Talkeetna is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna. Talkeetna began in 1916 when the area was chosen as a district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad. A post office opened as well as a sawmill, trading post, cigar store and other businesses as well as many cabins. In 1917, the residents encouraged the government to survey the lots on which their homes stood. In 1919, the railroad surveyed and auctioned 80 lots, 41 of which already had permanent structures on them. The average price at the sale was $14.25.
Flightseeing, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting make up a large portion of the local economy. Talkeetna is a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The core downtown area is classified as a National Historic Site, with buildings dating from the early 1900s. Wikipedia contributors. "Talkeetna, Alaska." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 Sep. 2015. Web. 30 Sep. 2015.
Talkeetna celebrates its centennial in 2016. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson had signed a declaration naming Talkeetna, Alaska the next district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad. A tent city sprang up as people came to Talkeetna in search of jobs. In 1916, a sawmill, general store, cigar store, trading post as well as post office opened.
Secretary of the Interior, endorsed by the President, issued a Secretarial Order that officially changed the mountain's name from Mount McKinley to Denali, the name it has always been to Alaskans.
At the instigation of U.S. Secretary of State William Seward, the United States Senate approved the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000. on August 1, 1867. This purchase was popularly known in the U.S. as "Seward's Folly," and was unpopular at the time, though the later discovery of gold and oil would show it to be a worthwhile one.
Chinook Wind Cabins puts you in the center of activity. We're one block from downtown restaurants, gift shops, pubs, air taxis, riverboats, rafting or a quiet walk a long the shores of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers.
Talkeetna, Alaska offers visitors many unique opportunities to experience the spectacular wilderness that surrounds it. Be sure to ask us for more information about the following suggested activities:
Home of Denali's mountaineering rangers. Expeditions to Denali and Mt. Foraker must stop here for their permit and mountain orientation. The center also offers general park information, climbing information for the Alaska Range, summer interpretive programs, and a bookstore. It is named in honor of Walter Harper, the first person to summit the Mountain.
For over 90 years, the Alaska Railroad has connected Alaska's most popular destinations. While much of the scenery remains unchanged, our service has grown to include glass-domed railcars, full-service dining and a range of travel options from day trips to multi-day vacation packages. Our knowledgeable Alaskan staff are waiting to help you build an unforgettable journey across the Last Frontier.
In our area of few road systems, air travel is the only way to view the remote regions of Denali National Park. Your chance of seeing Denali is greatest by air. All of our flightseeing tours are spectacular, so feel free to choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget. Embark on one of the great mountain flights that have inspired countless visitors and explorers.
Experience the wonders of Alaska and Denali National Park and Preserve. Our location provides an excellent starting point for explorations of Mt. McKinley, the Alaska Range, and Denali National Park. Whether you choose an incredible flightseeing tour, add a glacier landing, climb one of Denali's towering peaks, or hike in the back country, we will assist you in finding the right experience.
Talkeetna Community Radio (KTNA) germinated in the 1980’s, when local residents began working to bring radio to the northern Susitna Valley communities, for public safety and community enrichment. - See more at: https://ktna.org/about/#sthash.T9GnH2Rd.dpuf
An Alaskan fishing trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people and it’s one experience that you won’t soon forget! At Phantom Tri-River Charters, we’re here to help you cultivate a lasting memory of your time on the water with unique and one-of-a-kind fishing expeditions
Talkeetna River Guides provides daily natural history scenic float trips on our local rivers. Other activities in the area include hiking in Denali State Park, flightseeing amidst the spectacular peaks of the Alaska Range, and remote wilderness exploration in the unspoiled reaches of Denali National Park and the nearby Talkeetna Mountains — just to name a few.
Come see the famous mountain of Denali out on one of our jet boat tours. Denali is the backdrop to our rustic little town of Talkeetna. We provide a variety of sightseeing tours in addition to drop off services.
Chinook Wind Cabins offers courtesy shuttle services to and from the train depot to our cabins. If you need transportation please contact us for details.
Climbers attempting Denali or Mount Foraker must register at least 60 days prior to their start date. This pre-registration period allows mountaineering rangers to have direct contact with climbers before they arrive in Talkeetna.
Great information on the local area, the history of climbing Denali, and related artifacts.. Watch the short film and see why this is rated as the #1 Thing to Do in Talkeetna on TripAdvisor.
A vacation to Alaska is often a once in a lifetime experience. We've provided extra resources to help you in the process. Please feel free to contact us with additional questions or recommendation.
“Very nice, spacious and immaculate”
We enjoyed our stay at Chinook Wind Cabins . The owners were very helpful and accommodating. The cabin was immaculate and clearly had just been renovated as the cabinets and fixtures all looked brand new. I highly recommend this place....
“Lovely cabin accommodation!”
Talkeetna is a tiny (and I mean tiny!) town and Chinook Cabins are a wonderful accommodation option for anyone stopping by the town for a night or two. Jane met me at the train station and I'm so grateful given it was raining hard and I had planned to walk to the cabins with my luggage!....
“Great place to stay in Talkeetna”
We stayed at Chinook Wind for three nights while we were exploring Denali National Park. We stayed in the Hunter cabin, one of the two-story cabins. The cabin was very nice!....