Last updated: January 12, 2024
Place
Denali's Historic Headquarters
NPS Photo / Tim Rains
Quick Facts
Location:
Mile 3.4, Denali Park Road
Designation:
Historic District; Cultural Landscape
Amenities
10 listed
Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Bus/Shuttle Stop, Cellular Signal, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible
Denali's first superintendent, Harry Karstens, moved the park headquarters to this location from its original spot, near Riley Creek.
Karstens realized the hillsides are far, far warmer in winter than the creek drainages, and moved park operations up what is now referred to as "Government Hill."
Between 1926 and 1941, the expansion of the Headquarters District occurred with the development of master plans designed by Thomas Vint (chief landscape architect of the NPS Western Office of Planning and Design). The area covers a little under 12 acres, and includes fourteen historical buildings, as well as the sled dog kennels. From 1942 through the 1990s, the Headquarters District evolved with the addition of some new buildings as well as landscape modifications.
Karstens realized the hillsides are far, far warmer in winter than the creek drainages, and moved park operations up what is now referred to as "Government Hill."
Between 1926 and 1941, the expansion of the Headquarters District occurred with the development of master plans designed by Thomas Vint (chief landscape architect of the NPS Western Office of Planning and Design). The area covers a little under 12 acres, and includes fourteen historical buildings, as well as the sled dog kennels. From 1942 through the 1990s, the Headquarters District evolved with the addition of some new buildings as well as landscape modifications.