Since my first, naive posting I have gotten tons of useful (if sometimes frustrating because I want to do it all) information. Thanks to all.

But nobody has mentioned the Northern Lights. I have read in books about seeing them from Talkeetna and Denali sometimes.
Anyone?

The northern lights are not visible during the summer because of the amount of daylight. I've forgotten the best chances for viewing but it is something like Oct to March. The Anchorage Daily News website used to give daily reports of Aurora activity. The website has a link to pictures.

http://www.gi.alaska.edu website has aurora forecast

I am from Minnesota and have seen fantastic Northern Lights a few times. The best was one night on the highway when the sky turned into pink streaks. You don't need to go to Alaska to see them.

Current Alaska Aurora Forecast (adn, 3rd July 05)
Today's activity: Active
Where: Active displays will be visible directly overhead from Barrow to as far south as Talkeetna and visible low on the horizon as far south as Bethel, Soldotna and southeast Alaska.
=======================================
It is rare to see norther lights during summer with long day light periods. Best viewing is alway at dark nights without disturbing moon light and clouds.

I have seen Northern Lights in N. Minnesota during Aug. - not often but have seen them. More common in the fall and winter tho.

I saw the Northern Lights once on an overnight flight from Boston to LHR.

It was magical and totally awe-inspiring. I'm interested in answers to the OP question because I would love to see them from the ground.

For clairfication, you are NOT going to have any aurora viewing in Alaska until, at the earliest end of August. Sept. can have good chances, if this is a priority, then you are best to consult the above web site DAILY for predictions. You need a DARK clear night, meaning, full views of stars. Be willing to spend a considerable time out, starting about 1am.

There is a big difference in Aurora views in mid Alaska, than the horizonal views seen from northern continental US. The Aurora can be completely overhead filling the whole sky out of Fairbanks, no comparism to lower US. But this viewing is outside of the "tourist" season. I saw them nightly out of Fairbanks in March.

I am going to Alaska in March for the Iditarod and the tour includes a trip to Denali, Fairbanks and good views of the Northern Lights. I hear that is the best.

Frankly, a tour may be limiting on time and location. Best is independent in my opinion. As I mention, there is NO guarantee on aurora viewing and you are best to have a car and the ability to get out every night for possible viewing. You are likely to be in a downtown hotel on a tour and no visability from there. And the highlight being the Ice Scuplting championships, you aren't likely to have unlimited time or the necessary night return (not even worth going without it). You may have options to go on your own however using a cab? Verify all this if the aurora is a priority.
Your "trip to Denali" feature is useless, only thing "open" is the sled dog kennels. Verify if they have something else planned for you?

alya, dfrostnh meant that they are not visible in Alaska in summer.

I often saw them in summer in northern Michigan. The most spectacular show I ever saw was on a 4th of July.

Keith

They are just beautiful when you see them. As many times as I have seen them I don't think it possible to tire of their beauty.

I have seen them in Canada, and New York and many times here in Pennsylvania.