About Talkeetna
For an exciting Alaskan adventure, head to Talkeetna. It's a great spot for outdoor pursuits.
And, with a Talkeetna vacation rental from FlipKey, you'll have the perfect spot to relax while looking out over some spectacular views.
About Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna sits at the confluence of three glacial rivers – the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna.
This makes the small town the perfect backdrop for an adventurous getaway. Who could resist rushing water, mountains and a glacier that sparkles in the sun?
It was founded in 1916, as part of Anchorage, and has been a popular destination ever since. It acts as a base for people who want to visit Denali without staying in the busy resort.
The downtown area is the thriving hub of Talkeetna. There are shops and restaurants for you to explore – perfect if you want a day off from all the exciting adventures Alaska has to offer.
Do you recognize the town? It was the location for the 2002 Disney film Snow Dogs – it had Cuba Gooding Jr. in it and a lot of huskies. Check it out with the kids before you leave.
It can get quite warm in the summer (for Alaska), around 60 F. But, in the winter it can drop dramatically to -30 F, so wrap up warm and bring lots of layers!
What to do
In the summer, this is one of the best spots in Alaska for salmon fishing. See if you can get a nibble during your stay.
Other summer activities include river rafting and flightseeing – possibly the best way to see the glacier! If you take an air-tour of McKinley, don't forget your camera. There are plenty of photo ops!
Go on guided hikes, or zip-line through the trees at any time of year. Dog sledding is a great winter activity to try!
The stores that line downtown Talkeetna are all owned by locals. They house the work of artists, musicians and craftspeople from the area – you're bound to find a great souvenir!
There are lots of local events throughout the year; try to catch the Oosik Classic Ski Race in March, or Winterfest in December.
If you're a fan of food, head to West Rib Pub & Cafe and Roadhouse – both were featured on Man vs. Food! Try the challenges while you're there, and see if you can get up on the wall of fame.
Top Talkeetna, Alaska travel tips
Most people fly to Talkeetna Airport to get to this vacation spot.
If you want to get around Anchorage, take an air taxi from here. They also support climbers as they go up the mountain, so make sure you tell them if you're going up.
If you can, we'd suggest driving to Talkeetna – the route up is beautiful and you'll get to see lots of Alaska you'd otherwise miss.
Talkeetna has spectacular views from almost every point, just walking through town will leave you breathless (and, not from the altitude). Remember to keep your camera close by.
Talkeetna is a great spot for a quiet getaway – it's not overrun by tourists and there's plenty for you to do and see. Start this trip off right by booking your vacation rental with FlipKey and get packing those thermals (just in case).