Its seclusion and beautiful natural landscape are two reasons Alaska is a popular tourism destination for nature enthusiasts. The state contains 17 national parks, including Denali National Park & Preserve, which is a scenic location full of exciting tourist attractions. To help plan the itinerary for your first trip to Denali, here are a few fun activities to try in the park and surrounding areas. 

What to Do in & Around Denali National Park & Preserve 

1. Take a Flightseeing Tour

Alaska has a majestic landscape that is often best viewed from the sky. Luckily, flightseeing lets you take in the gorgeous views from a small plane or helicopter. During the ride, you can snap photos of the Alaska Range, glaciers, and other interesting and remote areas that are challenging or impossible to get to by foot. You can find tour operators that offer flightseeing excursions in Healy and other communities near the park to book a ride.

2. See the Sled Dogs

Sled dogs have been a fixture of the Denali National Park & Preserve since 1922, and a kennel continues to operate on the parkland. The Alaskan huskies are used to pull sleds across snow and ice to help rangers get to different areas of the park. The sled tracks also create trails for winter visitors to use. 

You can see the canines up close during sled dog demonstrations at the park, which take place daily in the summer. There are also privately owned kennels in neighboring towns where you can ride a sled pulled by sled dogs during winter and spring.

3. Go for a Hike 

Denali is also a popular destination for tourism among hikers, as there are trail and off-trail hiking opportunities for different experience levels. At just around .2 miles, Morino Trail is a short, easy walk that's suited for inexperienced hikers. Along the way, you can take in views of the surrounding forest and see local wildlife. Meanwhile, more experienced hikers can navigate the uneven soil and rocks on the steep two-mile stretch of Horseshoe Lake Trail, which surrounds the lake. 

For a comfortable place to stay after each day's adventures in Denali National Park & Preserve, book hotel reservations at Denali Totem Inn in Healy, AK. The inn features 27 well-appointed rooms as well as a bar and family-style restaurant for socializing after a long day of Alaskan activities. The friendly, knowledgeable staff can also help you find other exciting spots for tourism in the area. See pictures of the accommodations online, and call (907) 683-6500 to arrange your visit.