Every once in a while you miraculously stumble upon a town that completely catches you off guard, in the most awesome way possible. Talkeetna, Alaska is one of those magical places. In this zany town that is known for ‘proudly keeping it weird‘ you’re sure to find tons of charming surprises at every twist and turn. In just one day you can experience some of the warmest hospitality, best food, exquisite local brews, and incredible excursions in all of Alaska. Talkeetna is raw and uncensored – just how life should be in the rugged last frontier and makes for a memorable summer day trip in Alaska.

Less than 900 locals make up the year-round population but during the summertime, the town comes alive as visitors from all around the world come to relax and enjoy the splendor of all the groovy offerings. Around town folks can be found wandering aimlessly listening to live music, viewing Mt. Denali in the distance, and stopping by the local store to visit the town’s feline mayor, Stubbs the cat. If you like things a little on the weird-yet-brilliantly-interesting side, you’ll never want to leave. Talkeetna is the perfect summer day trip in Alaska, and it’s always a great time to start planning those summer trips.

Flickr - Jeffrey L. Cohen
As you leave Alaska's largest city of Anchorage and head north to Denali National Park, you'll find the charming town of Talkeetna located off to your right on the George Parks Hwy (about halfway between Anchorage and Denali).
Flickr - Jenni Konrad
Head down the 14-mile-long Talkeetna Spur Hwy before reaching one of the happiest towns in Alaska. Once you see the 'welcome' sign, you'll know that you've made it. And trust us, you'll never want to leave.
Flickr - Susan Adams
Around town you're sure to see an assortment of wild and zany things. You'll know a local when you meet one because they will be totally in their element; loving life without a care in the world. Because why? Because when you live in Talkeetna, life is just... complete. In the most beautiful way possible.
Flickr - Daniel Nugent
And speaking of zany things, don't leave town without kissing a moose. If this wasn't already on your bucket list, it needs to be added ASAP. Because really, who could resist those moose lips and batting eyelashes? 😉
Flickr - Travis
Flickr - Jenni Konrad
Stop by the general store to visit the town's feline mayor, Stubbs the cat. At almost 20 years of age, you can't miss him as he lays out basking in the sun with his soft strawberry-blonde fur.
Flickr - Matt
Working up the courage to meet a celebrity such as Stubbs can drum up quite the appetite. Thankfully you'll have lots of delicious restaurant options to choose from in town. A favorite across the state has always been the Roadhouse. Consistently good food and great service can be found here. But don't be surprised if you have to be rolled out the front door from being so stuffed!
Facebook - Mountain Juice
Mountain Juice is a relatively new juice bar in Talkeetna that offers freshly squeezed juices and healthy smoothies that are blended to perfection. Do yoga on the porch and replenish afterwards with a nutritious drink, or stop by and grab a cold one before embarking out on a day hike or flight-seeing excursion. If you are in Talkeetna for just one day, "take your day to the summit" by stopping here and grab one of the most refreshing drinks of your life. And no, that is not an overstatement (they are really that good).

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Flickr - Edward Alexander
We are just going to go on record and say that Alaska has more dog lovers than any other state. I mean, our state sport is dog mushing so we just get to win this category without any sort of debate. Talkeetna is a very dog friendly town. Bring your four-legged best friend with you on your day trip and walk them walk around and enjoy all the cool stuff right along with you.
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Fishing and hiking spots around Talkeetna are sure a blast. Go off the beaten path a bit and let yourself be one with nature. Many people also enjoy bike riding around town as it allows you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.
Flickr - Dave Hensley
Activities in Talkeetna are seemingly endless. Take a flight-seeing tour around Denali or go on a glacier landing and get up close and personal with Ruth Glacier. Using the term 'EPIC' to describe these experiences would be a total understatement.
Flickr - Kevin Oliver
Consider spending your day in Talkeetna embarking on a whitewater rafting trip. Be sure to hold on tight as you head down the Talkeetna, Susitna or Chulitna River,
Flickr - Sam Chua
Quite possibly one of the biggest deals in town is this little mountain known as Denali. It's only the tallest mountain in North America and yes - you can see it right from the heart of Talkeetna (when the weather is clear and the clouds aren't covering it). Talk about falling head over heels in love.
Flickr - adam_gulkis
End your day trip to Talkeetna by catching a stunning sunset alongside the shores of the Susitna River. Peaceful, serene, raw Alaska at its finest.
Flickr - Eric Teela
Flickr - Ruth Rainey
Remember, we warned you at the beginning that you might very well never want to leave after visiting this magical place. If by chance (and yes, there is a VERY good chance) that you decide to stay the night and extend your time in Talkeetna as long as possible, a stay at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers the total package. Great rooms, friendly service and completely breathtaking views. Local B&B's and cabins in town are also available and another great option for a more rustic experience.

Do you love exploring fun and interesting places throughout the last frontier that are also a tad bit weird or ‘off the wall’? If so, you’ll love visiting the town of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula! It is filled with lots of creative concepts and super friendly people.

Have you ever visited Talkeetna? Let us know in the comments below! And tell us about your favorite destination for a summer day trip in Alaska!

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Jackie Ann | April 19, 2021

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