area Sheet’Ká which means “people on the outside of Shee’," with Shee’ being the Tlingit name for Baranof Island. When Russians arrived and claimed the area, they named the area New Archangel and it became the capital of Russian Alaska in 1808. Russia sold Alaska to the United States on October 18, 1867, with a transfer ceremony…, Getting to Sitka, Sitka is not on the road system and is therefore accessible only by air or water. Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from, Anchorage, ,, Fairbanks, ,, Juneau, ,, Ketchikan, , and Seattle. In the summer, many visitors come to Sitka on, large and small cruise ships, exploring the, Inside Passage, . Sitka is also a year-round port of call for the state ferry on the, Alaska Marine Highway System, ., Things to Do in Sitka, Downtown Sitka, Downtown Sitka features numerous art galleries, a fine bookstore, gift shops, several lodging options, and restaurants with great views and local seafood, all nestled between the mountains and the ocean. One of the city’s main events during the summer is the, Sitka Music Festival, . Pick up a map from the Sitka Visitor Information Center to embark on a walking tour highlighting the city’s history and culture. There are 22 buildings in Sitka on the National Register of Historic Places including the Russian Blockhouse, Russian Bishop's House, Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave, and Baranof Castle State Historic Site to name a few, so there’s plenty of history to explore on a walk…, Tlingit, clan. A succession of Russian buildings occupied the hill from 1804–1867, and on October 18, 1867, the Russians officially handed over Alaska to the United States on this site. Each year, Alaska Day is still celebrated on October 18. This historical site is managed by Alaska State Parks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown houses an…, Outdoor Activities, HIKING Sitka offers superb hiking with dozens of trails that begin in the lush rainforest that surrounds the city and often end up high in the mountains. Many of these trails are located in the, Tongass National Forest, , the largest national forest in the United States. Trails for all skill levels explore the area’s forest, coves, lakes, and alpine areas. The Tongass National Forest Sitka Ranger District Office can provide information and maps for hiking trails and camping. FISHING CHARTERS Freshwater, fly-fishing, in Sitka’s lakes and rivers target salmon, char, trout, and steelhead. Ocean, fishing charters, offer world-class salmon and halibut fishing. Sitka is home to several fishing lodges that feature multi-day fishing itineraries and include comfortable accommodations and meals. WHALE WATCHING Marine wildlife is abundant in the waters surrounding Sitka, and one of the best ways to see humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins is from the water. There’s a wide variety of wildlife viewing , cruises, to choose from including large and small catamaran tours, private yachts, private charters, sailboats, and zodiacs. Or, if you’d rather paddle yourself, you can rent a kayak in town or join a guided tour to explore the area’s protected coves and inlets. Whale Park provides an opportunity to view marine wildlife from land, including humpback whales. The park is located about 6 miles south of…, WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTERS, The Fortress of the Bear is a nonprofit education and rescue center with a three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned black and brown bear cubs. Visitors can get up-close views of the bears from covered viewing areas and listen to educational presentations about the resident bears. The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds and releases them back into the wild. The few who don’t regain…, Culture & Museums, SHEET'KA KWAAN NAA KAHIDI COMMUNITY HOUSE & DANCERS Constructed on a site that once housed the Indian Government School, the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House offers, Tlingit, dance performances in full regalia along with storytelling, cultural events, and a small gift shop with authentic Alaska Native artwork. Tlingit dancers perform in connection with Sitka Tribal Tours and demonstrate traditional songs and dances passed down by generations. RUSSIAN HISTORY PERFORMANCES, New Archangel Dancers, The spirited New Archangel Dancers perform Russian folk dances using authentic music, choreography, and costumes. Dancers perform when the cruise ships are in town, between May and September. Tickets are sold a half-hour in advance of each performance and you can find schedule and location information on their website., Alaska