Staying at the McKinley Chalets at Denali National Park

Choosing where to stay outside of Denali National Park can be confusing and costly, especially since it’s a peak season ONLY destination. I stayed here at the McKinley Chalet Resort (aka the McKinley Chalets) at the tail end of summer and had a great visit. I’ve got the scoop on what to expect staying at the McKinley Chalets, understanding the layout of the very big property, and how to access Denali National Park when you’re staying here vs in the park. We’ll get you all set up for an awesome visit to one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska.

Choosing the right accommodations at Denali National Park is a big part of your trip budget and joy at the end of each day. Be sure to check out our 3 day Denali NP itinerary for a great plan. If you have any questions about staying at the McKinley Chalets or actually need a different recommendation, please leave a comment or send a note. We have lots to share and are happy to help other plan their Alaska adventures.

Why Choose the McKinley Chalets

Set on the Nenana River just outside of Denali National Park, the McKinley Chalets are a collection of lodge buildings set around a central village area. When I visit Denali I am in the park all day until it’s dark (or until I just know I need to wrap up my time), so coming back to the Chalets and being able to relax either at the room or in the Denali Square area is great.

I love the campfires they have each night and the community atmosphere in the square. It’s very unique and makes staying at the McKinley Chalets more engaging than a regular hotel stay. The Denali Square area really is the gem of the property. A coffee shop, gift shop / sundry store, Karsten’s Public House and the Music of Denali Dinner Theater make it a hub for ending your day on a high note. All of this paired with nice rooms and a beautiful backdrop make the Chalets my top pick at Denali.

Note: I used to work up the highway at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, so my loyalty is pulled between both lodges… but I think the Chalets wins if visiting with kids or traveling solo. For couples, I’d pick the Denali Princess.

Book the McKinley Chalets here!

McKinley Chalet Resort Amenities

For something to be a resort it needs to offer certain things in addition to just having nice rooms. The McKinley Chalets for sure checks off the boxes to be a complete Alaskan resort. Besides the accommodations, there are several restaurants on property, shops, public spaces, and guest services. The resort is affiliated with Holland America Cruise Line, so the ship experience continues onto the land tour here. Non-cruise guests are welcome to book a stay also though, so don’t let its cruise line affiliation deter you.

Here are all of the services on property at the McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park.

Dining at the McKinley Chalets:

• Karstens Public House – all meals, coffee and alcoholic beverages
• Canyon Steak House – fancier with a nice bar
• Grizzly Grind Espresso – coffee stand with pastries in the lobby
• Karstens Market – boxed lunches to take into the park or on the road
• Music of Denali – Alaskan dinner theater (reservations required most nights)

On-property Amenities

• fire pits with seating
• amphitheater for summer night performances and presentations
• shuttle service around property
• shuttle service to Denali NP visitor center and other stops
• art and exhibition cabins around Denali Square
• main lobby gift shop

Note that in addition to the provided shuttle to the Park, if you’re doing either the Denali Natural History Tour or the Tundra Wilderness Tour, you’ll be able to arrange your pickup for these tours at the front of the main lodge building. The tour buses WILL NOT pick you up at your lodge building, but in FRONT OF THE MAIN LOBBY.

Map of the McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali NP

I think it’s helpful to see the layout when a property is as larger as this one. Below you’ll find a map of the McKinley Chalets. This map and amenity list is accurate as of fall 2024. If there are changes to the resort offerings, we’ll be sure to update the map of the McKinley Chalet Resort here on our site. And don’t worry, when you look at the map of the Chalets it looks huge and expansive, which it is, but they do have a shuttle system on property to get you all around, including up the hill to the main lodge building.

Room Options at the McKinley Chalets

I think the McKinley Chalets are a great family option for where to stay at Denali National Park. With large rooms, including rooms that have a separate bedroom from the living area, you’ll have plenty of space to unwind at the end of the day. The rooms are well maintained and it seems like there’s a rolling room update always happening, keeping things fresh.

Here are the different room type options at the McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali NP:

• King bed
• Two queen beds
• Two double beds
• one king with a double pullout couch (best for families)

Heads up if you’re trying to plan more than six months out for staying at the McKinley Chalet Resort that they don’t release inventory for booking in the upcoming summer until winter season. The resort is closed from the end of September until mid-May, so if you want to book an early date, you’ll need to check back starting in December to find availability in May and June.

Location of the McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali

The McKinley Chalets are located just outside of Denali National Park. There isn’t an actual National Park Lodge here like you’ll find at Yellowstone or Glacier NP, but between the many options outside the park, you’ve got all the rustic charm and educational programs you’ll find at an actual NP lodge. The Chalets are just north of the park entrance. It’s a five minute drive from the McKinley Chalets to the first Denali National Park welcome sign (a fun photo op).

Book the McKinley Chalets here!