Kantishna Roadhouse, the Indigenous-owned backcountry lodge located 90 miles inside Denali National Park and Preserve, has been ranked No. 1 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Wilderness Lodge in Alaska. The ranking places Kantishna Roadhouse at the top of 10 recognized wilderness lodges statewide.
The annual 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards begin with nominations by a panel of travel experts, followed by public voting to determine the winners. After voting concluded, Kantishna Roadhouse earned the No. 1 ranking among 10 recognized wilderness lodges across Alaska — properties noted for exceptional locations, meaningful access to the outdoors and accommodations that balance rustic character with modern comfort.
The recognition comes during a milestone year for the property, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1996 and owned and operated by Doyon, Limited, the Alaska Native regional corporation for the Interior, Kantishna Roadhouse is the only full-service lodge within Denali National Park and Preserve that is Indigenous-owned and operated.
“This recognition is especially meaningful as we celebrate 30 years in Kantishna,” said Erika Swanson, general manager of Kantishna Roadhouse. “Our team puts a lot of care into creating guest experiences that honor the land and the people who have long been connected to this place. To see that work recognized by readers nationwide is truly an honor.”
Kantishna Roadhouse operates as an all-inclusive lodge built from local white spruce logs on the site of the original 1918 Kantishna homestead. LEED Gold–certified and recognized by Adventure Green Alaska, the property integrates sustainability practices, including renewable energy transition, water conservation and locally sourced dining, into daily operations.
The 2026 season also marks the final summer visitors can experience Denali’s backcountry in its current, road-limited state before full bus service is expected to resume in 2027 with completion of a bridge spanning the Pretty Rocks landslide. With vehicle access currently limited beyond Mile 43, Kantishna Roadhouse remains one of the only access points to the park’s far interior, welcoming a small number of overnight guests and day visitors via fixed-wing aircraft.
Kantishna Roadhouse reflects Doyon, Limited’s broader commitment to culturally grounded, sustainable tourism. Representing more than 20,700 shareholders and stewarding over 12.5 million acres in Interior Alaska, Doyon advances responsible development aligned with long-term stewardship.
“This recognition means a lot to our shareholders and our team,” said Jordan Sanford, president of Doyon Tourism. “Kantishna Roadhouse reflects how we think about tourism at Doyon — creating Native-owned destinations that are culturally grounded and thoughtfully operated.”
Kantishna Roadhouse’s 2026 season runs June 6 through September 12.
For more information, visit kantishnaroadhouse.com.