Storytellers, Travel through time on a historical journey from the 1700s through 1945 to discover the impact the Russians made on Sitka when they declared it the Capital of Russian America in the early 1800s. This dynamic multimedia show shares stylized Russian folk, contemporary, and swing dancing in 30 minute showtimes that accommodate cruise schedules. MUSEUMS & CULTURAL CENTERS Visitors to the…, Tlingit and Haida artists, that are placed along a well-maintained accessible trail in the forest. Located in the visitor center at Sitka National Historical Park, the Sitka Cultural Center highlights Alaska Native culture through a studio for local Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artists. This unique working artist studio provides a one-on-one experience for visitors to understand master Alaska Native artists and their…, Lodging in Sitka, Several locally owned hotels and inns can be found in and close to the downtown area. There’s a variety of specialty lodging in Sitka including bed & breakfasts, cabins, vacation rentals, and cottages for a more intimate experience. Sitka is also home to a wide selection of oceanfront lodges that offer fishing charters. Looking for more? Read Top 7 Things to Do in Sitka. Kayakers at Sitka…
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With the backdrop of towering Pioneer and Twin Peaks and the surrounding Chugach Mountains, this agricultural community offers access to countless recreation opportunities in the, Mat-Su Valley, , just 40 miles north of, Anchorage, . Read Top 5 Things to Do in Palmer., ABOUT PALMER, Born at the height of the Great Depression as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal relief program to transplant struggling farmers from the Lower 48 to Alaska, Palmer is still known today for its agricultural roots. The town is famed for its 90-pound cabbages, seven-pound turnips, and other monster root vegetables, the result of the midnight sun that shines up to 20 hours a day during…, THINGS TO DO, Palmer is striking because of its blend of farming community and alpine paradise: old red barns and fields of hay are bordered by knife-edged mountain peaks. The downtown area exudes a 1930s ambience; many of the historical buildings have been preserved right down to the antique furniture and wood floors. The Palmer Museum and Visitor Center is housed in a rustic log cabin and tells the stories…, hiking, in the region’s many state parks,, dogsledding, ,, fishing, , horseback riding, boating,, ATV tours, ,, flightseeing, , and more. HATCHER PASS AND INDEPENDENCE MINE STATE HISTORICAL PARK To the north, Hatcher Pass Road leads to scenic Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine State Historical Park . Hatcher Pass is a stunning recreational area filled with panoramas of the Talkeetna Mountains, hiking trails, and gold mine artifacts including the 16 remaining buildings of Independence Mine. KNIK GLACIER Located at the…, flightseeing trip , - which gives you a birds-eye view of the glacier's stunning blue pools, jagged ice formations, and expansive surrounding mountains. Some trips include a glacier landing where you can take a short walk across the glacier ice and even ride go for a dogsled ride. MUSK OX FARM Three miles from downtown is the Musk Ox Farm, home of the only domestic herd of musk ox in the world. The farm raises musk…, STAYING & EATING IN PALMER, Palmer is a full-service community with accommodations, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, gas stations, and other visitor services. Lodging options in Palmer include several, hotels, motels, and inns in the downtown area, plus B&Bs , guest houses, vacation rentals, and wilderness lodges and cabins in the area surrounding town. There’s also a wide variety of state and privately-owned, campgrounds and RV parks, . A handful of restaurants, cafes, and several breweries are located in downtown Palmer., HISTORY, Palmer was established as part of a New Deal relief program during the Great Depression. The mission was to transplant 200 struggling farming families from the Midwest to Alaska where they would cultivate a new agricultural economy. In 1935, the down-on-their-luck families stepped off the, Alaska Railroad, in the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys , deemed suitable by the government for farming. The soil was rich by Alaska standards, but the growing season was just long enough for cool-weather grains and certain vegetables, leaving little margin for error. The farmers’ perseverance paid off, however, and today the Mat-Su Valley is Alaska’s breadbasket, producing 75 percent of the state’s total…, Read more about the Mat-Su Valley .
