Visitor Centers
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Visitor centers in Denali Whether you seek information, inspiration, or just need to buy a bus ticket, you'll want to stop at one or more of the visitor centers in Denali. 
A young boy enjoys the exhibits at the Denali Visitor Center. Fiberglass animals, rather than stuffed specimens, allow the building to go cold in winter, and will last longer without repair or maintenance.
nps photo / kent miller
The Denali Visitor Center Located at mile 1.5 on the Park Road, the Denali Visitor Center is the main source of visitor information and inspiration in the summer. Most National Park Service ranger-led programs begin at the Denali Visitor Center. Other features include an impressive exhibit hall and regular showings of the park film, "The Heartbeats of Denali." A restaurant, bookstore, baggage claim, and Alaska Railroad depot are within short walking distance of the Denali Visitor Center. More information on these facilities is available on the main Denali Visitor Center web page (see below). Opening date: May 15, 2012 Closing date: September 18, 2012 Daily hours: 8 am - 6 pm Click here to learn more about the Denali Visitor Center 
The Wilderness Access Center is the campground and bus hub for Denali
nps photo / kent miller
The Wilderness Access Center Located at mile 1 on the Park Road, the Wilderness Access Center is the main location to arrange a bus trip into the park, or reserve / check-in for a campground. All shuttle buses depart from here, as do some tours. This facility is not operated by the National Park Service. Our primary concessioner, Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, staffs and operates this building. Opening date: May 15, 2012 Closing date: September 17, 2012 Daily hours: 5 am - 7 pm for coffee service, bus loading; 7 am - 7 pm for reservation desk Click here to learn more about the Wilderness Access Center
The Murie Science and Learning Center Located at mile 1.4 on the Park Road, close to the Denali Visitor Center, the Murie Center offers many small-group, interactive courses each summer. These courses include teacher trainings, field seminars and youth camps. Partners of the center include Alaska Geographic, the Denali Education Center, the Denali Borough School District, the University of Alaska, and Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture. Click here to learn more about the Murie Science and Learning Center 
You can reach Eielson Visitor Center with any Kantishna, Wonder Lake or Eielson shuttle bus, or with the Kantishna Experience tour bus.
nps photo / kent miller
Eielson Visitor Center Located at mile 66 on the Park Road, Eielson Visitor Center can be reached by most shuttle buses, and by the Kantishna Experience tour bus. Features include daily ranger-led programs, a small gallery of art inspired by Denali's natural wonders, and, on clear days, amazing views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. Opening date: June 1, 2012 Closing date: September 17, 2012 Daily hours: 9 am - 7 pm for visitor information; restrooms unlocked 24 hours a day Click here to learn more about Eielson Visitor Center 
The Toklat River Contact Station is a major rest stop along the Park Road.
nps photo / kent miller
Toklat River Contact Station Located at mile 53 on the Park Road, all shuttle and tour buses make a stop at Toklat River except for the Denali Natural History Tour. Features include rest rooms, visitor information, and a small bookstore. The station is staffed by both the National Park Service and sales associates working for Alaska Geographic, a non-profit partner of the park service. Click here to learn more about Alaska Geographic 
The Talkeetna Ranger Station is in Talkeetna, about 100 miles south of the entrance to Denali.
nps photo / neil blake
Talkeetna Ranger Station Located in the town of Talkeetna, about 100 miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, this ranger station serves as the center of mountaineering operations. Climbers wishing to attempt Mt. McKinley or other peaks in the Alaska Range stop here first, for an orientation to the mountain and to acquire their climbing permit. The Talkeetna Ranger Station also offers some visitor services, particular in summer. It is open year-round. Click here to learn more about the Talkeetna Ranger Station |
Did You Know?
Did you know that Mount McKinley National Park was originally created to protect mammals, not because of the majestic mountain?