14 Things To Do in Talkeetna, Alaska that Locals Actually Love
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, every local will tell you to visit Talkeetna.
That’s exactly what my friend, Grace, said. She lived in Alaska for 13 years and she visits Talkeetna at least four times a year. It’s her go-to spot whenever she’s showing friends the “real Alaska.”
After spending a day exploring with Grace and her three-year-old son, Kyle, I finally understood why.
Talkeetna has a charm unlike anywhere else. It feels like stepping into a small town where everyone knows each other. Everyone’s got their own little business going, and they all seem to be either hiking or having a beer.
And if that isn’t cool enough, the town’s mayor is a cat. Yup, you heard me right.
With Grace as our unofficial guide, we narrowed down the absolute best things to do in Talkeetna Alaska year-round. I’ll also share her favorite restaurants, shops, and a few stops for kids along the way.
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1. Stroll through Downtown Talkeetna
You could walk the entirety of Downtown Talkeetna in five minutes. Yet, it has a way of pulling you in. The air smelled faintly of coffee and spruce, and the wooden storefronts leaned against one another like old friends.
Eventually, our feet (and appetites) led us back to Talkeetna Roadhouse, a log cabin that has been welcoming travelers since 1917.
I ordered the a reindeer burger that came with sweet potato fries. Grace swore by the mushroom soup, while Kyle enjoyed his Mac-n-cheese. Everything was very delicious! I forget just how far I am from the city.
After lunch, we wandered through the rest of downtown, slipping into art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafés framed by flower boxes.
2. Shop for Vintage Clothes and Local Art
If the weather turns cloudy—and in Talkeetna, it often does—ducking into the local shops is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Just behind Main Street, we found Beadberry Patch.
Every corner of the boutique was lined with vintage clothes and beaded jewelry. A leather jacket caught my eye, but I had to leave it behind. When you’re traveling with a backpack, even the best finds have to stay where they are.
Grace bought a floral dress, while Kyle picked out a small wooden airplane. His face lit up when the owner, Beth, the owner, wrapped it carefully in paper.
We chatted with Beth and her daughter. She has been curating the shop for years, keeping it intimate and community-driven.
All around town, you’ll find similar treasures. In Aurora Dora, you can view stunning shots of the northern lights. The Dancing Leaf Gallery brims with wooden and ceramic pieces, while Susitna River Studios sells nature-inspired paintings.
Talkeetna may not have big-city malls, but that’s what makes its shopping scene so special. Each store is a reflection of the people who built it.
3. Taste Fireweed at Shirley’s Ice Cream
No trip to Talkeetna is complete without a taste of Shirley’s Ice Cream.
One of its specialties is the fireweed ice cream. I first learned about this ingredient in Seward, where my co-volunteer gave me a jar of fireweed jam.
The flower itself is tall and pink, painting the Alaskan hillsides every summer. Locals say that once the blossoms fade, the season is over.
Somehow, Shirley’s Ice Cream manages to scoop all of that summer magic into one cone. The texture is creamy, and it initially has a floral flavor, before deepening into something honeyed and bright.
A single scoop costs $9 in a cup and $11 in a chocolate cone. If fireweed isn’t in season, you can try the Northern Lights, rhubarb, and other local favorites, which are all refreshing in their own way.
4. Fly Over Denali and Land on a Glacier
© Traveler photo by Lauren via GetYourGuide.
If there’s one thing that captures the heart of Alaska, it’s seeing it from above. I got my first taste of that magic in Seward, sitting by the window of a tiny plane as glaciers poured down the mountains below.
The pilot was explaining the landscape, but I barely listened. All I could do was stare at the snow—endless, bright, and still. For the first time in a long while, I felt small in the best possible way.
From Talkeetna, you can have that same experience—but with Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Only about 30% of visitors ever get a clear view, but the pilots here are experts at finding that perfect window between the clouds.
Most flights last about an hour, and some even include a glacier landing. If you want a great introduction to Denali National Park without breaking the bank, try the Southside Explorer Tour on Viator or GetYourGuide.
If you want to go all out, check out the Grand Denali Flight or from GetYourGuide. These flights go deeper into the Alaska Range, past massive glaciers, and circle right around the summit.
Pro Tip: Book morning flights for the best chance at clear skies. Try to reserve at least a month in advance because they sell out fast. And don’t worry about the weather. The pilots know these skies by heart, so you’ll be in safe hands.
5. Glide Over Talkeetna in a Seaplane
I first saw a seaplane from the window of our Airbnb in Homer.
