The Alaska Railroad is the best way to tour the beautiful interior of the state.
Many people take interior tours on the railroad before or after Alaska cruises.
The railroad runs 470 miles from Seward, on the Gulf of Alaska, in the south to Fairbanks in the north.
Trains also depart from the port of Whittier to the northeast of Seward, so the trains are very conveniently located near whichever port a cruise ship sails in or out of.
From Seward and Whittier, the trains head north through the city of Anchorage, before heading on into the heart of the interior.
Trains then stop in the small city of Wasilla (population 8470) and the even smaller village of Talkeetna (population 772).
From Talkeetna, the train heads through increasingly spectacular backcountry.
On clear days, the majestic peak of Mt. McKinley is visible from the train on the segment between Talkeetna and Denali Depot.
The train then stops just outside the entrance to Denali National Park, where many cruise tour passengers stop.
There are several beautiful lodges in this area, many operated by the cruise lines themselves.
These lodges serve as a great base for exploring the Denali National Park area, offering a rare combination of luxury accommodations and pristine natural beauty.
Finally, the train heads on to the city of Fairbanks, its northernmost and final destination.
In Fairbanks, some of the most popular activities include riverboat rides, visits to historic gold rush sites, and visits to native villages and cultural presentations.
All in all, there is no better way to see the interior of Alaska than the Alaska Railroad.
I highly recommend rail tours to all cruise ship passengers or anyone wanting to see the incredible sights of the Northern section of the state.
