About 90 miles north of Anchorage, the village of Talkeetna (population 300) was once an important supply station for goldminers from the late 1800s to 1940, and today is a staging area for outdoor enthusiasts. It is near the confluence of the Susitna, Talkeetna, and Chulitna Rivers.The village derives its name from a Tanaina word which means “river of plenty.” Every spring Talkeetna is headquarters for those climbing Mt McKinley. Climbers board fixedwing aircraft here for the flight to Great Gorge, where they establish base camps prior to their ascents.

In the big-game hunting season, which most years runs from late August through early October, the 4,000-foot paved airport runway becomes particularly busy. There is excellent salmon fishing in nearby creeks and rivers. For those interested in history, the Talkeetna Museum, located in an old red schoolhouse, has displays relating to the area. Every mid-summer, the village hosts a bluegrass festival.

Visitors can reach Talkeetna by car, bus, and train.