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ABOUT UNALASKA ( UNANGAM TUNUU : ILUULUXˆ), Situated between the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Bering Sea to the north, the, Aleutian Island, community of Unalaska is rich in history, and for over 20 years has been the top commercial fishing port in the country. Unalaska, home to the Port of Dutch Harbor, sits in the heart of the North Pacific and Bering Sea fisheries. The city of Unalaska is on the northern end of Unalaska Island, the second largest island in the Aleutian Chain, 800 miles southwest of Anchorage . World War II history…, sportfishing, ,, kayaking, , and, birding, . Dutch Harbor is the main delivery port for the crab fleet featured on the Discovery Channel’s reality show “The Deadliest Catch.” , HISTORY of Unalaska / Dutch Harbor, Unalaska’s earliest known inhabitants, the Unangan people have continuously occupied these islands for thousands of years. Unalaska was established as the first headquarters for the Russian-American Fur Company and cornerstone for the lucrative sea otter fur trade in the early 1820s. Its status as the only natural deep-water port in the Aleutians has made it an important port since the 18th…, Getting to Unalaska, Unalaska can be reached by scheduled daily air service from Anchorage on Ravn Air, air taxis, and monthly Alaska Marine Highway ferry service from May through September., Things to Do in Unalaska / Dutch Harbor, RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, Unalaska’s most prominent landmark, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of Christ, completed in 1896, is the oldest cruciform-style cathedral in North America and the oldest Russian-built church still standing in Alaska. Overlooking the bay, the church is a favorite for photographers. The church contains almost 700 pieces of art, ranging from Russian Orthodox icons and books to…, MUSEUMS & WWII HISTORICAL SITES, The impact of WWII in the Aleutians remains one of the most visible features that dot this remote landscape today. Quonset huts, barracks, concrete bunkers, and former gun emplacements provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore this part of United States history. Less visible but not less important was the war’s impact on the, Alaska Native, residents of the region, who were relocated from the islands after the June 1942 bombing by the Japanese. Dedicated to the 'Forgotten War' is the Visitor Center at the, Aleutian World War II National Historic Area, , housed in the original military air control tower built in 1942. Downstairs exhibits relive the Aleutian campaign, including the bombing of Dutch Harbor by the Japanese for two days and the Battle of Attu. The heart of the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is Fort Schwatka on Mt Ballyhoo, the highest coastal battery ever constructed in the US. The 1634-foot mountain is behind the…, fishing & sightseeing charters, Visitors can catch salmon and Pacific cod in the waters surrounding Unalaska, but most anglers usually arrive with hopes of landing a trophy halibut, which can be over 300 pounds. Alaska's state halibut record, weighing in at 459 pounds, was hooked and landed offshore of Dutch Harbor. Charter fishing captains are on hand to help you set a new record - or take you out on a sightseeing boat trip if…, HIKING, The island’s rolling green hills and mountains, treeless landscape, abundant wildflowers, and lack of bears make it an excellent destination for hiking . Visitors will find several trail options including Mount Ballyhoo , Bunker Hill Trail , Mount Newhall , and Goose Lake Trail . Most trails venture into land that is privately owned by the Ounalashka Corporation and require a recreation permit to…, BIRDING, Unalaska is a birder's paradise. The many deep protected bays, inlets, straits, and passes of the area are home to a wide variety of birds, from graceful pelagic to melodious songbirds. One of the rarest birds in the U.S., the whiskered auklet—a small, grey, diving bird with long whiskers—can be found at the eastern end of Unalaska Island. Tufted and horned puffins are frequently seen in the…, SITKA SPRUCE PLANTATION NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK, The Sitka Spruce Plantation National Historic Landmark commemorates the area where Russians planted Sitka spruce in 1805 in an effort to grow and harvest trees on the treeless island. This is the oldest recorded afforestation project in North America—the name for trees being planted in an area where none grew before. Three of the gnarly spruce currently in the park are said to be the originals.…, Lodging in Unalaska, Accommodation options including one hotel–the Grand Aleutian Hotel–and a handful of bungalows and vacation rentals.