If you haven’t seen one before, it’s a small plane with floats instead of wheels, designed to take off and land on water.
Although tourists now use them for sightseeing, locals in Alaska rely on seaplanes to reach remote cabins, deliver supplies, and connect places that roads can’t.
© Gallery photo from Viator.
Once you’re on board, the plane skims across the water with a soft hiss, picking up speed until the floats lift free.
You’ll feel the gentle pull in your stomach as it rises, the water suddenly falling away while mountains and rivers spread out beneath you like a map.
The flight soon settles into a calm rhythm, with only the hum of the engine and the steady beat of the propeller.
When it’s time to descend, the pilot dips the nose and the floats touch the water with a quick spray before gliding into a deep, echoing splash. It’s both clumsy and graceful—the perfect reflection of Alaska itself.
If you want to see the state from a new perspective, try this 30-minute seaplane ride from Talkeetna. Rides could cost up to $175 per person.
6. Paddle Down the Talkeetna River
Not a fan of heights? Then take the scenic route and drift down the Talkeetna River instead.
Fed by glaciers from the Alaska Range, Talkeetna river winds through forests and gravel bars where you might even spot moose or foxes along the banks.
You can choose how adventurous you want to be. For a calm ride, Talkeetna River Guides offers a two-hour float trip that’s perfect for families.
You’ll glide past bald eagle nests, watch beavers at work, and catch wide-open views of Denali.
© mscornelius via Canva Pro.
If you’re after more excitement, head for the upper Talkeetna, where Class II to III whitewater promise splashes and thrills. Expect the cold spray of glacial water on your face as you dip and surge between waves.
Most river tours run from late May to early September, when the water levels are ideal. Even in summer, though, the river stays chilly—averaging around 9°C (48°F)—so come prepared.
Pro Tip: Tour companies usually provide waterproof boots, jackets, and life vests. Wear quick-drying layers or fleece underneath to stay warm and comfortable on the water.
7. Ride the Historic Hurricane Turn
Another way to see Alaska is through the Hurricane Turn. Departing from Talkeetna, it’s one of the last flagstop trains in the U.S.
© Anonymous traveler photo via Viator.
Although I didn’t take this particular train, I have traveled on other routes on the Alaska Railroad, including the path from Anchorage to Seward and from Denali to Fairbanks.
The train follows a route through the forest that no car or bus can reach.
Anyone can stand by the tracks, wave it down, and hop on. For locals, this train is a lifeline, allowing to reach cabins and fishing spots far from any road.
The Hurricane Turn covers Talkeetna through Hurricane Gulch Bridge. On clear days, you can even see Denali in the distance.
It runs from Thursday to Sunday between May and September. The round-trip summer fares are $95 for adults and $48 for children. In the winter, it operates only on the first Thursday of each month, with fares at $149 for adults and $75 for children.
If you want to secure your seat in advance, you can do so through Viator’s Hurricane Turn Round Trip.
8. Hike the Talkeetna Lakes Trail
The most immersive yet simplest way to experience Talkeetna is by hiking the Talkeetna Lakes Trail.
Just a few minutes from downtown, this three-mile loop winds through damp forest undergrowth and stands of white birch, black spruce, and cottonwood.
The route is mostly flat, making it perfect for families or anyone who wants to slow down and unwind.
Along the way, you’ll pass small lakes and bursts of wildflowers, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose near the water.
By midsummer, the mosquitoes come out in full force, so don’t forget to pack bug spray. They can be persistent!
If you’d like to learn more about the landscape, join a guided hike. Guides point out animal tracks, edible plants, and share stories tied to the area.
For something more hands-on, you can even try foraging to learn which wild berries and roots are safe (and surprisingly tasty) to eat.
Pro Tip: Download AllTrails before you go. Cell service can be spotty on the trail, and the app helps you track your loop without getting lost.
9. Mush with the Iditarod Huskies
Ever since I saw the movie Togo, I’ve had a soft spot for sled dogs. Their drive and loyalty are incredible to see in action.
In Talkeetna, you can meet these amazing huskies in person. Many are trained by mushers for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a world-famous competition held every March in Alaska.
© Traveler photo by Orsolya via GetYourGuide.
The dogs train all year. In winter, they pull sleds across frozen trails; in summer, they switch to wheeled carts to stay fit. You’ll hear their excited yips long before the run begins.
What impressed me most was the bond between the mushers and their dogs—a quiet trust built over miles of snow and ice.
Once the race is over, those same powerful athletes turn into affectionate companions, eager for head scratches and belly rubs.
