Denali National Park and Preserve is iconic for good reason. Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, this six-million-acre park offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and endless opportunities for adventure. It’s a bucket-list destination for any Alaska traveler.

Staying in or near the park allows you to maximize your visit, making it easier to access hiking trails, wildlife tours and visitor centers. Princess Lodges offers two different lodges in the area — Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Here’s why both locations are worth considering, along with all the perks of staying right in the park.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Stay close to the action

Located just outside the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the perfect option for travelers seeking convenience and comfort. From this prime location, you’ll have easy access to park tours, shuttle services, and nearby activities.

What makes this lodge special?

• Unbeatable proximity: Just minutes from the park entrance, you can spend more time exploring Denali.
• Comfort meets rustic charm: The lodge blends modern amenities with an authentic Alaska feel, offering cozy rooms, beautiful views and plenty of dining options.
• On-site activities: Enjoy a dinner theater, local artisan shops and riverside decks perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

While staying at the Denali Princess, there are many ways to explore the park. Take your pick among bus tours, hiking, ATV tours, Jeep excursions, rafting, fishing and more. While we may have our favorite things to do in Denali, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung

Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: Explore south Denali

The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is in south Denali near the small town of Talkeetna. It’s about 100 miles south of the national park entrance and provides excellent views of Denali on clear days.

Why choose south Denali?

• Panoramic views: The lodge sits on a bluff with sweeping views of Denali, often said to be the best in Alaska when the mountain is visible.
• Spend time in Talkeetna: The nearby quirky town of Talkeetna is a small Alaska town with many local shops, art galleries and great attractions such as flightseeing tours or riverboat excursions.
• A different pace: South Denali is less crowded than the national park entrance area, making it a great choice for those who want to slow down and relax.

Although the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is further from the park entrance, there are some unique excursions offered in the area that make it worthwhile. Some of the most popular tours include a flightseeing tour around Denali, the Talkeetna Zipline Adventure and the Talkeetna River Float.

Why you should stay in Denali National Park?

Staying near or in Denali National Park gives you the best access to excursions. From wildlife viewing to river rafting, staying close means you can join tours early in the day and not worry about driving back and forth from your accommodations. Not to mention, you’ll wake up every day to stunning views of the Alaska tundra and mountain range. If you’re planning to spend a full day hiking or prefer a leisurely drive along the park road, the proximity of staying in Denali National Park allows you to explore at your own pace.

Unlike many other national parks, Denali is largely untouched, with only one road that spans it all. Visitors will see more wildlife than they can keep track of and will get the chance to experience the solitude of Alaska’s natural beauty.

Photo Credit: Thomas Sbampato

Plan Your Visit

Denali National Park is an essential stop for anyone traveling to Alaska. By staying at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you’ll have a comfortable and convenient base to explore everything the park has to offer.  Whether you prefer the proximity to the park entrance or the quieter setting in south Denali, both lodges provide a unique way to experience this incredible destination.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your stay and get ready to immerse yourself in Denali National Park! Combine your accommodations in Denali with rail travel roundtrip Anchorage for the ultimate adventure!