Denali translates to “the high one” in the Athabaskan language of the Alaskan Native American Tribe. The Denali National Park is the 3rd largest National US Park, with over 6 million acres of tundra, mountains and glaciers to explore!
On Route • Campgrounds • Food and Drink • Things To Do • Next Stop
On Route From Tok
As you depart from Tok along the Alaska Highway, you will pass through Delta Junction, where you can find the Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum, the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska. Its owners, John and Florence Sullivan operated the log inn from 1905 – 1922, and welcomed many weary winter travelers throughout the height of the gold rush era. Today it is a museum that holds many antique items that help transport visitors back into the days of what it would be like to stay at the roadhouse.
Next you will pass through the North Pole, and if you are travelling with kids you won’t want to miss the Santa Claus House! Inside is an amazing assortment of Christmas decor, collectables, unique toys, and even a sweet shop. Outside, have a seat in Santas sleigh, and take a photo with the nearly 50ft tall Santa statue! Right next door is Santa’s Reindeer Team, where you can learn about and interact with Reindeer!
Fairbanks
Next, you should arrive in Alaska’s second largest city, Fairbanks! Nicknamed the “Golden Heart of Alaska” because between May and July the sun never sets in the city. Fairbanks is the perfect city to stop and explore on your drive to Denali!
Take a tour with Aurora Adventures! They offer Northern Lights Viewings, Wildlife sightseeing, dog sledding, and they even offer guests the opportunity to soak in the natural Chena Hot springs or tour the worlds largest ice museum!
Pioneer Park is a historic village that includes museums and original buildings from downtown Fairbanks. There is also a theme park with a carousel and a train, shops and even restaurants. Enjoy a game of disk golf, canoe the Chena River, and explore the historic sternwheeler, the Nenana!
Campgrounds Near Denali
Food and Drink in Denali
For an energetic evening filled with cheeky humor, musical tunes and excellent food attend one of the Alaskan dinner theatres! The Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre takes place in a charming roadhouse in Denali Village, and the Music of Denali Dinner Show takes place at McKiney Chalet Resort.
Things To Do Around Denali
Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve is the third largest US national park at over 6 million acres! The Denali Park Road is the only road that runs through the park, at just over 92 miles long. Visitors can only drive the first 15 miles of the road, and past that you’ll take the park shuttle to get the best views of Denali.
Keep an eye out for Alaska’s Big Five – Dall Sheep, Grizzly Bears, Caribou, Moose, and Wolves can all be spotted along Denali Park Road!
Denali Hikes
Squid Acres Kennel offers year round dog sled tours! In the winter, you can ride out to see the Northern lights, and in the summer the dogs pull a side by side on wheels across the tundra! A free shuttle from the Denali Visitor Center can also take you the the Denali Park sled dog kennels where free demonstrations are given by rangers 2-3 times per day!
Climb into Black Diamonds family friendly covered wagon for a trip through time! Two draft horses will pull your wagon through the Alaskan tundra as guides fill you in on the areas history and natural treasures.
Soar above the tree line at the one and only unique zipline tour in the Denali Park area. Is there any better way to experience sweeping, 360 degree views of the tundra and the Alaskan range?
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Anchorage
Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city! Urban and wild aren’t opposites; they are Anchorage’s two defining elements. Best known for trails, wildlife, and glaciers, it is the state’s cultural soul as well. The city is home to more artists and musicians than any other place in Alaska.
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