Mile 136 Denali Highway, Cantwell, AK 99729 (MLS# 23-2761)

Supplements: Originally the site of The Carlson Lodge from 1920-1949, this lodge was built in the 1960's, purchased and remodeled by the seller in 1990 and has been family operated for the past 32 years. Just across a small creek are scattered clearings from the original site of the Carlson Lodge and a few dugout foundations from homes of the local indigenous ... (Read more) Originally the site of The Carlson Lodge from 1920-1949, this lodge was built in the 1960's, purchased and remodeled by the seller in 1990 and has been family operated for the past 32 years. Just across a small creek are scattered clearings from the original site of the Carlson Lodge and a few dugout foundations from homes of the local indigenous Athabascan Native Americans. Adding a small footbridge across the creek and building some small cabins or yurts in this area will bring the added numbers for the Alaska Railroad to resume their "Flagstop Service". A modern railroad service building right next door is ready for this service to be restored. The original Flagstop here is actually what formed the small town of Cantwell, when the nearby Valdez mine was active in the 1940's. Two heating sources currently service the "Longhorn Saloon and Cafe", two Toyo wall stove, and a drip stove. A very deep basement (the entire sqft. of the main lodge) boiler has a downward sloping ramp accesses a huge door to allow for an enormous amount of storage. Both currently not being used, a decorative dripstove (in the bar), and in the basement a 2005 Heatmore coal Stoker-stove allow more option for heating. All of the rooms are heated by Toekick Heater sourced from a large boiler in the basement. The septic system was replaced 1990 and the leachfield replaced just last year. In 1993-94 the saloon & cafe were added, as well as the metal roof. The right side of lodge houses the six rooms with common men's and womens' separate showers and restrooms. These rent for $160 - $300 (sometimes year round). The left hand side recently had two restrooms added, as well as a small unfinished kitchen and bar, but this area should likely be converted to more rooms.This area is one of the best in the entire state for viewing the Northern Lights, which are visible here from August until April. Winter Tourism could flourish here, as Alaskan Tourism companies charter trips from around the world using motorcoaches filled with those seeking to see the Aurora Borealis for thier first time. The right buyer for this property should give me a call to combine my thoughts with their own vision of owning an incredible piece of Alaskan history.