Sitting on the shore of a small mountain lake near the entrance to Denali National Park, this luxury lodge is perfect for families looking for a quiet destination away from the crowds. The 10 cozy cabins feature handcrafted log furniture, quilts and artwork from local artists. Each cabin contains a king bed and queen futon, a heated tile floor in the bathroom and a cast iron wood stove. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV to ensure a peaceful and relaxing experience. A free gourmet breakfast is served in the Artisan Cafe, the onsite restaurant that transforms into a “small bites” bistro in the evening. Kids will love the root beer floats while parents enjoy a glass of wine. Each night, the lodge builds a roaring campfire and provides ingredients for S’mores. There are also free concerts, plays and art workshops held in the beautiful two-story main lodge.
Tonglen Lake Lodge is located seven miles from the Denali National Park Visitor Center. Unlike other area hotels, there are no shuttle buses that stop here, so you’ll need your car to get around to most places. It’s an easy 15-minute drive to restaurants and shops. Many of the smaller tour companies will be happy to pick you up at your cabin to begin your day. Before you go, ask your hosts about their gourmet boxed lunches, which will be the envy of all the other people on your tour bus. Tonglen Lake Lodge is one of the most restful and unique accommodations in an area that is dominated by large, impersonal hotels. For a family looking for something smaller and different, it will make a great choice for your vacation to Denali National Park.
