DENALI

One of Alaska’s most popular destinations, Denali National Park and Preserve is wild and breathtakingly beautiful, covering six million acres of pure wilderness and home to North America’s highest peak. Meaning “the Great One” or “High One” in the Alaska Native Athabascan language, Denali rises 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) into the sky. Although summer months are most popular, the park is enchanting any time of year and is an easy two-hour drive south on the Parks Highway or a four-hour train trip from Fairbanks.

In summer, traverse the Denali Park Road in your own vehicle to mile 15 or venture deeper into the park on a tour bus. Flightseeing is another exciting way to view the Alaska Range and get up close to “the Great One.” The park’s varied terrain includes brilliant mountains, pristine rivers and lakes, colorful tundra, alpine meadows, sweeping vistas and abundant wildlife. Along the way you may spot moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves or any of the hundreds of other species that call the park home.

Dining, shopping, tours, lodging and other visitor services are available near the park entrance. Activities within the park are as varied as the travelers who visit and whether you choose to simply take in the pristine wilderness or explore the rugged backcountry, there are plenty of options to help you discover Denali.

After an adventure to the Far North, return to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to pick up an official Arctic Circle Certificate. A journey to the Arctic will surely be remembered forever.

Experience the vast wilderness panoramas, tundraladen landscape and fascinating indigenous cultures that define Alaska’s Arctic. Cross the Arctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ north, where the sun does not set for one day during summer solstice, June 21, nor does it rise for one day during winter solstice, December 21. This place that many only ever dream about visiting is just 140 (225 km) air miles or 195 (314 km) road miles north of Fairbanks, a four- to five-hour drive.

Tour by van or motorcoach up the Dalton Highway, also known as the Haul Road, or by plane to see the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River. Visit Coldfoot,