National parks have amazed tourists and locals alike for years. They provide an escape from the ordinary and a relief from the daily stresses of society. National parks provide insight into a simpler time when our ancestors were surrounded by the beauty of nature instead of the concrete jungles of modern metropolitan areas. Few of these stunning parks offer the same seclusion as Denali National Park in Alaska. Its sights and sounds have captivated many and will continue to provide a great escape from everyday life. The original Mount McKinley National Park was established on February 26, 1917 (Denali). It was originally founded as a wilderness area. In 1980, the park was renamed Denali National Park. This new Denali National Park was created to merge Mount McKinley National Park with Denali National Preserve. The word Denali literally means “great” (qtd. in Encyclopedia Americana). Native Americans called the great mountain Denali. Most climbers still refer to Mount McKinley as Denali (Denali). Denali's location makes it a wonderful place to escape the ordinary. Denali National Park is located in central Alaska. The two closest major cities are Fairbanks, Alaska and Anchorage, Alaska. “There is a road entrance to Denali. The entrance is located along Alaska Highway 3 (also called George Parks Highway) approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage, 120 miles south of Fairbanks, and 12 miles south of Healy, the closest year-round community . "(Plan your visit). The National Park is a protected area of ​​8,899 square miles (Encyclopedia Americana). It offers the opportunity to observe nature up close or from the comfort of a shuttle bus. Denali's climate adds beauty and mystery to the park itself. Agreement...... middle of paper...... Service - Experience Your America. Np, nd Web. February 28, 2012. ."Denali, the pinnacle of North America. The seven peaks, the highest peaks on the 7 continents! Travel, statistics and information!." The seven peaks, the highest peaks of the 7 continents: Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Carstensz! Travel, statistics and information!. Np, nd Web. 14 March 2012. "Mount McKinley." Book of the World. 2011. Print. "What to Do in Denali - National Geographic." . Travel and Cultures – National Geographic. nd Web. 28 February. 2012. .