13 Best Things to Do in Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna is an unexpected, quirky, fun-loving town located 15 miles off the Parks Highway in Alaska. The town of Talkeetna rests in the shadow of Denali, with beautiful views of the majestic mountain from many places around town. This little town, with just over 1,000 people, has many things to entertain and excite during your visit.
Talkeetna was settled in 1916 when it was chosen as the district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad. Today the town is filled with artistic, outdoorsy, and creative community-focused people. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors, offering many activities such as flightseeing, rafting, and biking. It is also the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Denali. Talkeetna is easily accessible for visitors - driving nonstop from Anchorage to Talkeetna is about 2 hours on an entirely paved road.
Is Talkeetna, Alaska worth visiting?
Talkeetna is worth visiting on your trip to Alaska. You will find friendly people, fun activities, and beautiful views of Denali. Don’t miss out on Talkeetna!
We are lucky enough to visit Talkeetna regularly throughout the year. We’ve been fortunate to experience many different activities and spend time with local friends exploring the town. Read on to discover our favorite activities in Talkeetna and a list of our recommended restaurants and accommodations.
*Note - “Downtown Talkeetna” and “Main Street” are used interchangeably throughout the article. Locals use both terms.
Things to Do in Talkeetna
Welcome to Downtown Talkeetna
Take a Stroll Down the Talkeetna Main Street
Fairview Inn in Talkeetna, Alaska
The Talkeetna Main Street is bustling during the summer as it fills with travelers visiting historic buildings, shops, art galleries, and restaurants. There are a number of historic buildings, such as the red and white Nagley’s Store, which dates back to 1921, the Fairview Inn, which dates back to 1923, and the Talkeetna Roadhouse, which was built in 1917. Take your time to visit the small, locally owned shops and restaurants. Talkeetna has a large artist community, so you will find many locally-made gifts and souvenirs.
During the off-season (late September - early May), many shops and restaurants close down for the season or offer limited hours. Even if you visit outside of the summer, you will surely find some open shops and restaurants. Surprisingly, the off-season can be even more fun in Talkeetna as you will find more of the local crowd and fun events.
Read more about visiting Talkeetna in the winter.
2. Go on a Denali Flightseeing Tour with a Glacier Landing
Glacier landing on a Denali flightseeing tour
Denali flightseeing is one of the best activities we have enjoyed in Alaska. You can join a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna that will take you to Denali. The flights operate all day and usually run about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are a few different Denali flightseeing tours to choose from. Some land on a glacier, some circumnavigate the mountain, and some even fly over the summit! These tours are available year-round but be advised that tours can be canceled last minute due to weather. We recommend booking your tour in advance during the summer, but it is often possible to join a tour the day of if space is available.
There are two main companies in Talkeetna that we partner with for flightseeing tours:
Read more about Denali Flightseeing Tours.
If you would like advice or assistance with booking your Denali flightseeing tour, we would be happy to help! Just contact us!
Incredible views on a Denali flightseeing tour
3. Go Beer Tasting at Denali Brewing Company
Denali Brewing Company is THE brewing company in Talkeetna. This local company not only makes local handcrafted beer but also owns Alaska Meadery (making mead), Alaska Ciderworks (making cider), and Denali Spirits (making an assortment of spirits). They also operate a restaurant in town called Denali BrewPub. The taproom also has a small kitchen serving fresh pizza and other appetizers.
The taproom is one of our favorite places in Talkeetna to meet up with friends. On warm days there is plenty of outdoor seating, and the interior just underwent a significant renovation creating an open, cozy, and inviting space. The tap room is located at Mile 2 of the Talkeetna Spur Road, so it isn’t near the Downtown area, but it is definitely worth a visit!
4. Ride on the Hurricane Turn Train with the Alaska Railroad
The Hurricane Turn Train is a round-trip train departs from Talkeetna and travels through the backcountry in the Indian River Valley. The views are stunning, especially at the train’s turnaround point in Hurricane Gulch. On a clear day, Denali is visible from sections of the trip. One extra special thing about this train, aside from the stunning scenery, is the flagstop service. The flagstop service allows people to access remote cabins and other backcountry areas for hunting and fishing. The train is essential for these people are there are no roads or other services in the area. People can flag down the train and get on or off anywhere along the route. Riding the Hurricane Turn Train is an authentic Alaskan experience!
There are no dining options on the train, and they suggest that passengers bring their own meals aboard. The train operates year-round on certain days of the week.
5. Explore Denali State Park
Hiking the Curry Ridge Trail in Denali State Park
Though not exactly in Talkeetna, Denali State Park is located just under an hour north of Talkeetna and is definitely worth the day trip. Denali State Park is absolutely stunning and is often overlooked by visitors. From the state park, on a clear day, you will have an incredible view of Denali and other peaks in the Alaska Range. The state park has excellent campgrounds, well-maintained hiking trails, and a lake for water activities.
