The Town of Talkeetna is located halfway between the state's largest city and the country's tallest mountain. The city is a hub for mountaineering, and it is the jumping-off point for climbers of Mount Denali. Talkeetna was also the inspiration for the hit television show Northern Exposure. Today, the city is home to an artistic community and is known for its moose.
In the early 1900s, Talkeetna was an important trading post and gold rush destination for Dena'ina Indians. After the gold rush of 1910, the town became a riverboat supply base. Its population increased during construction of the Alaska Railroad, but then dropped off again. It has recently recovered as a staging area for expeditions to Mount McKinley, Mount Foraker, and Moose's Tooth.
As a census-designated place, Talkeetna has a year-round population of about 800 people. However, it sees a spike in tourists during the summer months. There are many festivals and celebrations in Talkeetna, including the Moose on Parade, a 50k and 25k race, which attracts costumed participants. In addition, residents can also enjoy fat tire biking and snowshoeing. The town's annual Winterfest festival is held in December and includes activities and live music.
While Talkeetna's sewage system is still a major concern, the town is attempting to address its problems with water and sanitation. The town's water system was affected by an arsenic problem and its sewage lagoon struggles to contain bacteria and other harmful contaminants. This is a huge problem for the town, and it will need to be solved quickly to keep the community healthy.