THINGS TO DO IN TALKEETNA, AK
A popular stop on the Alaska Railroad, and the final stop before climbing Denali, Talkeetna has attracted a flow of visitors from all over the World for decades, creating a fun-loving, artistic, and open-minded community. Not planning on climbing North America’s largest peak, no worries, there’s plenty to do in beautiful Talkeetna!
Denali flight-seeing tours, dog sled rides, ATV tours, zip-lining, and plenty of river activities (fishing, rafting, jet-boat tours) complement Talkeetna’s quaint shops, museums, restaurants, and pubs to make it a MUST VISIT for anyone on their dream Alaskan vacation.
There’s plenty to do during the Summer and Winter too!
Click below to view a few of our favorite activities:
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PARTNER DISCOUNTS
Talkeetna Inn has partnered with several different shops and tourism operations to provide guests with discounts, and is available to assist you in booking whatever activities you’re interested in.
As guests of the Talkeetna Inn, you’re eligible for discounts at these local tour operators/shops:
K2 Aviation- $25 OFF (Promo Code: TALKEETNA INN)- www.flyk2.com
Talkeetna Air Taxi- $25 OFF (Discount Cards at Hotel)- www.talkeetnaair.com
Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures- 10% off- www.mahaysriverboat.com
High Expedition- 10% off- www.thehighexpedition.com
North Shore Cyclery- 20% off- https://www.northshorecyclery.bike/
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Some of our personal favorite Summer activities are:
Flightseeing Tour with Glacier Landing
Many people that do this tour claim it was the highlight of their trip to Alaska. No other place on Earth has the scale and vertical relief of the Alaska Range. Denali and its sister peaks dominate the scene as you soar amongst the mountain peaks, glaciers, and ridgelines. We normally recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi, as they conduct more glacier landings than any other company in the world.
Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventure
With tours ranging from 2 hours to 5 hours, you should definitely plan to fit a jet boat trip into your itinerary. The captains offer a very historic and insightful look into the history of the area and the people have lived it, and still currently are. The tour includes a simple hike through the forest with a naturalist, who will explain the local flora and fauna, as well as a visit to a reproduction Athabascan camp and a trapper’s cabin to learn how they lived their lives.
You can couple your journey with a ride down the Alaska Railroad’s Hurricane Turn train, which is America’s last, and one of the oldest, flag stop lines. The ride leads you past homesteaders roughing in the woods, then on a tour of Curry, a very popular resort town in the 1900’s which burned to the ground. It’s often called the Alaska Railroad’s best kept secret. After, you will take a jet boat tour all the way back to Talkeetna.
The Devil’s Canyon tour is an incredible experience that will lead you up through class 5 rapids and offer views of nearly vertical walls of class 6 rapids.
Denali Zipline Tour
What better for the thrill seekers out there than zipping through the canopies in a boreal forest? In between each line you ride down, there’s viewing platforms as well as suspension bridges that offer stunning views of the Alaskan Range. The certified guides here are very knowledgeable, friendly, and informative of the geographical, natural, and local history, sharing stories of gold miners, bush pilots, and quirky locals.
North Shore Cyclery
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Talkeetna still very much thrives in the winter. Aside from being a hub for snow machine adventures, or other standard Alaskan winter activities like cross country skiing, dog sled runs, or gazing at the northern lights, Talkeetna has many other events going on throughout the Winter.
Here’s a list of some our favorite events that make the Winter’s here special.
Talkeetna Bachelor Auction, Wilderness Woman Contest, and the Talkeetna Parade of Lights
It all started off as a ploy to get more women into the Fairview Inn in the 1980’s and now has grown into over $20,000 being raised in a single night for charity. 30-40 men are auctioned off at the Community Arts Hangar filled with screaming women. The purchase of a bachelor will get you a drink and a dance at the Bachelor Ball that immediately follows the auction. Many of the bachelors will have additional items, excursions or certificates up on the block with them. These men come from all walks of life, including mechanics, firemen, loggers, pilots, miners, guides, businessmen, carpenters, geologists, teachers and more. Bachelors range in age from 21 to 70. Although the bachelors themselves are not married, all ladies are encouraged to attend, no matter their relationship status!
The weekend kicks off with the Wilderness Woman Contest. In 1986, Pam Rannals created the Wilderness Woman Contest in order to allow women to show off their uniquely Alaskan skill sets. The events include hauling water down Main St, making a sandwich and delivering it with a beer to a bachelor in waiting and followed by sawing and hauling wood. The last round is full of adventure! Fishing, snowshoeing, shooting “ptarmigan”, ringing the dinner bell and shooting a moose!
