Denali sights near lodges

[Manzy154]

We will be in Denali at the Denali Grande with only the transportation provided by them or the park. We have our plan to go into the park but I would like to know what things are available other than eating, and the tours. I imagine shopping, and people watching? How big is the area around the park HQ. Is there a lot of touristy type things, entertainment, or history etc.?

[Chenega]

The visitor center (often known as Glitter Gulch) has lots of small shops and several restaurants. Technically, it's not in the park itself. You can take some nice walks along a pedestrian walkway, go down to the Nenana River or walk/hop a shuttle to the Denali Park Visitor Center area about a mile away. Other than that, not much.

Given that the Grande Denali sits way up a hillside, it's quite a haul along a series of switchbacks to Glitter Gulch as well.

[Budget Queen]

If "Denali " is a priority, then also consider some of the PARK activities. listings [url]www.nps.gov/dena[/url] At the least the visitor center and sled dog demo are worthwhile. With time, the FREE Savage River shuttle bus and ranger activities as well.