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This gigantic glacier is the largest in the U.S. that can be reached by vehicle., Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, is a stable 27-mile long river of ice flowing from the Chugach Mountains almost all the way to the Glenn Highway. With a 4-mile wide terminus visible from one of Alaska's major highways, the Matanuska Glacier is the most popular roadside attraction between, Anchorage, and, Glennallen, , and visitors flock to the area in the summer for the glacier’s brilliant views and epic treks., THINGS TO DO, Most visitors get close with the ice at Glacier Park, a private access area at Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway. A private road leads to a parking lot at the terminal moraine where you can start a guided trek on the glacier. Tour companies offer guided glacier walks that explore this enormous river of ice. Expert guides will get you geared up with helmets, crampons, and poles and lead you safely…, LANDSCAPE, The Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier, consisting of streams of flowing ice that create the headwaters of the Matanuska River. Now 60 miles south of, Palmer, , the position of the terminus has changed relatively little in the past 30 years. The glacier functions as a weather hole that naturally propels warm valley air upward. Due to this phenomenon, visitors will experience sunnier skies and a warmer environment compared to the rest of the, Mat-Su Valley, , making this a premier destination for those seeking glacial adventures., FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site has 12 campsites on a gravel road that loops around the site and is equipped with a water pump, outhouses, fire pits, and picnic tables. Nearby Edge Nature Trail is a 20-minute path that curves through the boreal forest with interpretive signs to glacier-viewing platforms. The only way to access Matanuska Glacier is by joining a guided glacier tour,…, GETTING HERE, Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is accessible by road at Mile 101 of the Glenn Highway, 93 miles from, Anchorage, and 52 miles from, Palmer, . During the winter the site is closed. Access to Matanuska Glacier is at Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway.
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With beautiful scenery, close proximity to Anchorage and Homer , and less than 20,000 visitors a year, this park is an undiscovered jewel., Only 100 miles southwest from Anchorage , Lake Clark National Park and Preserve holds some of Alaska's finest scenery: an awesome array of mountains, glaciers, granite spires, thundering waterfalls, waved-washed coastline, and the shimmering turquoise waters of its namesake lake., THINGS TO DO, Visitors to the park are usually a mix of anglers, river runners, wildlife enthusiasts, and experienced backpackers. Within the park are three designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers — Chilikadrotna, Tlikakila, and Mulchatna Rivers — that have long been havens for rafters and paddlers in inflatable canoes and kayaks. Lake Clark's watershed is one of the world's most important producers of…, fishing, ,, flightseeing ,, or, bear viewing, can visit the park for just for a day on a float plane., Bear viewing, is a highlight of Lake Clark National Park, with dense populations of brown bears gathering along the coastline, lakes, and creeks to feed on salmon and clams. Guided day tours from, Anchorage, ,, Kenai, , and, Homer, take visitors into the park by small plane to spend time watching these magnificent animals. The best times for bear viewing are June through September. There are no roads and few trails in Lake Clark, but the park is home to the 50-mile historic Telaquana Route , the park's best cross-country route. First used by Dena'ina, Athabascans, and later by fur trappers and miners, the route begins on Lake Clark's north shore, near the Athabascan village of Kijik, and ends near Telaquana Lake. In between, you pass through boreal forests, ford glacial rivers, and cross the fragile alpine tundra along the western flank of the Alaska Range. In addition to the Telaquana Route, there are several other backcountry hiking routes and day hikes…, WILDLIFE, Lake Clark is home to a wide variety of subarctic wildlife species. Land mammals include brown and black bears, moose, the Mulchatna caribou herd that numbers more than 100,000, Dall sheep, and wolves. Harbor seals, beluga whales, Steller sea lions, and sea otters are seen along the coast. , LANDSCAPE, The 5,625-square-mile park stretches from the shores of Cook Inlet, across the Chigmit Mountains, to tundra-covered hills in, Southwest Alaska, . The centerpiece of the park is spectacular Lake Clark, a 42-mile-long turquoise body of water ringed in by mountains. The Chigmit Mountain Range, where