Talkeetna, Alaska

Meandering Moose Lodging is located less than a five minute drive from the center of downtown Talkeetna.

Gateway to Denali

Talkeetna is one of the gateways to Denali National Park and known as the staging area for climbers to begin their ascent of mighty Denali. Once you arrive, a myriad of recreational opportunities beckon. Talkeetna serves as headquarters for climbing expeditions to Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), which, at 20,320 feet (6,194 meters), is the tallest mountain in North America. The mountains, rivers, glaciers, and meadows in the area provide superb sight seeing, especially by air. There is no way to describe the experience of a flight over Denali.

Talkeetna has been said to be the model for Cicely, Alaska—the quirky little town featured in the TV show "Northern Exposure."

History

The Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers join the Susitna River at Talkeetna, an Indian word meaning "where the rivers join." Originally the site of a Tanaina Indian village, Talkeetna began as a mining town and trading post in 1896, before either Wasilla or Anchorage existed. A gold rush to the Susitna River brought prospectors to the area, and by 1910, Talkeetna became a riverboat steamer station bringing in supplies to miners and trappers. In 1915, Talkeetna was chosen as the site for the Alaska Engineering Commission, who would build the Alaska Railroad, and the community peaked near 1,000. World War I and completion of the railroad in 1919 dramatically decreased the population. Several of its old log buildings are historical landmarks, and Talkeetna was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1993.

Current History… time to make your own “Talkeetna memories”

• Stay awhile – Talkeetna is the perfect location to set up your “base camp” for your Alaska adventures. You will find many of the “must do” adventures are based out of the Talkeetna area. Whether you come to enjoy the many outdoor activities or simply to bask in the atmosphere of a small outpost in the Alaskan wilderness, you'll love your visit to "Beautiful Downtown Talkeetna."
• View Denali
  The best view of Denali is often in Talkeetna. This is because the southern side of Denali is often more visible than the northern side. Air tours are available from both ends of the mountain, and while the biggest thrill may be the close-up sight of Denali (Mt McKinley) itself, these tours are packed with topographical drama from start to finish. From the sky, stunning glaciers -- rivers of ice -- are dramatically visible.
  Talkeetna Air Taxi
  K2 Aviation
• Hiking
  Talkeetna is the access point for many beautiful trails. Take a peaceful walk and look for Alaskan plants and wildlife.
  Alaska Nature Guides
• Local Entertainment
  Take time to enjoy the people. In summer you will find music most nights of the week. Enjoy the fun in July at the 4th of July Parade featuring the Moose on Parade.