Time in Talkeetna

[Luckyroot]

We will be driving from Anchorage to Healy (staying at the Denali Park Hotel) for 2 nights in June. Not sure what time we'd be leaving Anchorage, but figure relatively early in the day.

 

If we stop in Talkeetna, how much time would you "budget" to look around?

 

The reason I ask, is that my DH & I would really love to take a flightseeing trip to McKinley, but we're traveling with my parents and my brother/SIL. None of them are interested in a flightseeing excursion. Since we are all traveling in one van, if they would be bored spending a couple hours there, we'll have to forgo this excursion. I just thought maybe, if we plan lunch there, and they spend time shopping and exploring, we might be able to sneak it in.

 

Any comments?

[bqkali]

We will be driving from Anchorage to Healy (staying at the Denali Park Hotel) for 2 nights in June. Not sure what time we'd be leaving Anchorage, but figure relatively early in the day.

 

If we stop in Talkeetna, how much time would you "budget" to look around?

 

The reason I ask, is that my DH & I would really love to take a flightseeing trip to McKinley, but we're traveling with my parents and my brother/SIL. None of them are interested in a flightseeing excursion. Since we are all traveling in one van, if they would be bored spending a couple hours there, we'll have to forgo this excursion. I just thought maybe, if we plan lunch there, and they spend time shopping and exploring, we might be able to sneak it in.

 

Any comments?

 

We spent about 2.5 hours in Talkeetna when we were there, which was long enough for lunch, drinks at the brewing company, a walk along the riverbank, and "shopping" (we bought 3 postcards and took a few minutes to write/mail them, but we are not shoppers and did not dilly-dally in the stores to look around). It was an enjoyable way to break up our drive, especially because it was a beautiful day and we liked walking outside and taking in the sunshine.

 

If that's not long enough for you, there are some activities other than flightseeing in Talkeetna, that maybe your family is interested in. I didn't do any, so can't comment on if they're worthwhile, but perhaps worth checking out? Rafting, jet boats, hiking, fishing, etc.

 

As an alternative, Kantishna Air (and perhaps others?) leaves from the McKinley airstrip next to the Denali train station, so you could potentially do your flightseeing from Denali instead - then your traveling companions could find something to do at the park, which offers many options for ways for them to enjoy their day while you are in the air.

[Budget Queen]

There is a small museum, that is interesting, not much "shopping", but a few areas. If a nice day, have your people, stroll up and down the streets. AND GO on your tour of interest. It is not that much time invested for the others.

[kackeroo]

I spent a couple of days in Talkeetna this past August. My good friend worked at Denali State Park. There are some highlights: The West Rib Cafe and the Talkeetna Roadhouse were both featured in an episode of Man vs. Food. West Rib for the 'Seward's Folly' and the Roadhouse for the 'Standard' or 'Half-Standard' breakfast. http://ktna.org/2009/10/05/man-v-food-comes-to-talkeetna/

 

Personally, I'd skip the West Rib and head to the Wildflower instead (locally owned and operated). http://www.talkeetnasuites.com/wildflower-cafe.html

 

Also, you have to have a beer at the Fairview Inn. http://www.denali-fairview.com/ Maybe the Carper Family will be playing.

 

There is the small museum and the Talkeetna Ranger Station, and a few small shops to explore.

[url=http://ktna.org/2009/10/05/man-v-food-comes-to-talkeetna/][/url]

http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/talkeetnaranger.htm

 

On your way north to Denali National Park on Parks Hwy...don't stop at Wal-Mikes...it smells suspicious. :(

 

And you HAVE to stop at Mary Carey's on the way to Denali. http://www.mckinleyviewlodge.com/

 

If you stop at Denali State Park, you can rent kayaks and paddle Byer's Lake and get this view: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31132885&l=5db74314b4&id=1577113117

[Luckyroot]

Thanks everyone! Great info and thanks to all for sharing it.

[pspercy]

Lunch at the Wildflower, one of our best meals in Alaska, simple food perfectly prepared. Then we wandered around before doing the three rivers jet boat tour (Mahay's) which we enjoyed too. Some in our group did McKinley flightseeing as it was a crystal clear & sunny day. Talkeetns was a good stop !