Vacations may have been delayed, and summer is coming. It’s right around the corner! Now is the time to start thinking about your family vacations for next year. Spend it in Denali National Park and Preserve, located in the beautiful backcountry of Alaska! From the rapids, valleys, glaciers, and some of the largest mountains in Northern America – not to mention the wide-open sky and fresh air – the Alaskan landscape is far more than just a beautiful panoramic view. Home to Black and Grizzly Bear, Moose, Caribou, Foxes and other native wildlife, there is so much to experience.
As much as we wish you were here right now, we hope you are staying well and we hope to see you soon! Until then, we have compiled a shortlist of adventures available from May to September to get you dreaming about your visit. We sprinkled in some nearby insider destinations as well, so that you have some insider information for an awesome trip!
Where to Stay:
We will start here, of course! Knowing where you are going to stay is just the start of planning a trip! You want to make sure your family is comfortable and safe. From there you can plan all the fun things you are going to do! If you are a family of 4 or 5 looking for an adventurous rural living experience, the Arctic Dragonfly Inn is a unique option for you! Located in Healy Alaska, the Arctic Dragonfly Inn features two cabin options, the Forget Me Not or the Prickly Rose. While the Forget Me Not is equipped with two Queen beds, and the Prickly Rose has a queen, twin and queen size sleeper sofa; both come fully equipped with a kitchen (including cookware), WiFi, free parking, and more.
Where to Eat:
Once you have booked your cabins, chances are you are going to be hungry and in need of fuel to start exploring! Luckily for you, the Alaskan Coffee Bean is nearby! If you need your coffee fix or a tasty brunch without the hassle, we encourage you to visit. Their Raspberry Cream Cheese Waffles…are out of this world!
You may also want to try the family-owned and operated MooseAkas if you are looking for something a bit more substantial. Featuring Eastern European cuisine for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, you can’t go wrong with starting the day or ending the evening here. Our staff really loves their stuffed schnitzel and savory crepes.
If you are vacationing with friends and have a strong desire for a growler of Alaska’s finest, look no further than 49th State Brewing Co! Minutes from the Arctic Dragonfly Inn, and popular for their tasty menu and brew, this is definitely the place you will want to be after an exciting day of exploring the backcountry of Denali.
Need a sweet treat to bring with you while exploring the wilderness or perhaps a snack to munch back at the cabin? Stop for free samples at Miller’s Gourmet Popcorn on the Denali Boardwalk, and leave with your favorites! From Alaskan-made ice cream, to popcorn and fudge…This place is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with goodness from the heart of Alaska.
Family Fun Under $100:
Once you are satisfied and comforted by Alaskan hospitality, it’s time for adventure and exploring! Rich with both history and beauty, Alaska has something for everyone in your family. At less than $100.00 per person, you can’t go wrong by starting off your vacation cuddling cute Alaskan Husky Puppies or pioneering the Alaskan Tundra!
Start by getting a one-of-a-kind, authentic look into 40+ years of rural Alaskan lifestyle by nothing short of cuddling cute Alaskan Husky puppies and witnessing summer training in action. Interact with racing sleds, arctic survival gear and equipment used to traverse over 1,000 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain during the infamous Iditarod Trail Race. Talk with locals and hear stories from the trail. Rich with history (and cuteness overload) this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Next up, experience the Alaskan tundra through the eyes of pioneers! Climb into a custom-built, horse-drawn covered wagon, and travel back in time with the mountains of Denali National Park in the background. Along your journey, you will witness panoramic views and breathe in a fresh perspective. Arriving at a hidden backcountry pavilion, the staff will serve you a freshly prepared family-style meal. Your guides will then take you back to present-day civilization all-the-while sharing stories of local folklore and so much more! Complete with blankets, binoculars, a longing for adventure, two trusty draft horses and your guides, this experience is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Backcountry Experiences:
No vacation is ever truly complete without experiencing the wilderness as it was meant to be… Abundantly wild, unruly, and full of spirit. Stampede Excursions offers exciting experiences and tours ranging in price that cover land, water, and sky. It’s never too early to start planning your vacation of a lifetime! Even in this turbulent time, there are still options for adventurous travelers.
Go off-road in a rugged 6-wheel army truck embarking on the Stampede Trail. Experience the thrill of adventure that was featured in Jon Krakauer’s 1996 best-selling novel “Into The Wild,” and the critically acclaimed 2007 motion picture.
Take an ATV with your family and friends through the wilderness, passing old coal mines and into the Dry Creek River Bed, and if you are “hungry” for more, check out our Denali ATV Dining Adventure option!
Take an inspirational flight around the highest point in North America, Mt. Denali – 20,310 feet above sea level! Soar over the Alaska Range in a twin-engine plane to see 200+ miles of beautiful Denali National Park.
Land on an ancient Glacier in a helicopter and discover the unstoppable forces of nature from a new perspective in the world-famous Alaska Range featuring the stunning Yanert Icefield and surrounding glaciers.
Get a thrill in the rapids as you navigate 11 miles downriver, experiencing rapids such as “Razorback,”, “Coffee Grinder,” and “Ice Worm!”
Soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery and witness abundant wildlife. Explore icefalls and massive crevasses, and up-close-and-personal views of otherworldly glacial blue ice pools. Learn about the rich history of the Alaskan backcountry and view braided rivers, colorful ridgelines and velvety tundra-covered valleys.
Experience Denali in an adventurous way by booking a tour or two… Or three with Stampede Excursions! Give us a call today, or book online, to experience the thrill of a lifetime and bring back memories to share with family and friends. We are ready to book your favorite tour options for Summer 2021 and beyond!
And, we are excited to share our beautiful wild Alaska with you! See you soon!
