Take a Tour
We are proud to support small businesses across all regions of Alaska by purchasing their artwork for our gallery. We have curated a collection of unique, handcrafted pieces, including inspiring photography and distinctive jewelry, with a respectful aim to showcase the creative talents of these artists.
The Gallery also offers a tribute to the park history and the early pioneer’s influence in shaping the establishment of Denali National Park and Preserve.
A BRIEF HISTORY……The name “Kantishna” is Athabaskan, referring to a watershed area near Denali and the homeland for local natives for countless generations. At the north end of the Denali Park Road and beyond is the historic Kantishna Mining District. In 1905, the Kantishna Gold Rush brought stampeders to the area to stake claims. The town of Kantishna was established and at its peak had a population of around 200 people. The mining boom eventually fizzled out and in the 1950s, the town was abandoned.
Coinciding with this period from 1906-1908, naturalist Charles Sheldon, visited Alaska and was struck by the spectacular landscapes of the Denali region. His efforts to galvanize protection and preservation were eventually successful when President Woodrow Wilson designated the area as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917.
The old mining district of Kantishna was incorporated into the park in1980, when federal legislation expanded land preserve areas in Alaska and changed the name to Denali National Park and Preserve.
Today, Kantishna is home to several lodges and is a popular destination for visitors. The area still bears the marks of its mining past, with old cabins and mining equipment scattered throughout the landscape. Despite its remote location, Kantishna remains an important piece of Alaska’s history and culture.