Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve is located in the interior of Alaska. It covers 9,492 square miles. It is named for the highest mountain in North America, Denali. Denali was formerly named Mount McKinley. The mountain was originally named after President William McKinley in 1897. However, this name is primarily used outside of Alaska. The word Denali means "High One" in a native Alaskan language. Mount McKinley National Park was established on February 26, 1917. However, only a portion of Mount McKinley - not even the summit - was included in the original park. Denali National Monument was created on December 1, 1978. The two were combined into Denali National Park and Preserve on December 2, 1980.