Things To Do
Denali National Park and Preserve
You can't come to Healy without visiting Denali National Park! Bring bear spray, we might have an extra can for you to use while you're in town. The sled dog kennel tour is a must see and can be accessed by car or a free park shuttle. There are a lot of really well-groomed hikes that you can drive or shuttle to, and you can also go off-trail pretty much wherever you want. If you're interested in booking a bus tour, we recommend taking the East Fork Transit bus, which is the farthest out that you can go at this time due to a road closure. We DO NOT recommend the $100 tour bus, the transit buses are very similar and way cheaper. You can get off the bus anywhere you want, hike around, and then hop on a different bus to catch a ride back to the visitor's center. Book early and keep an eye on the bus schedules.
Stampede Road
Home of the famous Into the Wild bus, but more importantly Henry's family and now Henry and Emma's home, Stampede is a lovely road to explore. It's our recommendation if you're looking for FREE and less touristy, more local. If you're deciding between Stampede or the park, go to the park! It's mostly just really beautiful, and it's also where we do the majority of our skis and hikes. Some destinations on Stampede are Henry's Coffeehouse and the Neon boardwalk to the permafrost research station (that might be allowed for the public to walk on?). If you go to the very end you will lose cell service, and you'll see a nice gravel patch and a trail that leads even further, might make for a nice hike. 8 mile lake has a public access point off of the road as well.
Denali Horseback Tours
Ivana is a wonderful person who works at the school with Emma! Definitely a pretty cool adventure through the back country of Healy.
Moon Dog Kennel
Meet some local sled dogs and hang out with our friends Courtney and Brian!
Black Diamond Resort Co and Golf Course
Black Diamond Resort is Healy's local resort filled with fun. Henry had one of his proms there, and Emma has been interested in the ATV tours. They also have golf, a restaurant, and more!
Denali ATV Adventures
Explore the backcountry on an ATV! Book ahead!
Polychrome Fibers
Denali's very own yarn shop! Stop by for Alaskan hand-dyed yarn, embroidery kits for your long drive, or gifts for the fiber friends in your life.
New Wave Adventures
Whitewater rafting on the Nenana River!
Denali Fly Fishing Guides
These are the local fly fishing guides! Cantwell is beautiful and located on the other side of Denali National Park, about 40 minutes from Healy.
The City of Talkeetna, 2 1/2 hours south of Healy
The city of Talkeetna is charming and if it's not too cloudy, has great views of Denali. Henry and Emma did the Usik Classic ski race there with some friends and had a blast! Talkeetna has great food, gift shops, and probably more! It's a little ways off the highway to get into the cute part of town so depending on how much of a hurry you're in, you might decide to bypass. At the very least, you'll probably stop and use the bathroom at the gas station, it's a needed stop!
Hatcher Pass
This scenic detour on the way to Anchorage is worth it if you're want to be IN the mountains! Make sure you check ahead of time if the road is open for the summer when you plan to go through. There's also a ton of beautiful rock climbing here if you're into that!!
The City of Whittier (past Anchorage)
On our family trip immediately following our engagement, we stopped in Whittier for the day and found it to be just a magical city not too far outside of Anchorage. We took a tunnel through the mountain to a beautiful little historic hidden military base. We went on the Horsetail Falls hike and walked around the marina. I would recommend stopping there if you're in the area! Plan for tunnel delays, the train takes precedent over cars!
Kenai Fjords National Park
We went here on our family/engagement trip and found it to be extremely worth it! If you go here, do a boat tour or guided kayak tour, the park can only be accessed by water. Glaciers, whales, puffins, seals, big pretty rocks and glacier margharitas!
Manns Charter Service, Inc
Maid of Honor Elle had a blast taking a charter fishing boat on her first trip to Alaska! If this specific charter isn't an option, there are others available around the Kenai Peninsula!
Fishing in Valdez, Alaska
I've heard so many people recommend Valdez for fishing. I know there's some people excited for salt water fishing so look into Valdez! Henry and Emma have both never been so you'll have to tell us how you like it.
Alaska Railroad - Denali Park Depot
I’ve heard the Alaskan railroad is a beautiful way to experience the views that Alaska has to offer! It’s on my bucket list!
Denali Highway
An beautiful drive starting in Cantwell that could take you 135 miles to Paxson! No need to drive the whole thing, but an afternoon out and back is always a nice time. Be sure to have a full spare and decent suspension if you decide to check it out- the road is mainly gravel and minimally maintained, but it's so worth it!
49th State Brewing - Denali Park
Best (and only!) brewery in Healy. Tasty food and great brews. Check their website for live music and events!
Jam Jam's Spot
Fantastic sandwiches and fries! Jam Jam himself is catering the wedding, but if you can't get enough, check out his spot!
The Black Bear
Best coffee shop in town!
Panorama Pizza Pub
Tasty pizza and brews. Stop by on your way south toward Anchorage.
McKinley Creekside Café
Traditional food with an Alaskan twist!