Talkeetna, Alaska is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna and Chulitna rivers, just 100 miles north of Anchorage , Alaska. It is a town of 350 residents in the Talkeetna town site area. However, over a thousand people make up the communities of Trapper Creek, Sunshine, Petersville and Caswell lakes. The area served by our store encompasses all these communities and entails nearly 100 miles of highway in all directions.
The Talkeetna town site is a National Historic District and several of the buildings are on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The area has a rich history in mining, trapping and hunting. These activities still take place on a day to day basis and provide a good part of the economy to this rural area.
The current largest part of our economy is tourism. Talkeetna is the gateway to climbers on Mt. McKinley. Over 90% of the climbers attempting McKinley annually fly out of Talkeetna in ski equipped aircraft. These same aircraft also fly thousands of flight-seeing customers to see the Alaska Range up close and personal.
Fishing the waters of the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers is excellent. We boast all species of Pacific Salmon, as well as Rainbow trout, grayling, and dolly varden. There are numerous fishing charter companies in the area using aluminium jet boats to reach the good holes. Most of the charter companies also offer sightseeing adventures throughout the summer.
On the rivers you will also find numerous rafting and kayaking guides. This is an excellent way to get a little more adventure into your life.
In winter the pace slows down a little. However, there is still plenty to do. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing opportunities abound. Petersville and the Talkeetna Mts. are two of the best snowmobiling areas in the state.
With the building of the McKinley Princess Hotel north of Trapper Creek and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge on the hill above Talkeetna, the Upper Susitna valley has become a destination for travellers from around the world. The Talkeetna area has had a strong tradition in lodges and B & B's. The increased awareness brought from these to large hotels have benefited the whole lodging industry. Access to Talkeetna can be had by air (no regular scheduled service), road, or the Alaska Railroad.
The area is also home to many residents that have moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and the Lower 48. We have a good housing industry and an active realtor. If you're ready to retire, there is an active senior center, the Upper Susitna Seniors.
You'll find the weather mild (for Alaska), the people friendly, and the scenery awe inspiring. Come visit and you may never leave.