Once night falls, the locals come out and party down Main St with the Parade of Lights. Local businesses, groups, and societies all band together, build floats and put on a show. It’s certainly not to be missed.
Taste of Talkeetna
On the second Saturday of the December Taste of Talkeetna takes place. An annual event featuring Talkeetna’s restaurants and watering holes! Participants travel door to door trying special menu items and beverages from local establishments. You visit each of the seven restaurants between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Then, you make your way back to the Fairview Inn, where your ticket becomes your entry for several prize packages being given away, including flightseeing trips, jetboat trips, overnight packages and much more.
Iditarod Restart
On the first Sunday of March, the Iditarod Restart happens. While the Iditarod does not actually restart in Talkeetna, many people choose to stay here because Willow is only an hour away and has very limited accommodations. Many mushers live in Talkeetna as well, including 3 time champion Dallas Seavey.
Fat Tire Bike Race
On the second Saturday of March fat tire cyclist come in from all over Alaska to compete in this exciting race. The course features beautiful and challenging rolling terrain with approximately 1200′ of climbing per lap and each lap goes through downtown Talkeetna. Start and Finish will be at Denali Brewing Company.
Oosik Classic
On the third Saturday of March, around 750 people take to the tracks for this funky ski race. People often dress up in costumes and it’s followed by a party at the Community Arts Hangar. The race is held on the 3rd Saturday of March every year. The race course varies from year to year. Oosik distances are approximate but are generally a 25km and 50km race. The 50km is a single loop added to the 25K.
DINING
Brown Bear Espresso: (907) 733-4455 | 39325 Talkeetna Spur Road
Drive-thru espresso shop serving coffee, teas, smoothies, breakfast, and lunch options. Located at the intersection of the George Parks Highway and the Talkeetna Spur Road.
Conscious Coffee: (907) 733-7473 | 13521 E Main Street
Environmentally conscious coffee shop with locally roasted coffee, teas, smoothies, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and crepes served all day.
Denali Brewpub: (907) 733-2357 | 13605 E Main Street | denalibrewpub.com
Microbrewery restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, American entrees and seafood located in Downtown Talkeetna. Denali Brewing Company also offers wood-fired pizza and food truck guests at their brewery tasting room located on Mile 2 of the Talkeetna Spur road. Growlers and packs available to-go at both locations.
D.Y. Kitchen: (907) 229-3102 | 13676 E Main Street
Carry-out restaurant serving Sushi, and Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
Flying Squirrel Bakery & Cafe: (907) 733-6887 | 26205 Talkeetna Spur Rd | flyingsquirrelcafe.com
Bakery featuring pastries, desserts, artisan breads, and cafe serving light breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizza on Friday and Saturday nights. Vegan and gluten free options available. Located on mile 11 of the Talkeetna Spur road.
The Enchanted Bowl: (907) 841-0332 | 13651 E Main Street
Carry-out restaurant with limited seating serving poke and Korean barbecue inspired bowls. Vegetarian/vegan options available.
Latitude 62: (907) 733-2262 | 22687 Talkeetna Spur Road | latitude62.com
Casual American restaurant serving breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. Full service cocktail lounge and Prime Rib on Saturdays.
Mimi’s Haus of Cheese: (907) 203-6493 | 22152 D Street |
Espresso, charcuterie, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, gifts and trinkets, and of course, cheese.
Mountain High Pizza Pie: (907) 733-1234 | 22165 C st | pizzapietalkeetna.com
Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups, salads, large outdoor seating space, and live music. Vegan and gluten free options available.
Burger Barn: (907) 712-7547 | 22336 Talkeetna Spur Road
Food truck serving burgers, hot dogs, baskets, and ice cream. Breakfast served June-September.
Swiss Alaska Inn: (907) 733-2424 | 22056 F Street | swissalaska.com
Traditional breakfast fare as well as Swiss-style french toast and breakfast schnitzel. Located in East Talkeetna.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge: (907) 733-9500 | 23601 Talkeetna Spur Road
Hotel restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located 1 mile from Downtown Talkeetna.
Talkeetna Roadhouse: (907) 733-1351 | 13550 E Main Street | talkeetnaroadhouse.com
Dining service is discontinued until further notice due to COVID-19 safety. To-go bakery window on weekends and a weekly cookie subscription service via mail.
