Train trip to Talkeenta provides ‘most extraordinary day’

TALKEETNA — Taking the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star train to Talkeetna was the most extraordinary day I have spent in Alaska, and I have lived here for over 17 years.

The Denali Star train, which resumed daily service between Anchorage and Fairbanks Wednesday, also stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali along the way. Service continues throughout the summer, ending Sept. 13.

The Denali Star is a great way to get to Talkeetna for a day of exploring since it departs from the Wasilla depot at 9:30 a.m., and returns around 6:30 p.m.

Riding with the railroad removes all the stress that normally comes with traveling. Pack your bags, climb aboard and leave your worries and responsibilities behind. You can then choose to sit back and enjoy the sights, take a nap to pass the time, or embrace the wind and wilderness from the train’s open deck. The young and accommodating staff also will make sure that your every need is met, from questions about the route to refreshments.

The Denali Star service up to a northern Alaska city is the perfect choice for a date, family outing or even business travel. An ideal means of transportation for locals and tourists alike, the only difficulty that will arise is deciding where to spend the day.

The Mat-Su Borough town of Talkeetna, the fourth most visited place in the southcentral region, is a popular stop on the Denali Star’s route. The service has transported more than 14,000 passengers to and from the town for both of the past two summers, according to data from the Alaska Railroad. Not only do travelers disembark at Talkeetna to visit the hamlet itself, but the stop also serves as a connection to additional tours, not to mention the climbers who must check in at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station before beginning their ascent of Mount McKinley.

During the peak summer season, most visitors arrive by Alaska Railroad and Princess tours. Businesses like Salmon Berry Travel and Tours are already getting ready for summer visitors.

Mandy Garcia of Salmon Berry Travel and Tours, a company that offers express van rides from Anchorage to Talkeetna, said she’ll start bringing a mix of locals and tourists up to the town at least four times per week, where customers are then connected with local companies.

She said she brings her clients to Talkeetna because it’s “my favorite place in Alaska; the locals are so warm and inviting,” she stated. The Hudson Memorial Fly In, a dedicatory event that celebrates the history of aviation in Talkeetna, is happening this weekend, and represents the real start of the season for some.

My sister Pearl and I chose to spend our trip on the Denali Star in Talkeetna, and we discovered the community extends a thorough selection of summer adventures, shops and restaurants. The place’s role as a hub for tourism is solidified in the fact that its local population along isn’t enough to support the areas many thriving shops, but the community of Talkeetna goes way beyond that function. The unanimous enthusiasm of business owners, tourists and locals is palpable, and that is due to one simple fact: Talkeetna is the origin of genuine fun.

We started our adventure by eating at Mountain High Pizza Pie, where we shared a delicious pepperoni pizza. Then we walked to Denali Zipline Tours and zoomed through their amazingly fun, nine-line course. Pearl then treated us to homemade ice cream at Shirley’s Burger Barn before we shopped for gifts at Susitna River Trading Company and Nagley’s General Store.

Everything is within comfortable walking distance, and we felt more than welcome wherever we went.

Our trip was one variation of the many combinations of experiences to be had in Talkeetna.

Mother-son duo Carol and Luis Hargraves of San Diego had much more on their itinerary, including a flightseeing tour with K2 Aviation to Denali Glacier and a hike around the nearby XYZ lakes.

Not only is there a lot to do in Talkeetna, but “there are wonderful things that go on here everyday,” said Shirley Inman of Shirley’s Burger Barn.

The hardest part about our excursion was leaving at the end of the day, but with Alaska Railroad we could look forward to a comfortable journey. As we sailed past gorgeous sights of Mt. McKinley, Nancy Lake and the Dr. Seuss House we were able to relax and reflect on what an awesome day we had just experienced.

It was so nice to be able to unwind after a day packed full of happenings, in this place Luis Hargraves described as a “really cool little town!”

For more information about the Denali Star service, visit alaskarailroad.com or call 907-265-2494 to make reservations.

For more information about activities and businesses in Talkeetna visit talkeetnachamber.org.

Kaden Weaver is a Valley Grown summer intern at the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Special thanks everyone at Alaska Railroad and Denali Zipline Tours for their accommodations and assistance. My gratitude is also extended to the community of Talkeetna and those individuals featured in this article.