Healy
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Healy
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Anchorage = 248 mi / 400 km
Fairbanks = 110 mi / 177 km
Population = 605
Elevation = 1,294 feet / 394 meters
Healy is located on the Parks Highway 11 miles north of the Denali National Park Visitors Center. Because of the numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, a hostel and its close approximation to Denali National Park, many visitors prefer to base themselves in Healy. The town offers an excellent alternative for lodging and exploring Denali Park without the crowds of people that can be found closer to the park entrance. The town
itself lies along the Nenana River on the northeast border of Denali Park. There are several possibilities for accessing Denali from this area. Just across the Nenana river are the mining settlements of Suntrana and
Usibelli.
Healy is home to the largest coal-fired steam plant in Alaska and the only mine-mouth plant. The operation is part of the Golden Valley Electric association, which provides power primarily to Fairbanks and the surrounding areas. Most of the interior communities, including Fairbanks use coal to meet their primary energy needs. Usibelli Coal Mine produces over 800,000 tons of coal a year and is the only commercial coal mine in Alaska. Coal mining began in this area in 1918 and today, it is Alaska's largest operation. In the early 1970's, the Usibelli Coal Mine started a very successful land reclamation program. Today, wildlife graze where once there were only strip mines.
Visitor Information: Located at the Healy Senior Center. Open from 11am to 7pm all year. (907)683-1317.
Denali Hostel is in an excellent location, and offers free shuttle service to the park entrance (Visitors Access Center). This is a very popular place and reservations are usually necessary.
Alaskan Chateau Bed &
Breakfast Set on two wooded acres minutes from Denali National Park. We offer private suites with private baths, queen beds, telephone, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot and TV. A hearty continental breakfast is served every morning from 7 am to 9 am with freshly baked bread and bakery items.
Teresa's Car Rental: (907) 683-1377. Car rental in the Denali area. Teresa Chepoda and John Usibelli .
PO Box 187 Healy, Alaska, 99743 (907)683-1380 (Fax) .
Chepoda@mtaonline.net
For more information on what to do and see or places to stay in the Healy area, visit the Fairbanks Visitors Center which has lots of information on Fairbanks and interior Alaska.
If you would like to find out more about hiking, sightseeing, rafting or camping opportunities in the Healy area, then visit the The Alaska Public Lands Information Center , They have locations in Fairbanks, Tok and Anchorage. They are a great source of information on outdoor recreational lands use in the state. Here, you will find information on all of Alaska's state and federal lands including parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Available are maps, books, slide shows, and other aids to help you with your Alaskan adventure. Expert staff are knowledgeable resource, and can assist you in learning much more about Alaska.