Talkeetna Spinach Bread: (907) 671-3287 | 13487 E Main Street
Spinach, cheeses, and roasted garlic atop fresh baked spent grain bread. Rotating special dishes and take-and-bake options available. Breakfast menu available on weekends.
Talkeetna Tako: 13606 E Main Street
Food truck serving burgers, ice cream, authentic tacos and burritos. Open late during peak season.
West Rib Pub & Grill: (907) 733-3354 | 13650 E Main Street | westribpubandgrill.com
Featured on Food Network’s “Man Vs Food”, West Rib Pub serves soups, salads, seafood, burgers, and brews. The establishment is known for its “Seward’s Folly” burger weighing over 3lbs.
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
North Shore Cyclery: (907) 733-9999 | 14008 E. Second St | northshorecyclery.bike
A wide variety of hourly and daily rentals of bicycles and seasonal outdoor recreational gear ranging from vintage cruisers to electric mountain bikes, fatbikes, skis, splitboards, snowshoes, and more. North Shore Cyclery also offers heli-biking and bike to brew tours.
Talkeetna ATV Tours: (907) 351-3914 | 22647 Talkeetna Spur Rd | talkeetna-atvtours.com
Guided ATV tours including gold panning, a homestead tour, deli lunch, and target practice.
Alaska Edge Wilderness Tours: (907) 707-3858 | 16865 Anaconda Avenue | alaskaedge.com
Private, custom tours including fishing, gold panning, ATV adventures, hiking, sightseeing/wildlife viewing, glamping, wilderness lodging and cabins, as well as shuttle service between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. (fishing license required)
Dave Fish Alaska: (907) 733-7201 | 14833 Lichtenwalner Rd | davefishalaska.com
Guided fishing trips ranging from half day group sessions to multi-day fish and float trips. Gear and fly fishing setups provided. DFA Alaska River Guides also provides lodging accommodations 4 miles from Downtown Talkeetna. (fishing license required)
Phantom Tri-River Charters: (907) 733-2400 | 22228 Talkeetna Spur Rd | phantomsalmoncharters.com
Guided half and full-day fishing charters out of Downtown Talkeetna. Primarily spin fishing gear but fly fishing gear is available. Phantom Tri-River Charters also provides drop off service, and accepts reservations or walk-in charters. (fishing license required)
Brewer’s Fly Fishing Tours: (907) 414-8840 | 22374 South C St | flyfishtalkeetna.com
Small group, intimate guided fishing trips. From 5 hour wading or rafting trips, to custom float plane and jet boat tours. Brewer’s provides pick-up and drop-off from your local accommodations and provides gear down to the bug spray and sunscreen. (Fishing license required)
Talkeetna Fishing Guides: (907) 733-3355 | N Main St | talkeetnafishingguides.com
Guided fishing charters based in Downtown Talkeetna. Tours range from guided river trips, drop-off charters, fly-in, and rafting fishing excursions. (Fishing license required)
Alaska Bush Float Plane Service: (907) 733-1693 | 28525 S. Talkeetna Spur Rd | alaskafloatplane.com
Located on Fish Lake, Alaska Bush Float Plane Service offers Denali flightseeing, fly-in fishing trips (fishing license required), fly-in wilderness hikes, and private chartered flights.
K2 Aviation: (907) 733-2291 | 14052 E 2nd St | flyk2.com
Denali flightseeing tours with glacier landings.
Talkeetna Air Taxi: (907) 733-2218 | 14212 E 2nd St | talkeetnaair.com
Air service providing Denali flight tours (with add-on glacier landings), climber support and transportation, Iditarod tours (in season), and river access. Talkeetna Air Taxi also provides Talkeetna’s only commercial helicopter service.
Sheldon Air Service: (907) 733-2321 | 22703 S Terminal Ave | sheldonairservice.com
Founded by Alaskan bush pilot legend Don Sheldon, Sheldon Air Service offers Denali Flightseeing tours (with add-on glacier landings), climber support and transportation to multiple destinations in the Alaska Range, and Iditarod tours (in season).
N2 Alaska: (907) 616-1010 | 15215 Botner Dr | n2alaska.com
Float plane service providing Denali flightseeing tours as well as charter flights, and drop off hunting, fishing, and hiking accommodations. (Access via Christiansen Lake Park)
Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures: (907) 733-2223 | 22333 Talkeetna Spur Rd | mahaysriverboat.com
Narrated jet boat tours from a leisurely ride up the Susitna River, to class 6 whitewater excursions. All tours include a ¼ mile nature walk to a site including a trapper cabin and Dena’ina Athabaskan encampment. Custom tours available.
