The Alaskan Interior
Fairbanks, AK: Home to the Athabaskans, Founded by the Gold Rush
The 1901 discovery of Fairbanks began when steamship captain E.T. Barnette met with shallow waters of the Chena River while trying to reach Tanacross on the Tanana river in hopes to establish a trading post. Soon crossing paths with gold prospectors, Barnette was persuaded to set up shop and soon became financially prosperous. 20 years later when the construction of the Alaskan Railroad connecting Anchorage to Fairbanks was completed, cyclical booms and busts in the economy due to increased tradings, grew the Alaskan Interior. Fairbanks then became and will continue to be the sub-arctic gateway for travelers seeking prosperity and adventure.
Healy, AK
With a population just above 1,000 Healy resides in the Denali Borough. Though only a single intersection to Parks Hwy, Healy is rich in wildlife and quiet mountainous views.
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
South of Healy through the Nenana River Gorge is the entrance to Denali National Park. With the Nenana River and Denali Canyon serving as the national park border, the land is filled with ecological diversity. Varieties of wildlife wander through living harmoniously. Dall sheep are found tucked above peppering the mountains, while the caribou, moose and bear roam the fields unbothered. Under 22 hours of sunlight on a 12 hour, 92.5 mile journey on Park road, transitions form from lush greenery and auburn tundra to silty glaciers streaming from iced mountains. Heart of the park called Kantishna resides North America’s tallest peak (20,000 ft) known as “The Great One” in the land of the Midnight Sun.
