In a previous blog I wrote about the rising fees at U.S. national parks—not such good news. However, this blog provides much better news—in the form of two-for-one deals and other discounts being offered at one of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Spring is a slow time in the land of the midnight sun and the Alaska Office of Tourism Development is hoping that the following deals will help sway some travelers their way this May.
I know what you are thinking: Who wants to visit Alaska in May? It’s true; the average daily temperature from May 1 to June 1 is 44 degrees, but according to residents, there are also many days when the temperatures reach into the 70s. What’s more, tourism officials say the earlier in the season you visit the better your chance of seeing wolves and caribou in the park. Apparently, the animals tend to move away from the road and farther into the park as the number of tour buses and people increase later in the season. Bottom line: if you don’t like dealing with crowds and can handle some chilly temps consider visiting in May.
Okay, if that doesn’t convince you perhaps these deals will.
The first discount is for accommodations near Denali National Park and Preserve in Interior Alaska (the park is located about 175 miles from Anchorage). It is home to North America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley, which stands at 20,320 feet. If you wait to visit the area in July and August expect to join about 425,000 other guests—that’s the average number of visitors the area gets during the summer months.
From May 13th through June 6th Denali Park Resorts, which consists of four lodges—three are located within a mile of the park entrance, the other is eight miles away–is offering a “Twice as Nice” deal where you can get two nights for the price of one at the McKinley Chalet Resort, Grande Denali Lodge, McKinley Village Lodge or Denali Bluffs Hotel for $199.
Denali Park Resorts is also offering a couple of package deals — “Denali Dreamin’” and “Discover Denali.” The “Denali Dreamin’” package, starts at $148.99 and includes a one-night stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort, admission to dinner theater performed in a roadhouse and breakfast for two. The “Distinctive Denali” package is a bit pricier. For $805 you get GoldStar service on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage or Fairbanks, two nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort or Grande Denali Lodge, a wilderness tour, dinner for two, two tickets to dinner theater and breakfast for two.
Finally, in recognition of the park’s 90th anniversary, Denali Park Resorts also is offering select $90 room rates throughout the tourist season. That’s a huge savings considering rooms typically go for between $229 and $279.
Related Articles:
Summer Travel: Expect To Pay More At Some National Parks