Talkeetna, Alaska is one of the favorite destinations in Alaska for locals and tourists alike. You know that it’s a fun place when locals flock here all summer long. If your family is taking a tour of Alaska then Talkeetna is most likely one of your stops along the way. Why is Talkeetna, Alaska such a popular town to visit? Read on and find out!
Talkeetna, Alaska is about 2 1/2 hours north of Anchorage. It is about a 15 minute drive off the main highway which helps the town keep its unique character. Talkeetna also has a train stop within walking distance of the town.
What makes Talkeetna, Alaska so special?
(Other than the fact they had a cat named Stubbs as mayor for about 20 years.)
The View
Talkeetna sits at the perfect spot for ultimate Alaska Range and Denali viewing. You will almost always have a view of some of the beautiful mountains of the Alaska Range. If the weather is right and the “mountain is out” you will have absolutely stunning views of Denali. In fact, the views from here are often better than the park itself. Now, let me be clear. The top of Denali is often clouded and so there is a good chance that you will not be able to see the whole mountain in all its glory. But, even if you only see peeks of the top it is still fantastic.
The Food
Denali Brewing Company 
There are quite a few restaurants and food trucks that are very popular in town. Denali Brewing Company and Mountain High Pizza Pie are two of the favorites. Then there is the Thai/Chinese/Indian restaurant that’s really good and right nearby, Talkeetna Tako serves up delicious tacos and quesadillas (don’t miss the halibut or salmon). Lastly, a shout out to the cute little Airstream that is the home to super yummy food at Talkeetna Spinach Bread. Really, where ever you choose is sure to be great.
A little way outside of town, the Flying Squirrel Bakery and Cafe is a definite favorite. Not only do they have delicious breads, bakery items, breakfast, and lunch, they also have yummy wood-fired pizzas at night Wed-Sat with as many local grown toppings as possible. Jazz Nights make Wednesdays extra fun!
The Alaskan History
The town of Talkeetna is a museum in itself. So many of the buildings are original. There is a really fun museum in town (Talkeetna Historical Society Museum). There is a fee of $5 for adults. The main building held a bunch of cool historic artifacts from the town as well. Many different townspeople are honored throughout the exhibits.
Then you go outside and down the boardwalk to the mining/railroad exhibit. This small little building (historic in itself) has a lot of information about how the people mined in the difficult territory. There is a small area dedicated to the history of the Alaska Railroad. There is a short little video too.
The last building, the mountaineering building, was one of the most fascinating. Inside was a huge topographic display of the Alaska Mountain Range that surrounds Denali. All around the room are pictures that show what the real mountain looks like from the angle you are looking at the map. There is also lots of info about what it takes to climb the tallest mountain in North America. So interesting!
The Historical Society has also put together a self-guided map of all the historic buildings around the town. You can find out when they were built, who lived there and what they did in town.
Awesome Alaskan Souvenirs
If you want Alaskan souvenirs, Talkeetna has them in abundance! There are quite a few stores along Main Street and then some on the road before you get into town. You will find clothing, books, food, knickknacks, art, pottery, jewelry, and so much more.
What I think is really cool is how you will find so many items by Alaskan artists. In fact, there is one store (Dancing Leaf Gallery) that only sells items created by Alaskans. They are pretty strict about it too. If an artist even moves out of Alaska they will be taken out of the store. So, this is the place you want to visit if you want truly Alaska items to bring home. I will say though, that you will find other places from Alaskan Artists. Just down the street, Designs by Shanda sells some fun metal art.
If you love to sew or quilt you definitely want to stop in the Patchwork Moose. The store is a sewers paradise of fabulous cotton prints, patterns, notions, and other stuff. Plus, they have some of the best Alaskan fabrics I have seen.
The Art Scene
In addition to the showcase of items from Alaskan artists in the shops there is fun, quirky art throughout the town. And then there is the music. Talkeetna has so many different music groups playing all summer long. While we were there, Mountain High Pizza Pie had a live band celebrating their anniversary. Of course, since the stage was outside you could hear the music up and down main street adding to the festive atmosphere.
Oh, you absolutely must go and see the “Spirt of Talkeetna.” Inside Susitna Valley Naturals you will find a breathtaking, hand-carved, display that truly captures the fun and quirky character of Talkeetna in both the summer and winter.
Absolutely Amazing Excursions
Talkeetna, Alaska has so many cool things to do. The flightseeing to Denali from here is the most popular and most astounding attraction. While we were at dinner a couple at a nearby table was going on and on to their server about their amazing trip and how much they loved landing on a glacier. You could definitely tell they would remember that tour for the rest of their lives.
Another really great thing to do is riding a jetboat up the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers and riding the rapids in the canyons. The ATV tours are really thrilling too.
Traveling with multiple ages in your group?
Mobility–Since it isn’t very big it is easy to walk from one place to another. Most things are on Main Street. The roads are a little uneven and there might be a few stairs to navigate into shops, but not too many. Shuttles are possible to get to some of the meeting points for excursions a little outside of town. If walking long distances is difficult and you arrive in Talkeetna on the train, you will definitely want to get some transportation to go downtown.
Excursions–Jetboat excursions are an excellent adventure for family members of all ages.
Young children–My only caution if you are traveling with young children is that the shops have lots of things that would be very enticing for little hands. Enter with caution! If you don’t want to take your kids into the shops the village park is nearby and is a wide-open space to run and play. Even better, just down the street a bit, (approx. 10 min walk) is a pretty awesome playground.
Talkeetna, Alaska is definitely a fantastic destination for tourists and locals to visit. This fun little town has so much to offer.
Please contact me to get started planning your fabulous Alaska vacation!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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