Talkeetna is the coolest small town in Alaska. Not the coldest, mind you, just a super cool mountain town nestled at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Talkeetna is a favorite of Alaskans and visitors alike. Whether you just got off a week-long adventure on the mountain or you cruised in on the train, Talkeetna will have plenty for you to enjoy. I’m sure you will agree that this amazing Alaskan place is one of the coolest in the U.S.

Talkeetna’s main street features Nagley’s Store, a staple of the town since 1921.

Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)/Flickr

Tucked away in the forest at the foothills of Denali, Talkeetna is only 14 miles off the highway, but feels like another world.

USDARD LAPAS/Flickr

Mountain High Pizza Pie is a staple of the Talkeetna diet. Fuel up after a long day of adventure at this lively, family run pizzeria.

Scott McMurren/Flickr

The access to nature is unparalleled. This path through a fairy tale forest is just the way to get to town. Many Alaska small towns have wonderful charm like this.

Susan Adams/Flickr

The Fairview is the hottest spot for evening fun featuring live music, a vintage foosball table and a large open air patio.

TravelingOtter/Flickr

This town even had the coolest mayor! Stubbs the cat held the office from 1997 through his death on July 21st, 2017. He was 20 years old when he passed, and he served his community faithfully!

Jenni Konrad/Flickr

The fireweed in the late summer is incredible along the mountain paths. Living in Alaska is filled with natural wonders like this.

Bob Clarke/Flickr

This quaint town is very cautious of light pollution, so aurora viewing is always possible in the dark winter.

Paxson Woelber/Flickr

Majestic Denali reveals the full splendor of 20,310 feet of mountain adventures, the true goal of any resident or visitor to Talkeetna.

USDARD LAPAS/Flickr

Do you think Talkeetna is the coolest small town in Alaska? Have you been to this fun town? Do you have pictures of yourself enjoying this incredible town? Share them with us!

Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)/Flickr

USDARD LAPAS/Flickr

Scott McMurren/Flickr

Susan Adams/Flickr

TravelingOtter/Flickr

Jenni Konrad/Flickr

Bob Clarke/Flickr

Paxson Woelber/Flickr

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Address: Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Coolest Small Town In Alaska June 04, 2020 Megan McDonald What is Talkeetna, Alaska known for?  This amazing small town is known for two very important things. Its distinguished feline mayor, Stubbs, who governed over this small town for 20 wonderful years. He was “voted” into office in 1997, and held that office until his death in 2017. Because of Talkeetna’s proximity to Denali National Park, it’s also known as the gateway to Denali. This is where many of the climbers that try to ascend Denali congregate before and after this incredible feat. It’s also the perfect jumping off point to explore this rich and wild national park. The town is fun and quirky and pulls in some of the most interesting people in Alaska. It was also the inspiration behind the 1990’s show Northern Exposure. The town is filled with artisans and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to visit a wonderful spot that reflects the truth nature of Alaska, make sure to visit Talkeetna! What does the name Talkeetna mean? Talkeetna, the small town in Alaska, is a Dena’ina Athabaskan word. Loosely translated, it means “river of plenty.” The literal translation is closer to “place where food is stored near the river.” Now local Talkeetna residents use the word as “where three rivers meet,” as the Talkeetna, the Chulitna, and the Susitna all converge in Talkeetna. These three rivers become the Big Susitna drainage. This is a wonderful town with a strong Den’aina history and heritage. You can visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum in downtown Talkeetna to learn more about this wonderful area, and the Alaskan Natives that first utilized its wonderful resources.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Coolest Small Town In Alaska

June 04, 2020

Megan McDonald

What is Talkeetna, Alaska known for?  This amazing small town is known for two very important things. Its distinguished feline mayor, Stubbs, who governed over this small town for 20 wonderful years. He was “voted” into office in 1997, and held that office until his death in 2017. Because of Talkeetna’s proximity to Denali National Park, it’s also known as the gateway to Denali. This is where many of the climbers that try to ascend Denali congregate before and after this incredible feat. It’s also the perfect jumping off point to explore this rich and wild national park. The town is fun and quirky and pulls in some of the most interesting people in Alaska. It was also the inspiration behind the 1990’s show Northern Exposure. The town is filled with artisans and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to visit a wonderful spot that reflects the truth nature of Alaska, make sure to visit Talkeetna! What does the name Talkeetna mean? Talkeetna, the small town in Alaska, is a Dena’ina Athabaskan word. Loosely translated, it means “river of plenty.” The literal translation is closer to “place where food is stored near the river.” Now local Talkeetna residents use the word as “where three rivers meet,” as the Talkeetna, the Chulitna, and the Susitna all converge in Talkeetna. These three rivers become the Big Susitna drainage. This is a wonderful town with a strong Den’aina history and heritage. You can visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum in downtown Talkeetna to learn more about this wonderful area, and the Alaskan Natives that first utilized its wonderful resources.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

This amazing small town is known for two very important things. Its distinguished feline mayor, Stubbs, who governed over this small town for 20 wonderful years. He was “voted” into office in 1997, and held that office until his death in 2017. Because of Talkeetna’s proximity to Denali National Park, it’s also known as the gateway to Denali. This is where many of the climbers that try to ascend Denali congregate before and after this incredible feat. It’s also the perfect jumping off point to explore this rich and wild national park. The town is fun and quirky and pulls in some of the most interesting people in Alaska. It was also the inspiration behind the 1990’s show Northern Exposure. The town is filled with artisans and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to visit a wonderful spot that reflects the truth nature of Alaska, make sure to visit Talkeetna!

What does the name Talkeetna mean?

Talkeetna, the small town in Alaska, is a Dena’ina Athabaskan word. Loosely translated, it means “river of plenty.” The literal translation is closer to “place where food is stored near the river.” Now local Talkeetna residents use the word as “where three rivers meet,” as the Talkeetna, the Chulitna, and the Susitna all converge in Talkeetna. These three rivers become the Big Susitna drainage. This is a wonderful town with a strong Den’aina history and heritage. You can visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum in downtown Talkeetna to learn more about this wonderful area, and the Alaskan Natives that first utilized its wonderful resources.