Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge to Talkeetna

[1153rsmith]

We are going to have an afternoon free at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge and are interested in going into Talkeetna. I saw somewhere that it was about an hour away.... is that correct? Does anyone know how often the shuttle buses run? Also, I was told there was a fenced in area in Talkeetna that has some reindeer in it. Is that correct?

 

Is Talkeetna worth the trip or are their enough things to do around the lodge to keep you busy for the afternoon?

[kehlx2]

We are going to have an afternoon free at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge and are interested in going into Talkeetna. I saw somewhere that it was about an hour away.... is that correct? Does anyone know how often the shuttle buses run? Also, I was told there was a fenced in area in Talkeetna that has some reindeer in it. Is that correct?

 

Is Talkeetna worth the trip or are their enough things to do around the lodge to keep you busy for the afternoon?

 

I hope someone answers, as I would like to know also.

[mapleleaves]

The PrincessLodge web site only indicates the shuttle fare, $10, but no info on times. (at Denali it's hourly but it's only going 2 miles)

http://www.princesslodges.com/mckinley-lodge.cfm

 

The lodge is isolated but the grounds are lovely. There are trails around the property. Talkeetna is a quirky little town , very photogenic on a nice day. Flightseeing to Denali is the main activity. Look at the town web site for info on the museums, shops, etc.

http://www.talkeetnachamber.org/

 

Look thru the trip reports that say cruisetour and you'll find photos of talkeetna as well as the lodge and grounds. (2 bears as well in 2013) Perhaps you'll find info on the shuttle as well.

[Budget Queen]

I was at this lodge a few weeks ago. The bus schedule on the board had the Talkeetna shuttle bus running every hour.

 

It was "surprising" to me to see probably a hundred, maybe more, people, just hanging around, doing - not much that I could tell. This was late afternoon. There isn't much to do at the lodge area, so hopefully you will select something to occupy your time that isn't wasteful.

 

Talkeetna is a very worthwhile stop for me, for flightseeing. but, it's another place, packed with aimlessly wandering people. I saw people milling around the train depot, 3 hours + before the train. Likely most of these people cruise tour participants.

Edited August 4, 2014 by Budget Queen

[1153rsmith]

The PrincessLodge web site only indicates the shuttle fare, $10, but no info on times. (at Denali it's hourly but it's only going 2 miles)

http://www.princesslodges.com/mckinley-lodge.cfm

 

The lodge is isolated but the grounds are lovely. There are trails around the property. Talkeetna is a quirky little town , very photogenic on a nice day. Flightseeing to Denali is the main activity. Look at the town web site for info on the museums, shops, etc.

http://www.talkeetnachamber.org/

 

Look thru the trip reports that say cruisetour and you'll find photos of talkeetna as well as the lodge and grounds. (2 bears as well in 2013) Perhaps you'll find info on the shuttle as well.

 

Thanks for the info on the cost. My TA sort of lead me to believe it was a free shuttle back and forth. It looks like it is a neat little town. I'd love to go down and have a chance to see some wildlife also.

 

Does anyone know how late in the day the shuttles run?

[Glaciers]

Does anyone know how late in the day the shuttles run?

 

The last shuttle bus departs Talkeetna for the lodge at 9pm. For something to do consider the Hurricane Turn Train. It’s a flag stop that drops off and picks up folks along the track who wave the train down. Many have remote cabins and use the train to get into town for supplies. Runs from Talkeetna and stops on the Hurricane Gulch Bridge and then returns.

 

http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel/OurTrains/HurricaneTurn/tabid/102/Default.aspx

[1153rsmith]

The last shuttle bus departs Talkeetna for the lodge at 9pm. For something to do consider the Hurricane Turn Train. It’s a flag stop that drops off and picks up folks along the track who wave the train down. Many have remote cabins and use the train to get into town for supplies. Runs from Talkeetna and stops on the Hurricane Gulch Bridge and then returns.

 

http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel/OurTrains/HurricaneTurn/tabid/102/Default.aspx

 

The train looks like fun, but I think it will depart before we arrive. I still think it might be nice to walk around a little while, shop a little, and grab a bite to eat. I'd love to wet a hook for a little bit if the salmon were running.

[zaks pack4]

The last shuttle bus departs Talkeetna for the lodge at 9pm. For something to do consider the Hurricane Turn Train. It’s a flag stop that drops off and picks up folks along the track who wave the train down. Many have remote cabins and use the train to get into town for supplies. Runs from Talkeetna and stops on the Hurricane Gulch Bridge and then returns.

 

http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel/OurTrains/HurricaneTurn/tabid/102/Default.aspx

I was excited to try the Hurricane Turn train, but unfortunately it is not running on the day we will be staying at McKinley Lodge. It looked like a lot of fun.

[born2cruize]

Thanks for the info on the cost. My TA sort of lead me to believe it was a free shuttle back and forth. It looks like it is a neat little town. I'd love to go down and have a chance to see some wildlife also.

 

Does anyone know how late in the day the shuttles run?

 

The shuttle run IS FREE if and only if you are on a Princess excursion.