Getting on/off a motorcoach; on/off a railcar; on/off a bus. The train ride is about 120 miles, approximately 4 hours. The drive from Denali Depot to Denali Education Center is 10 miles. Walking 2 miles; wide, well-maintained gravel path, minimal elevation change.
Resort buffet.
After checking out of the resort, we will transfer to the train station via motorcoach and board the train. Enjoy sweeping views as we ride the 120 miles south to Denali National Park and Preserve. Along the way, we will hear from one of the railroad’s on-board interpreters about the history of the railroad and the area. From the depot, we will travel 10 miles by bus to the Denali Education Center (DEC), our home for the next four nights. The Center is situated on a 10-acre campus across the Nenana River from the Park.
In DEC’s Riverside Hall, we’ll have a buffet lunch with lemonade, coffee, cold tea, water.
We’ll board a bus and ride 10 miles by bus to the Visitor Center Campus and the McKinley Station Trail for our first hike. This 2-mile wide gravel trail traverses the area that was at one time the Park’s original township. We’ll get oriented to Denali National Park and start learning about its rich natural history. Returning to DEC late afternoon, grandparents and grandkids can settle into their rooms to freshen up and relax, explore our 10-acre campus, or find board games and additional resources in Riverside Hall until dinner.
In Riverside Hall, we’ll have a buffet dinner featuring healthy and balanced home-cooked foods; lemonade, coffee, cold tea, water included. Snacks such as toast, fruit, and granola bars are available at all times.
We’ll gather to hear the schedule for expert local evening presenters. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy one another’s company.
