Talkeetna is a small town near the Alaska Range, and is the base for expeditions to Mount Denali. The downtown area is actually designated as a historic district, and many of the buildings are from the early 1900s. Around 800 people live in this spot year-round and many of the businesses caters to the visitors the mountains and rivers naturally draw. Talkeetna is absolutely the perfect place for a getaway to the mountains.

This tiny town is fourteen miles off the Parks Highway and a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage. As you head down the road to Talkeetna, you feel your troubles melt away as you head away from the rest of the world and toward the wild.

mazaletel | Flickr

The town was started as a district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad in 1916 and has flourished since then with people who are addicted to the crisp, clean air and the great outdoors.

mazaletel | Flickr

The town lies at the confluence of the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna Rivers, making it a great location for cross-country skiing or ice skating on the smooth, flat frozen surface. In the summer, fishing and rafting are popular activities.

Lee LeFever | Flickr

Trails for walking through the wild Alaskan countryside and communing with nature are spread for miles in all directions.

mazaletel | Flickr

In March, many visitors are drawn to the Oosik Classic, a 50km ski race each year. Talkeetna is a popular place to head for the weekend for fun and outdoor adventure.

mazaletel | Flickr

The northern lights (aurora borealis) are often visible in this small town, far from the city lights of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley.

Paxson Woelber | Flickr

The three highest peaks in the Alaskan Range, Mt. Foraker, left, Mt. Hunter, and Denali (Mt. McKinley), the highest mountain in North America, are all accessible from Talkeetna.

caliseashel | Flickr

Naturally, the town is the launching point for climbing and sight-seeing tours of the mountains. Take a flight over Denali or do some mountain climbing for a once of a lifetime experience.

Karina Nolan | Flickr

Check out 15 Mountain Towns In Alaska That Are Straight Out Of A Storybook and The Tiny Town In Alaska With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants.

mazaletel | Flickr

Lee LeFever | Flickr

Paxson Woelber | Flickr

caliseashel | Flickr

Karina Nolan | Flickr

Have you been to Talkeetna? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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