Talkeetna and the Alaska Railroad

Alaska has only one railroad, the historic Alaska Railroad, which runs from the coastal city of Seward in the south to the interior city of Fairbanks in the north.  On its way north the Alaska Railroad passes through the village of Talkeetna, one of Alaska's favorite tourist, sport fishing destinations, and places to stay.

Construction of the Alaska Railroad began in 1902 by a private company (Alaska Central) which laid tracks from Seward 51 miles north to Spencer.  The railroad survived several years of financial difficulties and changed ownership, and by 1914 was purchased by the U.S. government which began extending the line northward.  In 1915 President Woodrow Wilson selected Talkeetna as the headquarters for the Alaska Railroad Engineering Commission to oversee construction of the railroad north to Fairbanks.  On July 15th, 1923 President Warren G. Harding drove the final "golden spike" at Nenana Alaska, completing the approximate 470 miles of line from Seward to Fairbanks.

Talkeetna played a historic role in facilitating construction of the Alaska Railroad and continues to be one of the railroad's main tourist destinations (along with the Denali National Park).  The Alaska Railroad is also the last "flag stop" railroad in the U.S., where travelers can flag the train down to access or egress remote areas along the tracks.  This is especially true of the vast wilderness areas north of Talkeetna where there are literally no roads.  Many of the homesteaders, miners, trappers and settlers north of Talkeetna depend on the Alaska Railroad flag stop as a lifeline to civilization.  

Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites is located in Talkeetna Alaska, just a few minutes walk from the Alaska Railroad depot.  Complimentary pickup from the train station is available.  All of Talkeetna's amenities are within a few minutes walking distance from the Denali Fireside lodging.  Please visit our home page at www.denalifireside.com