Our favorite hike in Denali State Park is the Curry Ridge Trail. This is a 6.5-mile long out-and-back trail that slowly switchbacks uphill. At the top, you have a beautiful view of Denali and access to a pristine alpine lake. For those looking for a gentle nature loop that offers some lookouts, we recommend the Moose Flats Loop Trail. The is a .6 mile loop with interpretive signs and beautiful views. It is perfect for those of all ages.
Also, in Denali State Park, you will find Byers Lake. The lake is closed to motorized watercraft, making it ideal and peaceful for those looking to kayak, canoe, or paddle board. In the summer, you can even rent boating equipment for the day from Denali River Guides. A 5.3-mile hiking trail also goes around the lake called the Byers Lake Trail.
As always, if you choose to recreate outdoors in Alaska, bring your wildlife safety knowledge!
Paddle boarding on Byers Lake in Denali State Park
6. Have Dinner at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Dining on the terrace at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a million-dollar view, this is it. You will have a perfect panoramic view of Denali and other Alaska Range peaks from the Base Camp Bistro terrace at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. The food at the restaurant is good, including a range of dishes from fresh fish to burgers. If you’re not interested in eating, you can also stop by the lodge to enjoy the incredible views.
The restaurant and the lodge are closed during the winter.
7. Rent Bikes or Nordic Skis
Talkeetna has a 20-mile paved bike path that runs from the highway to Downtown Talkeetna. If you want to explore Talkeetna by bike or even join a biking tour, we recommend visiting the Talkeetna Gear Shop. They rent different styles of bikes, including fat bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. They even have the option to rent a bike and pedal the 12 miles on the paved bike path to the Denali Brewing Tasting room. This tour includes the bike rental, a pizza, and two drinks per person. When you finish up, call their office, and their driver will pick you up and bring you back to town! If you’re feeling really adventurous, they have a Denali heli-biking tour where you will venture down a valley in the foothills of Denali.
They also offer Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals and exciting Nordic ski tours (with chances of seeing the northern lights!) during winter.
8. Enjoy Coffee and Goodies at Conscious Coffee
Looking for a good cup of coffee and the local Talkeetna scene? Stop by Conscious Coffee on the Main Street. In addition to serving coffee, they also make crepes to order. This is a great place to meet up with friends or people-watch in the summer. They don’t have a website, so be sure to track them down when you’re in town!
9. Go for a Hike
Hiking in Denali State Park
There are many hikes in Talkeetna and the Denali State Park area. If you’re looking for a trail in Talkeetna proper, there is the Talkeetna Lake Trail, a gentle 3.7-mile loop. If you are interested in hiking with some super knowledgeable local guides, we recommend Alaska Nature Guides. They offer custom guided hikes around Talkeetna and Denali State Park. The guides at this company are trained in backcountry skills and highly knowledgeable about the local nature and environment. They even offer winter snowshoeing trips. Check them out!
10. Travel the Local Rivers by Boat
When you think of sightseeing in Alaska, you probably don’t imagine traveling upriver on a speedboat adventure. One company in Talkeetna offers these types of tours - Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures. The tours operate in the summer and provide a new way to experience Alaska. On the boat, a naturalist will share the area's history and information about the unique ecosystem. On all the trips, you will visit a Dena’ina Indian Encampment and an authentic trapper’s cabin.
If you want to travel in the opposite direction of the jet boat, we recommend floating down the river with Talkeetna River Guides. This company offers daily river floats for people of all ages and abilities in the summer. You can look for wildlife on the river and learn about the local nature. On the river, you can also look for beaver dams and historic miner’s cabins and have great views of Denali. They even offer guided overnight river trips for those seeking a more adventurous option.
11. Taste Birch Treats and Other Alaska Flavors
Alaska is known for its birch tree syrup products. In Talkeetna, Alaska, Wild Harvest is leading the way! The shop, located at Mile 1 off the Talkeetna Spur Road, is open to visitors for sampling birch products, buying gifts and souvenirs, and taking a tour of their operations. The people who work there are excited to share everything they know about birch syrup harvesting. They have an informational video that details the history of their business. This is a great place to purchase some local Alaska souvenirs. And last but definitely not least, they serve BIRCH ICE CREAM. One for me, please!
12. Try Your Hand at Gold Panning
Although this activity is just outside of Talkeetna, we think it’s worth mentioning. The town of Trapper Creek, located across the Susitna River from Talkeetna, dates back to 1906 when gold was discovered in Cache Creek. Prospectors traveled up the Susitna River to Susitna Station and then past Trapper Creek in search of gold. Today in Trapper Creek, Rich Humphrey, proprietor, prospector, guide, and lifelong Alaskan, operates Denali Gold Tours. Denali Gold Tours offers easy-going tours in Alaska’s backcountry. They provide the necessary gear and lead you through the gold panning process. You will conclude your tour with a barbecue.
