Mary's McKinley View Lodge

The feel

Mary's McKinley View Lodge sits at Mile 134 of the George Parks Highway, on 160 acres inside Denali State Park. On clear days Denali shows from every motel room, from the dining area of Mary Carey's Cafe and from the parking lot.

The cafe bakes pies and cinnamon rolls fresh every day, pours Kaladi coffee roasted in Anchorage, and keeps a Grab and Go counter for tour buses stopping briefly. A gift shop sells the work of Alaskan artisans, and the lodge tells the story of Mary Carey and her daughter Jean Carey Richardson.

What to expect

Layout and setting

A lodge, cafe and gift shop 134.5 miles north of Anchorage on 160 acres in Denali State Park. The mountain can be seen from the rooms, the cafe dining area and the parking lot.

Crowds and best time

Tour buses stop for quick breaks, and the Grab and Go counter is set up for them. Parties of 8 and over should call for seating.

Parking

A parking lot with a Denali view.

Fees and passes

Rooms are paid for at check in only.

Hazards

The property has stairs. Rooms 6 to 8 on the upper level have access with fewer stairs.

Bathrooms and water

Every room has a private bath.

Mingo says

Aim for a clear day, since the mountain is hidden often enough that clouds can win. Time your stop for breakfast, served 9 to 11:00 AM, or for lunch and dinner from 11 to 8:00 PM.

Before you go

• Call 907-733-1555 for a room or a table; same-day bookings after 6:00 pm need a call to confirm.
• Bring payment for check in, since payments are accepted only then.
• Ask for an upper level room if stairs are a problem.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.