Family Vacations in Alaska

Located just to the northwest of Canada, the state of Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast's dream and a great place for family vacations. Here in this rugged wilderness you'll find all kinds of activities and sights, from hiking, biking and national parks to the northern lights and the majestic Mt. McKinley, known as Denali to the locals. With five different distinct regions to choose from, a family vacation in Alaska is an adventure waiting to happen.

Denali National Park

No family vacation to Alaska would be complete without a visit to the Denali National Park, home to Mt. McKinley, in the interior region. Denali National Park is 6 million acres in size and features many wild animals, including moose, caribou, deer and grizzly bears. While in the park, enjoy day hiking into the rugged woods that abound. The further in you go, the more primitive the surroundings get. If you register in advance, you can partake in some incredible mountaineering. In the summer, stay at Camp Denali, Denali Backcountry Lodge or Northface Lodge and year-round in Healy, Alaska.

Denali National Park
P.O. Box 9
Denali National Park, AK 99755
(907) 683-2294
nps.gov/dena/index.htm

Kennicott Glacier Walking

Having your Alaskan family vacation at Kennicott Lodge, near the ghost town of Kennicott, gives you the opportunity to stay in the largest national park in the United States and view miles of glaciers all around. Local guiding companies will take you and your family out to walk on the glaciers, including the famous Root Glacier, where you can see blue water pools, pressure ridges and ice formations. For the very adventurous, go on a 3- or 5-day hike. The Kennicott Lodge features 25 rooms with minimal furnishings. Panoramic views of the mountains and glaciers from the rooms complete your adventure.

Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Kennicott, AK 99588
(907) 258-2350
kennicottlodge.com

Prince William Sound

Located in south-central Alaska, Prince William Sound is full of 10,000 square miles of waterways, islands and nearly 10,000 glaciers. The cities of Whittier, Valdez and Cordova give you easy access to this beautiful part of Alaska for your family vacation. Leave from Whittier to take a cruise on the Sound, where, in addition to glaciers, you can see a variety of sea mammals and birds. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Anchorage, where you'll get a pool, a hot tub and a free continental breakfast.

Holiday Inn Express Anchorage
4411 Spenard Road
Anchorage, AK 99517
(800) 208-0200
alaskatravel.com

Resources

Article Written By Travis Taylor

Travis Taylor has been a professional writer for the better part of the last 10 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and journalism. He has been published in "Victorian Homes" magazine and "TUSK Magazine" and was once a photo researcher at "Parade Magazine."

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