If your family loves dogs, then the EarthSong Lodge is the perfect place for you to stay. The lodge is home to a kennel of friendly sled dogs who love to interact with kids during a supervised open house each day. There are over a dozen different handbuilt cabins on the property, all connected by a wooden boardwalk. The cozy cabins can sleep anywhere from two to eight guests. Ideal for a large family is the newly built Coastal Cabin, which has four beds between two bedrooms. It also has a cozy sitting room with a bar and stools. A few yards away is Henry’s, the lodge’s new coffeehouse. It’s a great place to get light breakfast items, coffee and boxed lunches for trips into the park. Or you can simply hang out on the comfy sofas and check your email with the free Wi-Fi. The coffeehouse is decorated with sled dog equipment, artwork and photos of its namesake, Henry, beloved former lead dog of the owner’s mushing team.

EarthSong Lodge is 4 miles from the main highway, just about the last manmade structure you’ll see on Stampede Road as it winds its way into the wilderness. This far away from the crowds of Denali National Park and the noise of the highway, you’ll enjoy splendid isolation. You can walk down the road to pick berries, hike a few nature trails near the lodge, or sit in the lodge gazebo and watch for birds, caribou, moose, grizzly bears, red fox and a gaggle of other critters. The entrance to Denali National Park is less than 30 minutes away, where you can join a wildlife bus tour, ranger hike, or a river rafting trip. The nearby town of Healy has several grocery stores and restaurants, including the kid-friendly Rose’s Cafe. Back at the lodge, Henry’s Coffeehouse offers a few light dinner items. It’s a great option when you just want to get back to your cabin to relax after a busy day in the park. With its serene setting and friendly sled dogs, EarthSong Lodge will be a big hit with the kids on your family vacation to Denali National Park.