11 Days

Activity Level:

Group Size: 30

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Experience Two National Parks

Witness two of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring National Parks. While enjoying the potential views and wildlife sightings, you will learn all about the history, ecology, and culture of these magnificent places.

Engage in Alaskan Culture

Learn about many of the unique Alaskan cultures at every stop of your journey from a hands-on history lesson of the mining boom to studying Native heritages.

Explore by Boot, Bus, Boat, and Train!

Enjoy sweeping wilderness views from the comfort of a railcar along the scenic Alaskan Railroad to arrive at each destination of this trip. Then explore the national parks by hiking, busing, and boat tours.

Learn from Alaska’s Experts

We have curated knowledgeable Alaskans and staff who are eager to share their experience and expertise with you. Every day is an amazing learning adventure with new topics and fields of study.

Experiential Learning in Denali

  • your group leader’s own lived Alaska experiences while traveling through the state
  • lectures and hikes led by DEC’s expert field educator staff covering ecology, wildlife, history, and much more!
  • informative presentations by resident scientists and educators on current research at the Alaska SeaLife Center
  • cultural demonstrations by Native Alaskan youth and elders
  • evening presentations with visiting lecturers at the Denali Education Center
  • a day trip on a chartered bus into the vast wilderness of Denali National Park with an expert DEC Field Educator
  • a day trip on a catamaran to visit the stunning shorelines and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park
  • an afternoon at the Alaska Native Heritage Center interacting with cultural exhibits and watching live demonstrations
  • opportunities to explore the collections of the Anchorage Museum and Morris Thompson Cultural Center at your own pace
  • you’ll walk on the soft and spongy tundra while experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the boreal forest
  • you’ll feel the variations between animal pelts that speak to the amazing adaptations of Denali wildlife
  • you’ll try your hand as an Alaskan Sourdough and pan for gold at a historical mining site
  • at Squid Acres Kennels, you’ll play with cuddly sled dog puppies who will one day race in the Iditarod
  • you’ll feel the chill of glacial ice fished out of the waters of Kenai Fjords (and even have an opportunity to enjoy it in a beverage!)
  • spend 4-nights and 3-days in the Denali National Park area, just 7 miles south of the Park entrance
  • walk the trails of Denali National Park with a DEC expert field educator and embark on a private bus trip into the park
  • ride the narrow-gauge rails (on a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad!) while learning about the rich history of mining in the Alaskan Interior
  • embark on a boat ride to an active tidewater glacier and look for the abundant sea life of Resurrection Bay, which may include close up views of whales, otters, sea lions, puffins, and more!
  • best of all- take in the breath-taking sights of Alaska that can only be seen by train!
Slide 5

Discover Alaska by Rail is a fantastic adventure! The train is a wonderful way to travel, and the experiences included are educational as well as fascinating! Seeing Alaska like this can best be described as mind-boggling and spectacular!

Deborah
Edgerton, WI
Slide 5

Excellent way to learn about Alaska, her animals, beauty, people, and struggles in a unique eco-system. Highly recommend for train enthusiasts, wildlife and nature photographers, and anyone who enjoys learning.

George
Check, VA
Slide 5

Everything about this program was fantastic! The Alaska Railroad is excellent and the scenery is awesome. There were lots of opportunities to learn about wildlife, native culture, and history, highlighting what makes Alaska such a unique place.

Eva
Newton, MA
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