The Wildermuth’s
…and the birth of Denali Zipline Tours
Denali Zipline Tours owners Mark Wildermuth and Laura Caillet live in a log home built by Mark in 1989. Mark has been enjoying the Alaska outdoors for over 30 years, having spent some of that time as a wilderness guide including rafting, fishing and dog mushing. Mark culminated his dog mushing career by mushing the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1995 finishing 22nd as a rookie.
The Wildermuths truly enjoy the Alaska lifestyle with their two young daughters. They are fortunate enough to home school their children which affords ample opportunity to experience and learn about the Alaska environment.
Mark has lived in the Talkeetna area for over 30 years and is involved in tourism here since 1984. His most recent experience is in small, family operated businesses. In 1998, he formed Wild Land Development LLC. Together with his wife Laura and his brother Kirk they have developed several small businesses in Talkeetna including Talkeetna Camper Park and the Wildflower Café/Main Street Suites on Main Street Talkeetna. They currently operate the camper park and lease the downtown café premises. They enjoy the challenge of business development with a strong commitment to renewable and environmentally-conscience land development.
Laura came to Talkeetna in 1997 with a B.A. in Hotel/Restaurant Management. She has a strong background in customer service through years of working in the tourist industry in Talkeetna including her own business. She is currently involved in and dedicated to various community efforts, volunteering her time for non-profit organizations, and is committed to homeschooling their children.
The Wildermuths’ main goals for the Denali Zipline Tours project are to provide a long term source of employment and income for their family, a permanent and positive recreation facility for the community, and to preserve their property in one piece well into the future. Having an effective and efficient staff to stand behind the business is key. They plan to employ as many local residents as possible and already have the beginning of an excellent management team.
