On George Parks Highway 3, 12 miles north of Denali Park entrance. Population: 605. Visitor Information: Greater Healy/Denali Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 437, Healy, AK 99743; Phone: 683-INFO (4636); Email: info@denalichamber.com
The first settlers arrived in the Healy Valley in 1904 and the future of the area was secured in 1918 when coal mines opened and railroad construction began. Healy became a permanent railroad station and the coal mining community of Suntrana developed 4 1/2 miles up the Healy River. There have been several mining operations through the years. The Usibelli mine was established in 1943 and is now the only coal mine in the state. The railroad town and mining camps have closed, but many of the old buildings have been relocated to the new town site where visitors can enjoy this touch of the past.
Because of the number of bed and breakfasts, hotels, lodges, RV Parks and campgrounds and its close proximity to Denali National Park, many visitors to the park prefer to base themselves in Healy. The town offers excellent options for lodging and exploring Denali without the crowds of people that can be found closer to the park entrance.
Visitors to Healy can also enjoy golf, horseback riding, rafting, dogsled demos or flight seeing tours. Services include a medical clinic, groceries, gas, deli, restaurants, gift shops and art galleries.