Denali National Park and Preserve and the communities of the Denali Borough invite all who love winter to come and celebrate Alaska’s longest season at Winterfest 2020, which is scheduled for February 21-23. This long-running, community-wide event features an array of activities, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities!
Check out this year's schedule of events.
Festivities will begin Friday evening with a Winterfest Weekend Kickoff Party at the McKinley Park Community Center. On Saturday, the National Park Service will host a variety of free activities, including a ranger-led snowshoe walk, snow block sculpting competition, children’s activities, hockey, youth cross-country ski races, a ranger-led ski, snow science exhibits and field activities presented by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and more. There will also be community events throughout the weekend, including a spaghetti dinner and BINGO games at the Tri-Valley Community Center, hockey, competitive game night, and a Bigfoot-themed movie afternoon at Tri-Valley Community Library.
Complimentary hot drinks and light lunch items will be provided by Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture. If weather permits, the Denali Park Road will be open to the public as far as the Mountain Vista Rest Area at mile 12. The rest area has vault toilets and picnic shelters, and 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. A vault toilet is provided and water is available at the Murie Science and Learning Center.
The Murie Science and Learning Center is open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and serves as the Winter Visitor Center, providing information and backcountry permits. For more information about Denali, visit the park’s website at nps.gov/dena or call the park’s information line at 907-683-9532.
Tags: winterfest special event
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service