While visiting Talkeetna, Alaska, you should check out the Dancing Leaf Gallery, which highlights the art and craft of local artisans from the area. With more than 150 artists represented, this gallery focuses on modern works and local Alaskan Native culture. In addition to local artwork, you can also purchase items from local studios, including Stray Cat Designs, Northern Adornments, and Mountaintop Woodshop. Artists in these studios include Steve Durr, Karen Mannix, Peg Foster, and Peg Foster.
Day 2 of your stay can be spent in town, exploring the area. You can take a scenic flight or opt for a flight seeing tour to see glaciers. Another activity is exploring the museums and getting a sense of the city’s history. Then, you can move on to your next destination. Whether you choose to take a scenic flight over Talkeetna’s beautiful landscape, there is something for everyone to do.
The Talkeetna Historical Society Museum offers an overview of the town’s history. Located in the original school building, the museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Talkeenta’s past. It also offers exhibits on Denali and the first mountain climbers to reach the National Park. A walking tour brochure is available for visitors to explore other historic buildings in the town.
Another event that makes the town stand out from other towns in Alaska is the ‘Moose on Parade’, a tradition that involves local residents decorating moose cutouts and placing them throughout the town. The ‘Moose on Parade’ map is available at the Chamber information kiosk or local stores. The town also holds an art show and auction, and ‘Moose on Parade’ ends with a parade on the 4th of July.
Another attraction in Talkeetna is the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station, located in the center of town. This ranger station is the command center for mountaineering operations in the area. Visitors can also take a scenic flight to view Glacier Landing and Denali from the air. Visitors will also enjoy the larger airport in Talkeetna, which is more accessible than the nearby Denali National Park. A museum dedicated to the town’s history includes a model of Denali and the Talkeetna Historical Society.
Another interesting fact about Talkeetna, Alaska is that it is located near Denali National Park, which makes it an ideal jumping-off point for Mount-Denali climbers. There are many in-town outfitters offering flights to the peaks and glaciers. Those interested in fishing and wildlife watching can also take advantage of riverboat tours. It’s best to call ahead to ensure that the businesses in Talkeetna are still operating at the same hours.
You can get a taste of local culture at the Fairview Inn, a historic pub in the center of town. It used to be a school, but the building was later converted to a museum, which now hosts a variety of art and craft vendors. It also has a collection of Native Alaskan art and crafts, and many local musicians and artists call Talkeetna their home. Throughout the year, many of the residents will be in the area to perform in local festivals and markets.