Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

WHAT'S ON YOUR 'BUCKET LIST'?

To help celebrate Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood in 2009, two Alaska outfitters, Denali Park Resorts and Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours, have compiled a list of fun things to do in our nation’s largest state. For hard-core outdoors fanatics or those looking for a relaxing way to take in the culture and history of the state, Alaska has a little something for everyone. So if you don't even have a "bucket list" yet then you've certainly come to the right spot.

Top ten things to do before you bite the dust, fall off your perch, give up the ghost, pop your clogs, or you guessed it, "kick the bucket"

1. Cabin Nite Theater - Make a dinner date with our heroine Fannie Quigley at this true-to-life Gold Rush tale of her adventures in early 1900s Alaska. Enjoy a feast of Alaskan salmon, BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, and blueberry cobbler. This is great fun for the entire family. Do not leave Denali until you see this show!
2. Nenana’s glacial fed river is only 34 degrees, and perfect for an exciting Canyon Run whitewater rafting trip. Ten sets of Class III and Class IV rapids with an opportunity to float or grab a paddle and navigate through the rapids. For a more relaxing excursion, the Wilderness Run is a 13-mile raft trip through calmer waters. A great opportunity to view Denali’s beautiful scenery and wildlife.
3. Experience four-star dining – Denali Park Resorts has a strong emphasis on sustainable cuisine, showcasing locally produced and eco-friendly ingredients including fireweed syrup-glazed duck and cardamom-crusted Alaska reindeer.
4. The Kantishna Experience brings you 90 miles into Denali National Park. Kantishna is called “The End of the Road” and "The Heart of Denali National Park. Visitors from around the world come to Kantishna not for gold as they did from the past, but now, for the natural beauty and solitude of this special place.
5. Bring your family into Sourdough Studios and spend the afternoon dressing up like an Old Alaskan Trapper, a photo of you “summiting” Denali, or “riding” a moose. The best way to send photos of your Alaskan adventures back home!
6. Playing golf at midnight in Denali National Park is unlike any course you’ve ever played. Black Diamond Golf Course is a challenging course with Alaskan hazards such as tundra marsh or the occasional moose hoof print. It’s a relatively short course which makes it accessible and fun for any style of play.
7. Viewing Denali National Park in a helicopter is life changing. Walk upon an ancient glacier in the world famous Alaska Range! Trek through the wild Alaskan backcountry with an experienced local naturalist at your side. You’ll get to explore remote areas that are normally a full day’s hike away. Lift off in a modern A-Star helicopter and get ready for your breathtaking birds-eye view of the Alaskan wilderness. Your adventure begins at our heliport overlooking the Nenana River. Grab your camera and prepare to be awed.
8. Experience the Call of the Wild! Moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou are just some of the wildlife that inhabit the park, an internationally designated biosphere reserve captured in the Tundra Wilderness Tour.
9. Let us be Your Guide – A series of guided 3-hour hikes are available through Denali Park Resort’s Explore Denali program, including a easy hike in the front-country of the park; an invigorating moderate hike into the spruce forest; and a personalized trip along the Denali highway with a van and short walks with photo opportunities.
10. Catch Sled Dog Champions in the Husky Homestead Tour, a visit to the sled dog kennels where visitors can see first-hand the speed and strength of these cold-weather athletes.