Photo courtesy State of Alaska Tourism / Frank Flavin

The tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley stands a towering 20,320 feet tall. It’s located inside Denali National Park and Preserve, an area of more than 6 million acres – slightly larger than the state of Massachusetts – often ranked as one of Alaska’s top attractions.

It’s more than just McKinley that make the park a special place. It’s home to 37 species of mammals, everything from moose, caribou, wolves and brown bears.

The roads inside the park are closed to most vehicles, but buses still give guests one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Alaska. Additionally, day hikers can get off the bus anywhere along the Park Road and then just flag down a bus for a ride back to the park’s entrance when they’re done.

Photo courtesy State of Alaska Tourism / Matt Hage

Denali National Park and Preserve might be rugged, but that doesn’t mean visitors have to rough it. There are two Princess wilderness lodges located near the park to help travelers unwind in luxury and comfort after a day of exploring.

Located just one mile from the park’s entrance, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge has comfortably appointed rooms and an expansive deck with outdoor hot tubs overlooking the park and the Nenana River.

The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is located south of the national park on the banks of the Chulitna River. The great room at this lodge features enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range.

The cast of Putnam County Spelling Bee at Denali Dinner Theatre

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge’s Music of Denali Dinner Theatre cast were recently joined by actors from Denali Park Resort’s Alaska Cabin Nite Theater for a rousing rendition of the hilarious Tony-award winning Broadway musical “Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

An audience of 150 people turned out for the event, which was a fundraiser for the music department of Tri-Valley School in Healy. The performance raised $394, which will be presented to music department director Candace Mudge. She said she plans on buying instruments and said the money may also go toward her music programs in Anderson, Healy and Cantwell.

The cast from Music of Denali included Laura Campbell, Melody Pinion, Jessica Bradish, Lindsey Powell, Andrew Tebo, Patrick Burns and Geoff Karnish. Troupe member Zach Orts was the music director and also performed on the piano. Tim Joyce was the director and choreographer.

Participating from Alaska Cabin Nite were Cody Murphy and Michael Hudson Heath.

Head to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and go on a half-day tour to the Husky Homestead, run by Jeff King, four-time champion of the Iditarod. Like a lot of Alaskans, Jeff moved here in search of adventure. Dog mushing and Alaskan huskies piqued his interest, and in 1992 he went from spare time to full time, winning his first Iditarod the following season. He took the mushing world by storm and has become recognized as the “winningest musher in the world.” You might know about the Iditarod, but come see what it takes to create a professional Iditarod racing team. Meet Jeff and more than 75 friendly, energetic huskies ready to share their enthusiasm for the sport. The adventure can be booked at the tour desk at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

If you are going to be on the Kenai Peninsula this summer, meet dog musher Lorraine Temple. She is a strong advocate of Alaska’s official state sport. She’ll share tales of the trail, introduce you to her sled dogs and tell you what it takes to make it through the Iditarod. Get hands-on experience by harnessing the dogs and hooking them into the team. Her tour also includes a video and slideshow that features glaciers, wildlife, activities, wildflowers, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and of course, adorable puppies!

Wrangell-St Elias National Park is considered one of the most spectacular destinations in Alaska and is the largest national park. At the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, learn about mushing the best way possible, by actually riding in a sled. See how mushers use wheeled carts to keep their dogs fit for winter races and everyday transportation. Head out to the lodge’s main entrance and instead of hailing a cab, hail a ride with a local musher and his team.

If you’ll be in Fairbanks this summer soaking up the midnight sun, stop by the home and kennels the late Susan Butcher with The Riverboat Discovery Cruise. She was the second woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1986, the second four-time winner in 1990, and the first to win four out of five sequential years. She is commemorated in Alaska every year on Susan Butcher Day, March 1. Susan’s husband Dave Monson, a champion of the Yukon Quest, shares stories of life in the dog yard and on the trails. Book this expedition from the tour desk at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

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“It was a great use for those lost and found baseball caps and rain jackets that people never claim,” said Susannah Whittaker, Assistant Controller for Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

The majority of those who scooped up the sale items were locals from the surrounding town of Healy. Over the past three years, the rummage sale has raised about $2,500 for Neighbor to Neighbor.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

Be sure and pack:

• Fishing gear – if you plan on fishing with a guide, they will supply the gear but if you already know the ropes, don’t forget to pack your pole, tackle, waders, fishing license and of course a big ice chest. Red and king salmon are running right now in the Russian and Kenai rivers and when fall hits, get ready to fish for some silver salmon.
• Rain gear – the weather on the Kenai Peninsula can be a little rainy from time to time so if you pack raingear, it’s guaranteed not to rain (or so the saying goes).

Plan ahead for:

• Traffic – it’s no secret that the area near Cooper Landing has some of the best fishing around so if you’re driving on a weekend, be prepared to share the road with fellow travelers. Luckily, Cooper Landing is just a short two-hour drive from Anchorage and has plenty of pull-offs to stop and enjoy the scenery.
• Reservations – if you’re going to book a fishing charter or rafting trip at the tour desk at this time of year, plan ahead to be sure you get a reservation during peak times.

Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

Be sure and pack:

• Binoculars – whether you take a flightseeing trip, go on a hike, experience a jet boat ride or take off on an ATV adventure, the views are astounding.
• Your appetite – if you come to Talkeetna, the list of must-try eateries is long. Between the restaurants at the Princess Lodge, the bake shops, pizza joints and a brewery in town, it’s a good thing there are opportunities to walk it off.

Plan ahead for:

• Weather – if you plan on going flightseeing, give yourself an extra day in case weather prevents the trip. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
• Time to relax – with the Great One right outside the windows, take a seat once in awhile and just relax. Schedule some time to sit in the Great Room, featuring cozy sitting areas, tables and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Be sure and pack:

• Camera – it sound obvious, but when a brown bear or bull moose crosses your path, you don’t want to be kicking yourself for forgetting the camera at home.
• Good walking/hiking shoes – I’m not suggesting you climb Mount McKinley, but when you’re staying at a location just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, your feet will want to explore the grounds (or shop along the promenade).

Plan ahead for:

• Taking the train – we Alaskans are reliant upon our cars (they didn’t invent auto-start for nothing!), but once in awhile, it’s nice to sit back and enjoy the ride. Princess Rail Tours combine the thrill of traveling the Alaska Railroad with one or more nights at either the Denali or Mt. McKinley Princess lodges.
• A trip into the park – at the tour desk, ask about the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Natural History Tour to travel into the park for opportunities to spot wildlife. A long bus trip may sound daunting, but well worth the journey.

Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge

Be sure and pack:

• Sunglasses – with upwards of 20 hours of daylight in the summer, Fairbanks makes you want to stay up and play long into the nighttime hours. The Midnight Sun Dinner and Float trip combines dinner with a late-night float trip down the Chena River.
• Gold mining spirit – with a rich mining history, Fairbanks is packed with opportunities to roll up the sleeves and explore. From the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour to a visit to the Museum of the North, it’s easy to embrace yourself in all that glitters.

Plan ahead for:

• Special events – there is no shortage of things to do and see in Fairbanks, and many weekends are packed with special events like the Tanana Valley State Fair (Aug 6-14).
• A return trip this winter – the only one of Princess’ lodges open all year round, the Fairbanks Princess is available to serve your lodging needs whether you’re coming to enjoy the midnight sun or the northern lights.

Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge

Be sure and pack:

• An extra large cooler – located at the confluence of the Copper and Klutina rivers, this area is prime for some of the best fishing in the state, only not as many people know about it so there will be plenty of elbow room.
• Road map – if you haven’t been to this area of the state before, there is more to do and see then you might think. Take advantage of the close proximity to Valdez, the Mat-Su Valley and Copper Center regions.

Plan ahead for:

• A trip to McCarthy and Kennicott – one of the most treasured adventures in Alaska, this trip will reveal a location that sprang from the wilderness to support the nearby copper and gold mines. You can book a day trip by air or combine a fly/drive adventure from the Tour Desk.
• Driving time – depending on where you’re coming from, this lodge is a true wilderness escape. It’s located at milepost 102 of the Richardson Highway, approximately two hours north of Valdez and five hours east of Anchorage.

You’ve likely also heard the mountain itself referred to as Denali, but the official name of the 20,320-foot peak is Mount McKinley. The misconception stems from the state Geographic Names Board renaming the mountain Denali, but the federal Government has not adopted the change. Denali National Park and Preserve was established in 1917 and was originally called Mount McKinley National Park, but was renamed Denali in 1980. No wonder we’re confused.

So who could allow such an oversight, delivering almost 100 years of misdirected fame and publicity to a town that doesn’t even exist? Well, as long as Alaskans and the rest of the 400,000 visitors to the park each year continue to find our way there each year to explore the wildlife, panoramic views and recreation that “Denali” delivers, no one is mincing words about what we’re calling it.

Friday in Denali

5 p.m.   Baby it’s cold inside

Alaskans are pretty adept at surviving in below zero temperatures. But if you haven’t felt 40 degrees below zero — or even if you have — it’s fun to step into Denali’s own Alaska’s Arctic Blast. They provide the parka and guide you into the chilled chamber where you can play around with some favorite pastimes like throwing hot water and blowing soap bubbles into the frigid air. It’s especially a treat for visiting out-of-town relatives since it only reinforces your Alaska tales of walking to school through waist-deep snowdrifts, uphill both ways.

7 p.m.   Taste of Alaska

If you’re craving a taste of Alaska, try the Base Camp Bistro. They’re serving up some of your homegrown favorites like Bubbling Hot Alaskan Crab Dip, Seafood Mac and Cheese or Alaska-style nachos loaded with king crab and bay shrimp. The restaurant stays open until midnight for late-night dining or you can mosey over to the bar for a nightcap.