the Alaska Range merges into the Aleutian Range, is home to Mount Iliamna at 10,016 feet and Mount Redoubt at 10,197 feet — two active volcanoes that erupted in 1990, sending ash all the way to, Anchorage, . On either side of the mountains, the valley, lake, and foothill areas reflect a glacially altered terrain. Boreal forest covers the lower sections of the southwest part of the park, with white and black spruce making up most of the coniferous trees. The father north and west regions are primarily tundra., HISTORY, Qizhjeh Vena, meaning ‘a place where people gathered’ in Dena’ina, Athabascan, , is the original name of Lake Clark. The Athabascan people known as Dena’ina have lived in the Lake Clark region for thousands of years. The land and water supports, shapes, and sustains their culture. The park contains numerous sites with ancient and historic remains, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places — including the famous cabin built by Richard Proenneke in the…, FACILITIES, CAMPING, AND LODGING, Port Alsworth, on Lake Clark's southeastern shore serves as the main entry point into the park, accessible only by plane. Within the small village is lodging, meals, raft rentals, a privately-owned campground, and the Port Alsworth Ranger Station , with displays and videos on the park and a limited selection of maps and books for sale. Lake Clark also has several remote lodges, most of which are accessible from, Port Alsworth, or Iliamna , for those looking for a comfortable multi-day escape into the wilderness. There is one primitive camping area at Hope Creek and two public use cabins on Lake Clark., GETTING HERE, Access to Lake Clark is by small charter aircraft on a one-hour flight from, Anchorage, ,, Kenai, , or, Homer, . Small planes that take visitors on day trips into the park land on lakes, gravel bars, or beaches to spend the day fishing or bear viewing. Most remote lodges are accessed by air taxi from, Port Alsworth, , which rests on the south shore of Lake Clark, or Iliamna , a small community on the northwest shore of Lake Iliamna. For more information, visit the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve website .
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Light on visitors due to its remote access, this park offers sanctuary for caribou, muskoxen, and more than 145 species of birds, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, one of the finest wilderness areas in the world, straddles the Arctic Divide in the, Brooks Range, , America's northernmost chain of mountains. Second only to, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, in size, Gates of the Arctic covers 13,238 square miles and is entirely north of the Arctic Circle. It extends from the southern foothills of the, Brooks Range, , across the range's ragged peaks and down onto the North Slope. With the exception of the Dalton Highway (famous for its depiction on, Ice Road Truckers, ), the park is far from any roads and is home to only one village,, Anaktuvuk Pass, . Eight more Alaska Native villages dot the perimeter, but all have less than 400 permanent residents. In the simplest terms, Gates of the Arctic is a vast wilderness the size of Switzerland that contains no National Park Service facilities, visitor centers, or campgrounds., THINGS TO DO, Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, with no roads or trails, so visitors must fly or hike into the park. Access to the park begins in, Fairbanks, , with several small airlines that provide flights into the gateway communities of, Bettles, ,, Anaktuvuk Pass, , and, Coldfoot, . The remoteness of the park attracts mostly experienced backcountry travelers for float trips, backpacking treks, or base camps set up to enjoy day hiking and fishing. Many visitors join guided trips that a handful of outfitters offer in summer for rafting and hiking, or in the winter for dog mushing and cross-country skiing. Either as an independent traveler or as part of guided expedition, a…, Wiseman, to, Bettles, . The headwaters for the Noatak and Kobuk Rivers are in the park and are popular waterways for rafters and canoers, ranging from Class I to III in difficulty. Of the various rivers, the North Fork of the Koyukuk is one of the most popular due to its location and level of difficulty - the float begins in the shadow of the Gates and continues downstream 100 miles to Bettles through Class I and II…, WILDLIFE, The park and preserve provides habitat for grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and wolverines. Fishing is considered superb for grayling and Arctic char in the clear streams and for lake trout in the larger, deeper lakes. The only trails in the park are those made by the Western Arctic caribou herd, one of the largest in Alaska, numbered at over 150,000 animals., LANDSCAPE, Most of the park is a maze of