Murie Science and Learning Center

The feel

The Murie Science and Learning Center is Denali's winter visitor center and education hub, at the park entrance area near the Denali Visitor Center. Inside, you can watch park films, browse a small display area and talk with a ranger.

Visitors can borrow snowshoes and ice grippers here, and pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Book. A heated Indoor Picnic Area next door has restrooms and a water bottle filling station.

What to expect

What it is

Denali's winter visitor center, with park films, a small display area, ranger answers and borrowable snowshoes and ice grippers.

Time

Winter hours run 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Parking

Auto parking is on site, and there is a bus or shuttle stop.

Fees and passes

Rangers collect the park entrance fee, by credit card only. A 24-hour automated fee machine outside sells the entrance fee and the Denali Annual Pass, also by credit card only.

Kids

Junior Ranger Activity Books are available.

Bathrooms and water

Accessible restrooms and a water bottle filling station are in the Indoor Picnic Area next door, but no food is available within the park.

Season and access

The building is closed to the public from August 24 to September 23 and from May 1 to June 2. The indoor picnic area is open daily from mid-October through April 20, except major holidays.

Mingo says

Come in winter, when the building is open and the snowshoes are on loan. Plan to eat before you arrive, since the closest services are in Healy, 11 miles north of the park entrance.

Before you go

• Carry a credit card, because the park entrance fee and the Denali Annual Pass are card only.
• Call (907) 683-9532 to confirm holiday hours; a ranger answers 9 am to 4 pm daily, except major holidays.
• Bring your own gear beyond the loaner snowshoes and ice grippers, since there are no local winter gear rentals in Denali.

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