Wrangell-St. Elias NP Visitor Center

The feel

The visitor center sits at mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, about 10 miles south of the Glenn and Richardson highway intersection in Glennallen. talk with a ranger, watch the immersive park film in the theater, wander through exhibits on geology, wildlife and cultural history, or walk a short scenic trail.

The Ahtna Cultural Center is in the same complex, with cultural exhibits, traditional tools and a hand-built fish wheel. The park is the largest national park in the United States, equal in size to six Yellowstone National Parks.

What to expect

What it is

A ranger desk, theater, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables and the official park store.

Crowds and best time

Summer is the primary visiting season, mid-May through mid-September.

Parking

The parking lot gate is locked at 5 pm in summer. No overnight parking is permitted.

Fees and passes

The park has no entrance stations.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms and picnic tables are on site.

Season and access

Open May 11 to September 20, daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All park visitor contact stations are closed from October through April.

Mingo says

Stop here before heading farther into the park. Blackburn, Sanford, Drum and Wrangell are clearly seen from nearby highways. Come in the May through September window when the center is open.

Before you go

• Call (907) 822-7250 to confirm summer dates and hours.
• Leave before 5 pm, when the lot gate is locked.
• If your vehicle is locked inside after hours, call (907) 683-9555.
• Call the Ahtna Cultural Center at (907) 822-5955 for its hours, which vary.

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