glaciated valleys and gaunt, rugged mountains covered with boreal forest, or treeless slopes of Arctic tundra north of the divide. Within this preserve are six Wild and Scenic Rivers, miles of valleys and tundra slopes to hike, and of course, the Gates themselves., HISTORY, The park's name dates to 1929, when conservationist Robert Marshall found an unobstructed path northward to the Arctic coast of Alaska while exploring the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Upon seeing the two mountains, Mt. Boreal and Frigid Crags flanking the river, Marshall named the portal the “Gates of the Arctic.” First protected as a U.S. National Monument on December 1, 1978, the area was…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, There are no roads, campgrounds, or designated hiking trails in the park. The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center , which provides information about the park, is located in, Coldfoot, along the Dalton Highway, 260 miles north of, Fairbanks, . There is also the seasonal Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station and the Bettles Ranger Station and Visitor Center , which is open year-round. , GETTING HERE, Most visitors arrive via scheduled or charter air service from, Fairbanks, to, Anaktuvuk Pass, ,, Bettles, , or, Coldfoot, . Bush charters are available from Bettles and Coldfoot into the park boundaries. The Dalton Highway, open year-round, comes within 5 miles of the park, and some visitors choose to hike in from there, often beginning in, Wiseman, or, Coldfoot, . For more information, visit the Gates of the Arctic National Park website .
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Magnificent wildlife, vast tundra, and the towering Denali are highlights of this world-famous national park., The granite peaks and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve cover 160 miles of the Alaska Range and are so tall they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this stunning landscape is Denali - the highest peak in North America. Denali majestically ascends 20,310 feet and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska. The Denali area is the traditional homeland of the Koyukon…, A note for visitors from 2024 - 2026:, The Denali Park Road will be open until mile 43 through 2026 due to road improvements. Narrated bus tours and transit buses will continue to be available for guests visiting the park and will travel as far as mile 43. The main visitor center will remain open along with four campgrounds and numerous trails accessible via the Park Road. Please check with Kantishna -area businesses about their…, Things to Do in Denali National Park, Visitor Centers, Located just inside the park's entrance are two visitor centers that serve as hubs of information and resources for the park. The Denali Visitor Center is a 14,000-square-foot facility with interactive exhibits and rangers to answer your questions about the park. On the first floor are exhibits devoted to the area's natural and human history and a theater with a movie that provides a glimpse of…, Denali Bus Tours, The majority of the 92-mile Park Road that leads into the heart of the park is not open to private vehicles, so the best way to explore the park is by bus. There are two types of buses into the park: narrated tour buses and non-narrated transit buses.The Natural History Tour and the Tundra Wilderness Tour busses are narrated by onboard naturalists and take you to the top sightseeing spots,…, Wildlife viewing, It’s not just the mountain that makes Denali National Park such a special place. Most visitors come to see Alaska's "Big Five": bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep - all of which can be seen in the park. Grizzly bears are mainly seen on the open tundra while black bears inhabit forested areas of the park. Most of the bears seen by visitors along the Park Road are grizzlies. Denali is…, Hiking & Backpacking, The park's vast wilderness area is home to relatively few designated hiking trails, most of which are located near the park's entrance. Within a couple miles of the Denali Visitor Center are eight trails with various difficulty that explore the lakes, rivers, and alpine scenery around the park entrance. Popular hikes near the park entrance include the Horseshoe Lake Trail and Mt. Healy Overlook…, Biking, The Denali Park Road is open to adventurous cyclists who are interested in a day biking trip or overnight bikepacking trip . Biking the Denali Park Road is challenging and requires careful planning and attention to safety, but rewards with stunning views and access to Denali's backcountry. The Park Road is unpaved and has no shoulders. Cyclists share the road with park buses and should always be…, Adventure Tours, A visit to Alaska is nothing if not adventurous, and adventure tours in Denali take