About Denali Borough

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The Denali Borough, gateway to Denali National Park, is located 250 miles north of Anchorage, and 110 miles south of Fairbanks.

The borough embodies the best of Alaska: over 12,000 square miles (8.2 million acres) of extraordinary scenic and wild country, the highest mountain on the continent (Denali: 20,310 feet), extensive and productive natural resources, a diverse economy, and approximately 1,900 year round residents.

The Denali Borough was incorporated in 1990 and contains four recognized communities: Anderson, Healy, McKinley Park, Cantwell, and a number of smaller settlements. These communities are all located in proximity to the George Parks Highway, the major north-south highway corridor within the state. The Alaska Railroad also bisects the borough and serves the communities of the borough.

 

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Communities

Anderson/Clear: Located in the northern portion of the borough, the City of Anderson was incorporated in 1962. Clear Space Force Station, an Early Warning Site, is located 5 miles from Anderson and employs a majority of its residents. .

Healy: The Denali Borough seat, Healy is centered near milepost 248 of the Parks Highway. With nearly 1000 residents, Healy is home to roughly half of the borough residents. Usibelli Coal Mine and Golden Valley Electric Association provide a stable employment base. 

McKinley Village:  Located near milepost 230 is McKinley Village. There are approximately 200 year-round residents, with nearby Denali National Park serving as the main employer. A crown jewel of the national park system, the park attracts over 500,000 visitors each summer. 

Cantwell: With roughly 200 residents, Cantwell is located in the southern portion of the borough. Nestled in the heart of the Alaska Range, Cantwell offers tremendous recreational and subsistence opportunities. In winter, the wide-open tundra covered with deep snow makes this a winter wonderland. A major landholder in this area is the regional native corporation, Ahtna Inc. 

All of the borough communities see a substantial summer influx of seasonal employees and travelers. The Denali Borough is proud to serve as both a nurturing home for residents and a premier destination for visitors.