Lake McKinley, located in Denali National Park in Alaska, is named after President William McKinley. The lake is a glacially fed body of water situated at the base of the iconic Mount McKinley, which was officially renamed Denali in 2015.

The history of Lake McKinley is deeply intertwined with the history of the surrounding region and the native Athabascan people who have called this area home for thousands of years. The lake has served as a vital water source and a place of cultural significance for the indigenous tribes who have lived in the area.

The first recorded European to see Lake McKinley was William Dickey, a prospector and miner who visited the region in the late 19th century. However, it was the gold rush in Alaska in the early 1900s that brought increased attention to the area surrounding the lake. Miners and prospectors flocked to the region in search of gold, leading to the establishment of several settlements near the lake.

In 1917, Denali National Park was established, encompassing the area around Lake McKinley. The park was created in part to protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the region, including the abundant wildlife that calls the park home, such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves.

Over the years, Lake McKinley has also become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Its stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the towering peaks of the Alaskan Range draw visitors from around the world who come to hike, camp, fish, and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Today, Lake McKinley and Denali National Park continue to be important landmarks in Alaska, attracting visitors who come to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Last Frontier. The lake serves as a reminder of the rich history of the region and the enduring significance of the natural world in Alaska’s cultural heritage. Whether it’s the shimmering waters of Lake McKinley, the majestic peaks of Denali, or the call of the wild that draws people to this remote corner of the world, one thing is certain: the history of Lake McKinley is as vast and awe-inspiring as the landscape that surrounds it.