Definitely Take A Summer Day Trip To This Idyllic Town In Alaska
Every once in a while you miraculously stumble upon a town that completely catches you off guard, in the most awesome way possible. Talkeetna, Alaska is one of those magical places. In this zany town that is known for ‘proudly keeping it weird‘ you’re sure to find tons of charming surprises at every twist and turn. In just one day you can experience some of the warmest hospitality, best food, exquisite local brews, and incredible excursions in all of Alaska. Talkeetna is raw and uncensored – just how life should be in the rugged last frontier and makes for a memorable summer day trip in Alaska.
Less than 900 locals make up the year-round population but during the summertime, the town comes alive as visitors from all around the world come to relax and enjoy the splendor of all the groovy offerings. Around town folks can be found wandering aimlessly listening to live music, viewing Mt. Denali in the distance, and stopping by the local store to visit the town’s feline mayor, Stubbs the cat. If you like things a little on the weird-yet-brilliantly-interesting side, you’ll never want to leave. Talkeetna is the perfect summer day trip in Alaska, and it’s always a great time to start planning those summer trips.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
As you leave Alaska's largest city of Anchorage and head north to Denali National Park, you'll find the charming town of Talkeetna located off to your right on the George Parks Hwy (about halfway between Anchorage and Denali).
Head down the 14-mile-long Talkeetna Spur Hwy before reaching one of the happiest towns in Alaska. Once you see the 'welcome' sign, you'll know that you've made it. And trust us, you'll never want to leave.
Around town you're sure to see an assortment of wild and zany things. You'll know a local when you meet one because they will be totally in their element; loving life without a care in the world. Because why? Because when you live in Talkeetna, life is just... complete. In the most beautiful way possible.
And speaking of zany things, don't leave town without kissing a moose. If this wasn't already on your bucket list, it needs to be added ASAP. Because really, who could resist those moose lips and batting eyelashes? 😉
Stop by the general store to visit the town's feline mayor, Stubbs the cat. At almost 20 years of age, you can't miss him as he lays out basking in the sun with his soft strawberry-blonde fur.
Working up the courage to meet a celebrity such as Stubbs can drum up quite the appetite. Thankfully you'll have lots of delicious restaurant options to choose from in town. A favorite across the state has always been the Roadhouse. Consistently good food and great service can be found here. But don't be surprised if you have to be rolled out the front door from being so stuffed!
Mountain Juice is a relatively new juice bar in Talkeetna that offers freshly squeezed juices and healthy smoothies that are blended to perfection. Do yoga on the porch and replenish afterwards with a nutritious drink, or stop by and grab a cold one before embarking out on a day hike or flight-seeing excursion. If you are in Talkeetna for just one day, "take your day to the summit" by stopping here and grab one of the most refreshing drinks of your life. And no, that is not an overstatement (they are really that good).
We are just going to go on record and say that Alaska has more dog lovers than any other state. I mean, our state sport is dog mushing so we just get to win this category without any sort of debate. Talkeetna is a very dog friendly town. Bring your four-legged best friend with you on your day trip and walk them walk around and enjoy all the cool stuff right along with you.
Fishing and hiking spots around Talkeetna are sure a blast. Go off the beaten path a bit and let yourself be one with nature. Many people also enjoy bike riding around town as it allows you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.
Activities in Talkeetna are seemingly endless. Take a flight-seeing tour around Denali or go on a glacier landing and get up close and personal with Ruth Glacier. Using the term 'EPIC' to describe these experiences would be a total understatement.
Consider spending your day in Talkeetna embarking on a whitewater rafting trip. Be sure to hold on tight as you head down the Talkeetna, Susitna or Chulitna River,
Quite possibly one of the biggest deals in town is this little mountain known as Denali. It's only the tallest mountain in North America and yes - you can see it right from the heart of Talkeetna (when the weather is clear and the clouds aren't covering it). Talk about falling head over heels in love.
Remember, we warned you at the beginning that you might very well never want to leave after visiting this magical place. If by chance (and yes, there is a VERY good chance) that you decide to stay the night and extend your time in Talkeetna as long as possible, a stay at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers the total package. Great rooms, friendly service and completely breathtaking views. Local B&B's and cabins in town are also available and another great option for a more rustic experience.
Do you love exploring fun and interesting places throughout the last frontier that are also a tad bit weird or ‘off the wall’? If so, you’ll love visiting the town of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula! It is filled with lots of creative concepts and super friendly people.
Have you ever visited Talkeetna? Let us know in the comments below! And tell us about your favorite destination for a summer day trip in Alaska!
Address: Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
summer day trip in Alaska
April 19, 2021
Jackie Ann
What is the most beautiful small town in Alaska?
Anyone who has spent any time in Alaska knows that our state is full of scenic towns, each with its own special brand of beauty. Topping the list is the gold rush-era town of Skagway, tucked away in the Inside Passage of southeast Alaska. This charming town is steeped in early American history and is now a preserved region of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. In addition to the awesome views of the Chilkoot trail and surrounding mountains, visitors of Skagway can witness vintage locomotives chugging along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad just like in the olden days.
Where is the best place to live in Alaska?
No matter where you put down your roots in Alaska, life in America’s last frontier is always an exciting adventure. Our incomparable natural beauty, affordable real estate and low tax burdens make it an incredible place to settle down. The largest city in Alaska is Anchorage and is widely regarded as one of the best places to call home. Enveloped by incredible scenery, Anchorage is home to bustling arts and cultural scenes, amazing restaurants and some of the best amenities in the state. Making Anchorage your home base means having easy access to exploring the wild expanses of the rest of the state and direct travel connections to the outside world.
What is the most unique town in Alaska?
With just over 200 year-round residents, the tiny town of Whittier is bursting with a uniqueness that can only be found in Alaska. For example, the majority of Whittier’s population all have the same address, a structure originally built as army barracks. Taking a tour of the town is a delightful experience and there is no better way to see the sights than by train on the Alaska Railroad. In the summer months, anglers, hunters and boating tourists descend on Whitter for the impressive range of natural recreational activities. If you enjoy exploring abandoned places, be sure to check out the haunted Buckner Army Barracks which has sat empty since 1964.
Address: Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
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