Talkeetna River Guides: (907) 733-2677 | 13529 E Main St | talkeetnariverguides.com
Two or four-hour scenic raft trips along the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna rivers. Plenty of photography and wildlife viewing opportunities. Custom and overnight tours available.
Denali View Raft Adventures: (907) 957-1391 | 22831 Talkeetna Spur rd | denaliviewraft.com
Scenic guided raft trips of the Talkeetna River and Susitna rivers. Rail n’ raft packages available.
Nova Alaska Guides: (907) 745-5753 | Chickaloon, Alaska | novalaska.com
River rafting and glacier tour guide company based out of Chickaloon Alaska. Nova Alaska also features a multi-day fly-in rafting trip on Talkeetna River.
Denali Zipline Tours: (907) 733-3988 | 13790 E 2nd St | denaliziplinetours.com
3-hour zipline tour offering 7 lines, 6 sky bridges, and a dual line race at the end.
Hardcore Huskies: (907) 733-2703 | hardcorehuskies.org
Small, locally owned and operated dog sled tour company offering summer and winter tours guided by a veteran musher and 5 time Iditarod finisher. Located in the Talkeetna area.
AK Sled Dog Tours: (907) 947-4210 | 13484 E Main St | sleddogtours.com
Learn how to mush your own dog team with 5 time Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey. Located in East Talkeetna, minutes from downtown. Summer and Winter tours available.
The Flower Kennel and Homestead: (907) 232-3944 | flowerkennel.com
Daily tours of a sled dog kennel and homestead. Look in-depth at an off-grid homestead and the tasks necessary to provide food, electricity, and heat in a sustainable lifestyle. Also, meet a dog team. Transportation to the homestead is not included. Located near Talkeetna.
Rise Balloon Adventures: (907) 203-8299 | 13484 E Main St | riseballoonadventures.com
Views of the Alaska Range and the upper Susitna Valley from a tethered helium balloon.
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
Denali Overland Transportation
Office located at Denali Dry Goods in Downtown Talkeetna. Group rates starting as low as $98, reserve at 907-733-2384. Charter transportation service offering airport shuttle service from Anchorage to Denali and custom trips.
Talkeetna Taxi
Group rates starting at $75, reserve at 907-203-1381 or at talkeetnataxi.com, Charter transportation service offering custom pick-ups and drop-offs between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali.
North Shore Cyclery
Hourly bicycle rentals starting at $15/hr, book at 907-733-9999 or in-person at 14008 E. Second St., Talkeetna AK. Hourly and daily bicycle rentals in Downtown Talkeetna ranging from vintage cruisers, fatbikes, mountain bikes, electric-assisted bicycles and more. Guided tours available.
Alaska Park Connection
$70-$170 per person, reserve at alaskacoach.com or 800-266-8625. Motorcoach servicing stops between Seward and Denali National Park.
Arrives and departs from Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
Parks Highway Connection route:
Northbound: Arrives 5:30pm, departs 5:45pm to Denali
Southbound: Arrives 10:45am, departs 11:00am to Anchorage
Denali Express route:
Northbound: Arrives 8:45am, departs 9:15am to Denali
Southbound: Arrives 5:15pm, departs 5:45pm to Anchorage
Alaska Railroad
Anchorage-Talkeetna fares beginning at $108, reserve at alaskarailroad.com or 800-544-0552. Train service between Seward and Fairbanks.
Denali Star Train
Northbound (from Anchorage) : Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday only
Arrives 11:05am, departs 11:20am to Denali-Fairbanks
Southbound (from Denali-Fairbanks) : Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday only
Arrives 4:50pm, departs 5:10pm to Wasilla-Anchorage
Sunshine Transit
$3 one-way fare, call 907-495-8411 for service, 907-354-3885 on Saturdays. Daily flagstop transit service along the Talkeetna Spur Rd with weekly service to Willow and Wasilla.
Northbound – Parks Highway “Y” to Downtown Talkeetna route:
Departs Cubby’s Marketplace and arrives at Talkeetna Roadhouse
10am-10:30am, 11:30am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-1:30pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Southbound – Downtown Talkeetna to Parks Highway “Y” route:
Departs Talkeetna Roadhouse to Parks Highway “Y”
10:30am-11:30am, 12:00pm-1:00pm, 1:30pm-2:30pm, 3:30pm-4:40pm