13. Visit the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station
If you want to learn a little more about the climbers that have summited Denali, the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station is the place to go. This ranger station serves as the center for mountaineering operations on Denali. Mountaineers that want to climb Denali or other peaks in the area must first stop here to obtain a permit and undergo an orientation to the mountain. Those who aren’t planning to climb the mountain but are interested in learning a little more can visit the center and view flags from different climbing teams, look through weather logs and browse through some of the books they have. Note that the ranger station is usually closed during the winter months.
Best Places to See Denali from Talkeetna
One of our groups at the Denali viewpoint in Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a great place to have a clear view of Denali. Unfortunately, if it’s a cloudy day, you are out of luck. But if you time it right and the weather is good, you will be rewarded. Here are some of the best places to view Denali from Talkeetna:
Talkeetna Alaska Lodge - The lodge terrace has a direct view of the mountain. There is a restaurant with outdoor seating, or just visit the terrace with unobstructed views.
Roadside Viewpoint - This viewpoint is just a pull-off on the side of the road before driving into Downtown Talkeetna. It is located on the left-hand side of the road when driving into Talkeetna, approximately 13 miles from the Talkeetna Spur Road turn-off on the Parks Highway.
Talkeetna River Front Park - This viewing area is located on the banks of the Susitna River at the end of Main Street. This area used to have more trails, but the river is often too high. The views are incredible!
Glacier landing on the Pika Glacier in Denali
The Best Restaurants in Talkeetna, Alaska
There are many good restaurants and cafes in Talkeetna. Here are a few of our favorites!
The tap room at Denali Brewing underwent a huge remodel recently, and they opened a small kitchen serving pizza, soups, and salads. The space inside is open, cozy, and welcoming - the perfect place to meet with friends and enjoy some drinks. We highly recommend stopping here on your visit to Talkeetna!
The Flying Squirrel is a family-owned cafe serving pastries, artisan bread, homemade granola, and more year-round. They use ingredients grown on their Talkeetna farm - Birch Creek Ranch. On Friday and Saturday nights, they heat their brick oven and bake up gourmet pizzas! They are allergy-friendly, so this hometown restaurant has something for everyone. Read more about the Flying Squirrel Bakery in our article about vegetarian cuisine in Alaska.
This new restaurant in Talkeetna has something for everyone - soups and salads, appetizers, burgers, and flatbreads. The service is quick, and the flavors are great! It is located on Main Street.
Located on Talkeetna Main Street, you will find this lively and tasty pizzeria. At Mountain High, they toss their pizzas and cover them with ingredients from their garden. They even make some pizzas with locally foraged ingredients such as fiddle-head ferns and rhubarb. This is a restaurant that the whole family will enjoy.
The Roadhouse is a famous and historic place in Talkeetna that offers lodging options in addition to serving food. Their full breakfast is only open to hotel guests, but hopefully, they will reopen to the public soon! You can visit their restaurant window to buy delicious pastries and baked goods. This warm and cozy restaurant feels like Alaska should. The walls are decorated with pictures and memorabilia of Denali mountain climbers. There is a piano and family-style seating. They are well known for their cinnamon rolls, sourdough pancakes, reindeer sausage, homemade pies and cookies, and their famous apple butter.
Conscious Coffee
Conscious Coffee serves our favorite cup of coffee in Talkeetna. They are located on the Main Street with outdoor seating. They also serve an assortment of yummy crepes.
Nagley’s Store in Downtown Talkeetna
The Best Places to Stay in Talkeetna, Alaska
Yes, the same Roadhouse as earlier mentioned in the restaurants. If you want to stay somewhere in town with authentic historic Alaska vibes, this is the place. They offer little cabins, hostel-style shared bunk rooms, private rooms, an apartment, and more.
The Talkeetna Cabins are located in downtown Talkeetna on a beautifully landscaped property close to restaurants and shops. The property has four spacious cabins, each with a private bathroom. This is a family-owned business, and they are happy to share their little piece of Alaska with you!
The Chinook Wind Cabins are located close to downtown Talkeetna. They are open year-round and a great place for couples or families to stay. They have six cabins on the property, each with a private bathroom.
The Denali Overlook Inn is a beautiful property perched on a bluff five miles from Downtown Talkeetna. They have a direct view of Denali, possibly one of the best views in the whole town. This handcrafted timber frame lodge is a true luxury Alaskan accommodation.
Flightseeing in Denali National Park
We hope this information is useful in planning your trip to Talkeetna. If you are ready to visit Talkeetna, design your trip here!
