Alaska for Glacier and Nature Lovers: Why Princess Wilderness Lodges Belong on Your Itinerary
- Renee Ward
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming of seeing Alaska’s majestic glaciers, Denali’s towering peak, or reeling in wild salmon from crystal-clear rivers—but aren’t sure a cruise is your style, or simply want to explore more—Princess Wilderness Lodges offer a spectacular land-based way to experience The Great Land.
Whether you’re extending a cruise adventure or planning a completely land-only journey, these lodges provide the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery. And yes—you can absolutely see glaciers without ever stepping on a ship!
🏨What Are Princess Wilderness Lodges?
Operated by Princess Cruises but open to all travelers, these five wilderness lodges are thoughtfully placed across Alaska’s most breathtaking regions:
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge – Just a mile from Denali National Park’s entrance
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge – Tucked in the forest with panoramic views of Denali
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge – In the heart of Cooper Landing, near glacier lakes and world-class fishing
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge – A hidden gem near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge – A charming interior base near the Arctic Circle and famous for northern lights (in late summer/fall)
Each lodge is built to reflect the spirit of Alaska, while offering warm hospitality, locally inspired cuisine, and guided excursions—plus the peace and quiet that only a wilderness escape can bring.
🛏️What It’s Like to Stay at a Princess Lodge
If you're picturing a log cabin in the woods—but with cozy beds, great food, and hot coffee at sunrise—you’re on the right track. Princess Lodges offer comfortably upscale accommodations that blend natural beauty with warm hospitality, perfect for couples, families, or multi-gen groups.
Room Styles Vary by Lodge: Some lodges, like Denali Princess, have more of a “cabin-style” vibe with exterior room entrances, giving you that rustic, immersed-in-nature feeling. Others, like Mt. McKinley Princess, have interior hallway entries and a more classic hotel-lodge feel—still with stunning views.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Groups or Accessibility Needs:
Connecting rooms are available for families or friend groups
Handicap-accessible rooms are available at all lodges
Rooms are tastefully decorated—not flashy, but very comfortable, clean, and functional
🌟 While not quite a four-star resort, the quality of the lodging, the setting, and the Princess-level service truly shine. At McKinley Lodge, the staff could not have been more welcoming—every encounter feels like being greeted by an old friend.
🍽️ Dining Options for Every Palate
One of the most pleasant surprises? The wide variety of dining options at each lodge. Whether you’re craving Alaskan halibut, a juicy burger, or a fresh vegan bowl, there’s something for everyone:
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Allergy-friendly kitchens that really listen
Kid-approved favorites (yes, there are chicken tenders!)
Meat-lovers’ comfort food with Alaskan flair
Grab-and-go snack shacks for early excursions or late-night cravings
From full-service restaurants with views of Denali to casual cafés and espresso bars, your taste buds will be just as happy as your hiking boots.
🐾 Nature Over Novelty
Yes, you’ll see bear and moose statues all over the property—but this is no Great Wolf Lodge. You won’t find indoor waterparks or character breakfasts here. Instead, you'll get:
Scenic walking trails just steps from your room
Cozy firepits perfect for warming up or roasting s’mores under the stars
A peaceful, screen-free atmosphere where nature is the main attraction
Real outdoor adventure—think glacier hikes, river floats, fishing, and wildlife safaris
❄️ Yes, You Can Still See Glaciers Without a Cruise
Some travelers assume that glacier viewing is only possible from a ship—but in Alaska, the glaciers don’t play favorites. You can hike to them, fly over them, float by them, and even fish in their meltwater. Here's how Princess Lodge guests do it:
From Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge (Cooper Landing)
Located near the Kenai Fjords National Park, this lodge is a perfect base for glacier-seekers.
Take a Kenai Fjords day cruise from nearby Seward to see Aialik Glacier or Holgate Glacier calving into the sea.
Visit Exit Glacier, just a short hike from the road. You can walk right up to the glacier’s face!
Drive scenic byways past glacial rivers and turquoise lakes carved by ancient ice.
Bonus: This area is also home to world-class salmon and trout fishing.
From Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
This lodge is tucked near the edges of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the largest in the U.S. and home to some of the most impressive glaciers in North America.
Book a flightseeing tour over ancient icefields and glacier valleys—truly bucket-list-worthy.
For the adventurous, take a guided day trip to Worthington Glacier (off the scenic Richardson Highway) or Childs Glacier (with planning).
You'll feel like you're stepping into untouched wilderness—and you kind of are.
Denali & Mt. McKinley Lodges: Alpine Majesty, Glacial Origins
While you won't find walk-up glaciers at these lodges, the entire landscape has been shaped by glaciers over millions of years. Denali National Park’s valleys, braided rivers, and tundra plains tell the story of ancient ice.
On a clear day, you may even see Muldrow Glacier from inside the park.
Take the Tundra Wilderness Tour for wildlife, sweeping views, and dramatic mountain scenery.
You can also book glacier flightseeing tours from nearby Talkeetna, just south of Mt. McKinley Lodge.
How to Start Your Alaska Land Adventure
You don’t need a cruise to enjoy Alaska—you just need a smart plan. Most land-based itineraries start in one of these major hubs:
Anchorage (ANC) – Ideal for accessing Kenai, Denali, or Seward
Fairbanks (FAI) – Great for Denali, Mt. McKinley, or Copper River
Juneau (JNU) or Seward (via Anchorage) – Optional starting points if adding a day cruise or glacier tour
From these cities, Princess offers motorcoach, rail, and shuttle connections to their lodges—or we can create a custom self-drive itinerary.
✈️ I Can Help You Get There—On Miles or Cash
As a travel advisor and points expert, I help clients not only plan where to go, but how to get there. That includes:
Booking award flights using your points and miles
Finding the best-value flights for your desired travel dates
Matching your flights to lodge check-in/check-out times
Adding pre- or post-night hotel stays in Anchorage or Fairbanks for smoother travel days
Coordinating transfers, car rentals, or rail add-ons for a seamless journey
🧡 Why Choose a Lodge-Based Alaska Trip?
Land-only Alaska vacations are ideal for:
Families or couples who want more time in the wilderness
Travelers who prefer quiet lodges and immersive nature over cruise crowds
Guests prone to motion sickness or who simply want to try something different
Frequent cruisers looking to experience Alaska from a new angle
Ready to Plan?
As a Princess Alaska expert through the Princess Academy, I’d love to help you design the perfect Alaska escape, whether you're dreaming of kayaking past glaciers, catching wild salmon, or waking up to views of Denali out your window.
Let’s chat about building a custom Princess Lodges itinerary—with or without a cruise—and make the most of your miles, your time, and your bucket list.
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