Page 23 - Parks Highway Bearfoot
P. 23
Parks Highway 0 with Beartoot TODAY'S
TALKEETNA
Talkeetna is a town like no other in Alaska.
One OtA Kind There aren 't many places in Alaska like Talkeetna. Most ofthe town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Talkeetna is full of cabins and railroad buildings. Unlike some historic towns, Talkeetna is still alive and vibrant. Many Talkeetna residents are expert log cabin builders. Local people are proud of the lives they've made for themselves and their families, and community is extremely important here.
Slow Down A Little You can reach Talkeetna by train, small plane, tour bus, camper and automobile. You can walk everywhere here - to the airport, to the Susitna River, and to the Denali mountain overlook along the Spur Road above town.
Aviation History A unique aspect of life in Talkeetna is the connection the town has to Denali. Here in Talkeetna, climbers have prepared for climbs on Denali for over 50 years. Well-known small plane pilots fly climbers to starting points on the mountain, and sometimes perform dramatic rescues and adventures that form the tapestry of Talkeetna lore.
LOCAL CULTURE
Talkeetna is a success because it's real. In October, locals hold a masquerade ball to celebrate the end of the summer tourist season. Winter in Talkeetna is "low key" and many Alaska res- idents visit during the shoulder seasons, for a more rustic and less crowded experience.
TODA V'S