If you want to visit, choose kennels run by Iditarod veterans. They follow ethical training and care practices and are happy to share stories about life on the trail.
You can join a sledding tour in winter or a cart ride in summer. They both offer a glimpse into a world that’s part sport, part tradition, and completely Alaskan.
10. Taste the Sweet Tang of Alaska Birch Syrup
© Alaska Birch Syrup Official website.
There’s no sweeter way to slow down in Talkeetna than with a visit to Kahiltna Birchworks.
Before coming here, I’d never even heard of birch syrup. It’s sticky and golden brown like maple syrup, but the taste is completely different.
Birch syrup is tangy, earthy, and slightly caramelized, with a flavor that’s hard to forget.
It’s also much rarer than maple syrup. Every spring, sap is collected from local birch trees and slowly boiled.
It takes about 100 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup. The result is Alaska in liquid form: rich, deep, and one-of-a-kind.
You can even take a short tour to see how the syrup is made and sample it for yourself.
11. Zipline Above Talkeetna’s Forests
© Denali Zipline Tours via GetYourGuide.
I’ve done ziplines before, but nothing compares to doing it in a forest in Alaska. High above the trees, I felt alive. It was the closest I’ve come to fulfilling my childhood dream of flying.
Ziplining in Talkeetna takes about an hour, especially if you account for the time spent gearing up and reviewing the safety instructions.
The final and longest zip is nearly 600 feet long. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Denali in the distance.
12. Meet the Cat Mayor at Nagley’s Store
You can find one of Alaska’s most famous residents inside Nagley’s Store on Main Street — the town’s very own cat mayor.
Where else can you find a place with a cat in charge? Yup, only in Talkeetna.
The store has been open since 1921 and once served as a post office and a log cabin for miners. The town’s first feline mayor was Stubbs, a short-tailed Manx adopted back in 1997.
Stubbs started as a joke. Locals “elected” him as an honorary mayor to attract attention and celebrate Talkeetna’s quirky spirit. It wasn’t an official government position, but it quickly became a beloved tradition.
Stubbs was a legend around town. He often greeted shoppers before heading to the nearby West Rib Pub, where he sipped his favorite drink, the catnip-infused water.
He even survived a run-in with a dog and kept right on serving as mayor until his passing in 2017.
Today, twin cats Aurora and Denali have taken over “office duties.” You can usually find them napping in their corner of the store, occasionally accepting pets and photo requests from lucky visitors.
13. Sip local beer at Denali Brewing Company
Inside Denali Brewing Company, locals and travelers gather over pints and flights, swapping stories in a space that feels like the heart of Talkeetna.
A favorite here is the Spruce Tip Ale, a uniquely Alaskan brew. It’s slightly sweet and earthy, with a hint of bitterness that smells like a walk through an evergreen forest. Another good pick is Single Engine Red, known for its smooth, malty flavor and light sweetness.
They also serve seasonal beers, including the Denali Lager in summer and Uncle Dunkel in autumn, which give you another reason to stop by no matter the season. If you’re curious about how it’s made, you can even join a brewery tour to see the process up close.
If you’d rather stay near Main Street, check out the Denali Brewpub, their downtown location. It serves the same craft beers, plus hearty pub food and local dishes.
14. Chase the Northern Lights in Winter
There’s something magical about seeing the Northern Lights for the first time. I’ve seen them in Seward and later in Fairbanks, and both times I was completely mesmerized. Just standing there, watching green and purple ribbons of light twist across the sky.
The best time to see this natural wonder in Talkeetna is between September and March, when the nights are long and the skies are clear. Staying at least two nights gives you a better chance of catching the show.
For great viewing, stay near the riverbank like at Denali Overlook Inn or Talkeetna Villas. Both offer dark skies and open views.
Even if the colors only appear for a few minutes, the moment stays with you. Under the dancing lights, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of awe and wonder.
Pro Tip: Talkeetna’s low light pollution makes it perfect for aurora viewing. For the best chance, download the Aurora Forecast app to know when to look up.
Ready to Fall in Love with Talkeetna?
Talkeetna is one of those rare towns that truly feels like Alaska—wild, charming, and friendly. Whether you’re flying over Denali, floating down the river, or just wandering its cozy downtown, every experience here reminds you how big and beautiful this state really is.
If a flightseeing tour is on your Alaska bucket list, make sure to book at least a month in advance. The best glacier-landing flights sell out fast, especially in summer.
Likewise, book your stay in Talkeetna early. It’s a small town, and accommodations fill up quickly.
