The George Parks Highway Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Completed in 1923 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Nenana Railroad Depot is today home to the Alaska Railroad Museum. The museum houses numerous displays and a gift shop.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Main Street, Nenana
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This popular picnic spot in Denali State Park includes a number of interpretive displays on World War II and natural and cultural history topics. The Memorial consists of monuments and an alcove with a semi-circle of five 20-foot-tall concrete panels representing the five branches of the military. At the entrance to the Memorial stands a statue of two members of the Alaska Territorial Guard.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: At milepost 147 on the Parks Highway.
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Alfred Starr Cultural Center (AK)
The Alfred Starr Cultural Center interprets the history and culture of the Nenana area. Exhibits include Native history, examples of Athabascan beadwork, Native place names, St. Mark’s Mission, Yukon 800 riverboat racing, dog mushing, and the Nenana Ice Classic. There is also a gift shop with local Native crafts.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Front Street, Nenana.
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Anchorage is the largest city on the byway with several attractions.
Location: Anchorage County
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Although unforested Broad Pass is one of the lowest-elevated passes along the North American mountain system, expansive views provide travelers a top-of-the world feeling.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located on the Parks Highway and spans milepost 195-210.
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Byers Lake Campground in Denali State Park has 66 campsites, picnic areas, fishing and boating. There are also two public-use cabins available for rent. A hiking trail along the lake may provide the chance to view nesting trumpeter swans, loons, eagles, or bears foraging for spawning salmon. Winter recreation includes exceptional skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and winter camping opportunities.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: At milepost 146 on the Parks Highway.
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Some of the largest glaciers in North America and the largest inland glaciers in Alaska are easily viewed from the Parks Highway. They flow from the high peaks and melt into the broad Chulitna Valley, giving the Chulitna River the milky waters and braided channels typical of a glacial stream. Glacier topography is characteristic of this region; the Parks Byway guides visitors over ground moraines and drumlin fields, and snakes around kettle lakes, eskers, and outwash plains.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Off milepost 185.6 on the Parks Highway.
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Denali National Park and Preserve (AK)
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the nation's highest peak.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Parks Highway travels through the Park.
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With over 40 miles of trails, Denali State Park highlights some of Alaska's best features, including the Kesugi Ridge and Mt. McKinley (Denali.)
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Parks Highway travels through the park.
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Denali View North Campground and Wayside (AK)
This facility in Denali State Park features camping and picnic sites. The site offers spotting scopes, a nature trail, and interpretive kiosks with panels on topics such as Mt. McKinley’s mountaineering history, bears, Leave No Trace Techniques, and scenic viewing of the Alaska Range. State Park volunteers give informal oral presentations in summer.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: At milepost 162.7 on the Parks Highway.