Saturday

7 a.m.   Tee time

You’ve heard of the old adage about the gopher stealing the golf ball. In Alaska, go ahead and make it a grizzly bear. And when you say that the golf course was in Denali, they might even believe you. Even if you can’t really blame bears for your golf handicap, you will be confronted with the unique challenges of putting around moose prints, the distraction of stunning scenery and an infamous red fox that steals balls of green number two (at least that’s the story around here). Denali Princess can book your Tundra Mountain Golfing excursion on the rugged nine-hole course located just minutes from the lodge.

1 p.m. Dogging around

Jeff King is a legend to the Iditarod world — recognized as the “winningest musher in the world” and a kind and familiar face to many. His victories include four Iditarod championships while logging more than 100,000 miles by dog sled. At least to Alaskans and dog mushing fanatics, it feels like meeting a celebrity to visit Goose Lake Kennels and home to the mushing maven himself. The Husky Homestead Tour teaches visitors about the history of the sport and breed of dog used in mushing as well as the necessary equipment and training needed to reach the finish line. If you’re not already convinced to take up the sport of dog mushing, by time you snuggle some pups and see the mushing demo, you might be calculating harness sizes for Fido back home.

6 p.m. A local bite

To dine with fellow Alaskans, you’ll likely find them at Lynx Creek Pizza, a place famous for specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches, beer and ice cream. If you want to chitchat over a pie — like the Forest Mushroom with pesto sauce topped with four cheeses, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and onions — enjoy dinner at the log-cabin-style restaurant or you can have it delivered to your room.

Sunday

7 a.m.   Early start

With a number of dining options at Denali Princess, you can practically eat every meal on site without a bite at same place twice. But since the lodge is so close to the park entrance, the location is perfect to get your food to go. The River Run Espresso serves coffee, muffins and pastries or visit Rapids for some sandwiches to take with you on a walk along the River Walk or while perusing the promenade shopping cabins. If you feel like starting off with a big bite, the Denali Sourdough Expedition Breakfast starts seating at 5 a.m. in the Music of Denali Dinner Theater. If the name isn’t description enough, this all-you-can-eat breakfast served buffet style features Alaska sourdough pancakes, eggs, bacon, reindeer sausage, biscuits with Alaska fireweed honey and more. Consider the buffet your first expedition of the day.

8 a.m. Fly me to the view

Few people are skilled enough to reach the great heights of Mount McKinley, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us can’t experience it. With the Denali Heli-Hiking Adventure you can skip the first pesky dozen or so miles by taking a helicopter to the most remote areas inside Denali National Park and Preserve. In just 15 minutes, you are above the tree line overlooking the Yanert and Moody River valleys. The 3.5-hour soft-adventure hike is led by a guide who provides information on some of the wildlife and habitat of the area.

2 p.m.   Ore power

If you’ve experienced Denali’s views from above, you might enjoy the different perspective by navigating through the Nenana River Gorge. With numerous active glaciers pouring from the mountains of Denali, the terrain is perfect for rafting. The 11-mile Nenana Gorge Whitewater trip travels through a dozen or so major Class III and Class IV rapids. You can choose to paddle or just hang on and enjoy the view, making for a thrilling ride if you’re a seasoned whitewater veteran or a first-time rafter.

The Basics

The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is located on the banks of the Nenana River, offering easy access to the 6-million-acre playground of Denali National Park and Preserve. Aside from North America’s highest peak, the park is home to an array of wildlife — from moose, caribou, Dall sheep and brown bears to gray wolves and red foxes. Recent renovations to the lodge increased the room total to 656, making it the largest hotel in the state of Alaska. Reach the lodge via the George Parks Highway from Anchorage or Fairbanks, or on the Alaska Railroad, offering daily services in the summer.

The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge will be open this summer from May 19 – Sept. 15.

“Weekend at Base Camp” is a blog series that shares how you can plan a weekend escape full of adventures to enjoy our Alaska-sized backyard.

While buses, RVs and rental cars populate the roads and trail around Denali nowadays, you can take a journey back to simpler times during your stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The Covered Wagon Adventure takes off right from the Denali lodge in a rustic but comfortable covered wagon led by an impressive pair of draft horses. Along the way, the guide shares some fun facts and local folklore you may not have heard before and it’s a nice alternative for viewing wildlife if you’ve already done the traditional bus tour. After the leisurely ride, arrive at a small, covered camp to enjoy the view, exchange a few stories and partake in one tradition that has definitely withstood the test of time: lunch.

If you go:

You can book this adventure from the Tour Desk at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The Covered Wagon Adventure at Denali is a family friendly 2.5-hour tour that requires a moderate level of activity. Blankets and binoculars are provided for use while on the tour. The Denali lodge will be open from May 19 – Sept. 15, 2010. ($89/adult and $49/child)

“Activity of the Week” is a weekly blog series that profiles adventures, destinations and tour operators from across Alaska.”