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This Year’s Winterfest Doubles As 100th Birthday Party For Denali National Park

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Published Date

February 20, 2017

Annie helped give visitors sled rides at Winterfest in 2013/NPS, Daniel A. Leifheit

Every February, the community comes to Denali National Park and Preserve to celebrate all things winter at the aptly named Winterfest, but this year’s festivities will also serve as the 100th birthday party for the Alaska park on February 25 and 26.

The Denali Visitor Center will be open for the first time ever in winter, with special historic exhibits, films, guest speakers, and songs and cake to mark Denali’s centennial milestone.

On February 25, there will be an array of activities in and around the park, including a ranger-led snowshoe walk, guided ski trips, a youth ski race, sled-dog rides, snow sculpting, children’s activities, classroom presentations, and a public story swap.

On February 26, park leaders will be joined by a host of dignitaries to mark the February 26, 1917, establishment of what was then called Mount McKinley National Park. Special events include guest speakers, live music by local school children, a living history presentation, a special historical donation to the park’s museum, and birthday cake.

The full schedule of events is available at the park’s website.

Weather permitting, the Denali Park Road will be open to the public as far as the Mountain Vista Rest Area (Mile 12). The rest area has vault toilets and picnic shelters, and it is an ideal location for viewing Denali and exploring the park via snowshoes, skis, or sled dogs.

Meals, lodging, and other services are available year-round in the communities of Healy and Cantwell. Free camping is available in the Bear Loop of the park’s Riley Creek Campground.

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