that spirit to the next level. This is the place to indulge in experiences you won’t find anywhere else: take a helicopter or flightseeing tour and land on a glacier. Raft the Nenana River, with its swirling glacier waters roaring through a canyon. Soar across the boreal forest on a zipline. Watch out for wildlife…, Driving into Denali National Park, Visitors are welcome to drive their own vehicles 15 miles into the park to Savage River. From here, they can embark on the flat Savage River Loop that travels 2 miles along the river or climb the steep Savage Alpine Trail for 4 miles to a ridge with sweeping views of the area. Please note that the Savage River parking lot can fill up quickly. Visitors are also welcome to take the free shuttle…, Denali Sled Dog Kennels, Have you ever met a canine ranger? Denali National Park is home to the only sled dog team in the United States used to patrol a national park. Visitors can meet these canine rangers at their kennels and see demonstrations to learn about their unique history and role at the park. The kennels are open year-round near the park entrance. Canine rangers in Denali National Park, Flightseeing, Climbing Denali, the tallest mountain in North America and one of the world's seven summits, is a dream goal for many mountaineers. An easier - yet still dramatic - way to see the summit is through a flightseeing tour, with options for glacier landings . These flights depart near the park entrance or from the charming mountaineering town of Talkeetna , and are a fantastic way to take in the park’…, , Denali National Park Lodging, Most visitors to Denali National Park stay at the many hotels, lodges , and cabins located near the park entrance in an area known as Denali Park . These accommodations typically provide shuttle service to the park and can arrange tours and other activities in the area. If you’d like to stay in the park, there are 6 designated campgrounds, from Riley Creek Campground at the park entrance to…, Getting to Denali National Park, The three main ways to get to Denali National Park and Preserve are by car, train , or bus . The closest major cities to the park are Fairbanks , 120 miles north of the park, and Anchorage , 240 miles south of the park. There are also several smaller communities near the park with lodging, tours, and other services, including Healy , Cantwell , Nenana , and Talkeetna . The entrance to Denali…, When to Visit Denali National Park, The peak time for visiting the park is mid-May through mid-September, when the park buses and other amenities are operational, wildlife viewing opportunities are at their peak, and weather conditions allow for more activities like hiking, biking, backpacking, and camping. If you’re prepared for cold, snowy conditions and dazzling beauty, visiting Denali National Park in winter is a unique and…, Denali National Park History, Generations of Koyukon Athabascans lived in and traveled through what is now the park for thousands of years. The first permanent non-Alaska Native settlement was established in 1905, when a gold rush gave birth to the town of Kantishna . A year later, naturalist and noted hunter Charles Sheldon was stunned by the beauty of the land and horrified at the reckless abandon of the miners and big-…
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The Denali National Park Area stretches along the Parks Highway from the town of Healy , just north of the park, to the town of Cantwell , just south of the park. These two towns, along with the Denali Park area just outside the entrance of Denali National Park and Preserve , serve as the basecamp for people hoping to see the park's abundant wildlife and the tallest mountain in North America.…, Denali National Park AREA: Cities & Towns, Cantwell Denali Park Healy Kantishna, Denali National Park AREA: Parks, Denali National Park and Preserve
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In 1902, Felix Pedro found gold in what is now the Fairbanks area and thousands of prospectors swarmed to Interior Alaska in search of the “mother lode.” Nearly a century later, Fairbanks (population 32,000) is the trade and transportation center for Interior and Arctic Alaska. The city is home to a full array of visitor services including lodging, restaurants, shops, and tour options. The parks…, Alaska Railroad, and is famous today for the Nenana Ice Classic, a popular statewide content in which entrants guess the date of ice breakup on the Tanana River for a chance to win the pot, usually over $300,000., Fairbanks Area: Cities & Towns, Anderson Central Chena Hot Springs Circle Ester Fairbanks Manley Hot Springs Nenana North Pole Salcha, Fairbanks Area: Parks, Chatanika State Recreation Areas Chena River State Recreation Area Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
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