Getting To Know Talkeetna, Alaska
There is no such thing as feeling rushed in Talkeetna, Alaska. Laid back and quaint, this small town offers an escape from the tick of the clock. Restaurants, a few shops and tour operators line the small and rustic main street. For extreme adventure you can take off zipling, cruise on a boat tour or hop aboard a Denali flight-seeing tour. But for the laid back traveler looking to save money, here are some options to ensure a full experience the town.
Walk Along Rocky Shores of Sustina River
Walk Along Rocky Shores of Sustina River
You may even strike it rich! Gold was discovered here in the 1800’s bringing miners to the area. Today the area is still rich with beauty and bold colors in the summer. The rivers are lined with spruce, birch and cottonwood trees. On a clear day, you can also spot views of North America’s largest mountain, McKinley. This is a perfect spot to absorb the moment!
Denali Brewing Company
The craft beer industry is also booming in the Last Frontier. For some of the best local flavors, head to Denali Brewing Company. The Brewery was born after Sassan Mossanden moved from the bustling beer town of Oregon to start a construction company in Talkeetna. After meeting brewer, Bob Barnett who was teaching at University of Alaska, they realized beer was a constant on both their minds. After brainstorming ideas they built their hops fantasy in the Susitna Valley.
13605 E Main St Talkeetna, AK 99676
(907) 733-2536
Spinach Bread
Spinach Bread
For a quick and delicious way to fuel, visit Spinach Bread, housed in a quirky trailer. There are other options available, but the spinach bread is the go on the menu. Homemade bread, toasted with spinach and garlic is toasted in the oven and served by the creator herself. Grab a spot on a nearby bench and take in the vibes of the town.
Take in History at Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
- Take in History at Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
Inside a Little Red School House, the museum showcases the history of natives, aviators, gold seekers and even trappers. In a separate building you will find the Mountain Exhibit, which highlights Mount McKinley and its surrounding peaks. Here you can learn about mountaineering, then and now. Don’t miss the ranger, who walks over from the Talkeetna Ranger Station twice a day, telling you more about mountaineering, mountain climbers, and the Mountain Exhibit room. For a guided tour call the Museum to set up a time: 907-733-2487
Sample Birch Syrup
On the way out of town, stop into to sample the unique flavors of birch syrup. The sweet treat is made from the sap on Birch Trees and evaporated into syrup. It can be used to add extra flavor to everything from ice cream, salmon, sauces, and of course pancakes. Owners, Dule and Micheal Ben-East, also own a facility in Palmer where the product is bottled and also made into a variety of sweets and candies. For an inside look at the processing facilities near Talkeetna, hop aboard a tour. Quick Fact: It takes an average of 100 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of birch syrup
2150 S Endeavor St.
Wasilla, AK 99654
At Mile 1.1 Talkeetna Spur Road; just a mile off the Parks Highway)
Phone: 907-357-4892
