TALKEETNA: Eccentric community always has something fun going.
Talkeetna, a Mat-Su Borough community of fewer than 1,000, is picturesque, eccentric, lovable and boasts some of the most spectacular views of Mount McKinley.
The town stirs with energy from mid-May to mid-September, with bus loads of tourists seeking adventure tours and entertainment. Talkeetna also plays host to many visitors stopping on their way to climb Mount McKinley.
For those seeking an aerial glimpse of the mountain, flightseeing tours are available. Geri Denkewalter, who works at the Talkeetna Denali Visitor Center, provides bookings for charter flights to the park, which is a major tourist draw.
"It was really the beginning of tourism," said Denkewalter of trips from Talkeetna to Denali. "You can go flightseeing, land on a glacier, cruise around an entire glacier or go to a remote area."
Even the name itself, Talkeetna, an Athabascan phrase loosely meaning "where the rivers converge" or "river of plenty," reflects one of the key attractions. At the end of Main Street, three rivers converge -- the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna. Visitors can find great salmon fishing here or take a guided jet boat tour, rafting trip or river boat cruise on the 200 miles of breathtaking waters.
Main Street is where visitors congregate, with restaurants, bars and shops to explore at a leisurely pace. Town hot spots include the Talkeetna Village Park and the Fairview Inn Bar, a historic site providing regular live music and libations. On summer Friday evenings, the Live at 5 series features outdoor music.
"There's always something going on," said Denkewalter. "In the wintertime, we have terrific snow for skiing, snowmachining and Northern Lights opportunities."
Talkeetna residents are what make the town welcoming.
"It's an eclectic, wacky group," said Simon Corcoran, a bartender at the West Rib Pub and Grill. "Everybody is there for everyone else." Corcoran, who also works as a kayaking and rafting guide, believes that the close-knit community gives Talkeetna its warmth.
"It feels like stepping back in time," he said.
ATTRACTIONS
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
Home to the Denali Arts Council, the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar is the center for art gallery openings, cinema viewings and film festivals, a summer open-air market, theater productions and more.
Where: Downtown Talkeetna on South D Street
When: See online calendar for events
Cost: Prices vary per event
Phone: 907-733-7929
Web: www.denaliartscouncil.org
Talkeetna Ranger Station
This beautifully constructed station 100 miles south of the Denali National Park entrance offers informative programming during the summer for visitors interested in learning about the history of Denali climbing.
Where: B Street in downtown Talkeetna
When: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily mid-April to Labor Day and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday the rest of the year
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-733-2231
Web: www.nps.gov/dena
Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
This museum lives inside what is known as the "Little Red School House" and offers visitors a unique look at Talkeetna's past. It includes additional structures to meander through, as well as a model of the Alaska Range and Mount McKinley. Twice a day visitors can listen to presentations about Denali National Park by a park ranger.
Where: Downtown Talkeetna
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the summer, by appointment only in the winter
Cost: $3 per person; children 12 and under are free
Phone: 907-733-2487
Web: www.talkeetnahistor icalsociety.org
Mount McKinley Climbers' Memorial
This site in the Talkeetna cemetery pays homage to those who have lost their lives while climbing Mount McKinley. It is also the site of bush pilot Don Sheldon's grave.
Where: Across from the airfield, near downtown
When: Year round
EVENTS
Live at 5
The town turns out each Friday for free live music.
Where: Talkeetna Village Park
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-733-2330
Web: www.talkeetnachamber.org
Bluegrass Music Festival
Join locals from across the state in this high-energy bluegrass festival, during which music lovers unite, barbecue, enjoy libations and camp for three days and two nights in the Alaska wilderness.
Where: Mile 102 Parks Highway
When: Aug. 5-7
Cost: Visit the website for associated ticket and camping fees
Phone: 907-460-0964
Web: www.talkeetnabluegrass.com
Second Saturdays Art Show
The Denali Arts Council and the Talkeetna Artists Guild promote local artists from the community.
Where: Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
When: 4 to 7 p.m., second Saturday each month
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-733-7929
Web: www.denaliartscouncil.org
