Any suggestions for stops en route to Denali from Anchorage? We want to take it easy and make it bearable for kids aged 7-14.

Also, any suggestions for lodging in/near DNP? We don't want to be stuck with all the cruise ship crowds coming on land, but the places deep inside the park are amazingly expensive.

Thanks.

Denali State Park is amazing - we did the Byers Lake area (which is on the right side of the road when you are traveling to Denali from Anchorage) -you can do short walks, etc. Also, Eagle River Nature Center http://www.ernc.org/ was amazing. It's a little out of the way but we found it totally worth it. They have platforms over the marsh with birds everywhere, etc. We also saw our only male moose on the drive over to it.

In terms of lodging, we stayed at Denali Lakeside Lodging - they have a cabin for 2 and other lodging that would fit a family. What is really nice about this is 1) you are right on a lake and they provide a kayak, canoe, and paddleboat, so your kids can have fun 2) it's stunning scenery 3) it's less than 15 minutes to Denali National Park but it's completely away from the crowds 4) it's a good value. Plus they have a nice hot tub, fun to use during the Alaskan summer.

Oh, I forgot to say, another thing about Denali Lakeside Lodging is that all of their lodging includes cooking & laundry facilities. Each morning we made a HUGE hearty breakfast in the cabin, ate it on the porch overlooking the lake, and then could save money by just bringing a bag lunch into the park.

If Denali Lakeside is not available or not your preference, I know there are some other accomodations on Lake Otto in Healy - you may want to check them out. Having the lake right there is so much fun - it would definitely occupy the kids!

How long is the ride from Anchorage to Denali? How is the road? Thanks. Marilee

I think it's about 4 hours or so. The road is great, it's just like any other paved road. No trouble at all.

I have heard the train is a more beautiful ride than the drive......Anyone agree or disagree with this? Thanks. Marilee

It is 240 miles, Anchorage/Denali park, 10 miles further to Healy. I suggest you allow 6 hours for the drive, not 4. Also your last full service grocery stop is Wasilla. Be sure to stock up.

As for sights along the way, Talkeetna is well worth a lunch/ dinner stop. Eklutna Spirit House tours are extremely interesting. Wasilla Sled Dog Headquarters, has a small museum - stuffed Togo, and the cheapest cart rides in Alaska, run by Reddington dogs for $5. Little Coal Creek is a great hike. The Veterans Memorial is also worth a look.

A bargain lodging that I have stayed at several times is Denali Park Hotel http://www.denaliparkhotel.com

other listings http://www.denalichamber.com/directo...ons/index.html

budgetqueen:
Thanks for the reference to the Denali Chamber of Commerce. Lots of places were listed that I had not yet heard of on this site.

Anyone hear of the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort? It looks quite nice on its website.

We stayed at Cedar’s Lodge www.denalirivercabins.com 800-230-7275
6 mi south of Park entrance. It was in the TourSaver book in 2005. The rooms were good-sized and it was clean.

Denali Lakeside Lodging does not accept overnight guests in 2007

I think Independence Mine is a must do but it's still a long ride from there. Lots of trees but not a lot of views unless you're lucky to have Denali out and then it's very majestic. I think the drive south of Anchorage is far more scenic. Before you leave Anchorage you might stop at Title Wave Books, a huge bookstore, and let each kid choose a book. There's plenty to choose from. There were very young puppies when we visited Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla and a young Reddington to answer questions. Great opportunity to hold puppies and ask about raising and training dogs. There's a Junior Iditarod too. If you stop there plus Independence Mine I don't think you'll make it to Talkeetna by lunch so you might have to have a picnic someplace. Restaurants etc are scarce once you get past Wasilla. Also check times for Talkeetna restaurants. When we were there some were closed in mid-afternoon.

marilee,
the trains a nice ride and a little woodsier than the drive, plus you avoid the sprawl that is Wasilla, but the downside if you limit the chance to stop at interesting spots along the way.

For example, swinging into Talkeetna is fun and there are other nice sidetrips and simple pullovers if "the mountain is out."

Hatcher Pass is a nice side trip as are hikes to Thunderbird Falls and at the Eagle River NC -- although all those are also easily done as day trips from Anchorage. Same goes for the Musk Ox farm.

Mama, thanks for letting me know that Denali Lakeside Lodging is not accepting guests for 2007. We were hoping to do a late fall (well, late August anyway) visit and now we're bummed because we wanted to stay there!

We went with booking lodging in nearby Healy. Prices seem good and we're still close by. Went with the Denali Lakeview Inn. If our flightseeing day out of Talkeetna dosen't work for weather, we have Plan B, go out of their other center in Healy. The Inn recommended the Denali Outdoor Center for our rafting trip. Check out Healy.

We statyed at Carlo Creek Lodge, 15 minutes south of the park entrance. Real log cabins on large private land with woods and a babbling creek. Clean and courteous and inexpensive.
http://www.alaskaone.com/carlocreek/

We're staying at the Touch of Wilderness BB in Healy. I'll let you know how it is in August - when we return...Looks nice..some discounts apply.