Moose Hill Cabin
Worked on by @Imagineer Brandon
Moose Hill Cabin was designed as a spiritual successor to Disneyland's Hungry Bear Restaurant.
Hello there! Adventuring is a fine way to spend a day, but it leaves one craving a good, hearty meal and some cold libations. Located at the end of the AK Corral, the Moose Hill Cabin was founded to satiate that hunger. Just looking at it is a treat. It’s a two story building built from a tough white spruce wood, painted a beautiful reddish brown. Ask around, and you’ll learn a little more about the building’s history. The cabin, as well as the restaurant and shop inside, are owned by the Hill family. It was first built by an Inuit hunter Ikiaq and his Russian wife Natalia, where it became a safe haven for weary explorers and traders. Having survived for generations, it stands as a monument to the determination of the Frigid Frontier’s people. Let’s head inside, and appreciate their good work for ourselves.
Located on the first floor of the Moose Hill Cabin is The Ol’ Novelty Store, a one-stop shop for travelers passing through the Frigid Frontier. Fishers will marvel at the massive fish mounted to the left wall, while hunters will appreciate the stuffed animal heads behind the counter. Those less inclined toward such pursuits will prefer the tasteful watercolor paintings of the Frontier’s attractions and the detailed map of the region on the back wall. On the right wall is a series of refrigerators with bottled cream soda inside. These are made in-house and come in three varieties: Vintage Vanilla, Yukon Gold Citrus, and Klondike Cherry. Each bottle is made with stained glass and is a souvenir in its own right.
The Ol' Novelty Store is an homage to America's great souvenir shops. Pictured is the Old Apple Barn in High Rolls, New Mexico.
The main area of the store sells unique souvenirs for those who want to take something truly special home with them. Those looking for apparel can buy vintage clothing, a selection of stetsons and straw hats, and genuine Inuit jewelry. Shoppers seeking new decor will appreciate the hand painted miniatures, glass ornaments, and plants both real and plastic. Perhaps the shop’s most unique offerings are the thoughtfully crafted candles and soaps designed to capture the many scents of the Frontier.
Up at the counter is a sight sure to make even the hardiest explorer drool: a case full of sweets prepared in the kitchen. The bottom row serves fresh fudge. The Peanut Butter Swirl and Mint Chocolate Chip flavors are two of the most popular. The row above that serves baked goods, from cakes to muffins to doughnuts. Lastly, the third row offers caramel, chocolate, and vanilla covered fruit. These sweets can be bought in containers for later enjoyment or on plates for a quick dessert. The counter also offers various flavors and types of milk, so there’s no need to worry about the peanut butter on the roof of your mouth.
The outdoor seating area was intended to allow guests to capture views unavailable anywhere else in the park.
In the upper left corner of the store is a door leading outside (for those who prefer to dine in the open air) and a staircase heading upstairs (for those who enjoy their meal indoors). Why don’t we start with the former? Walking down a strong staircase, we arrive on a wooden balcony overlooking the Frigid Frontier Express's railway line and in the distance the river. This area does have a ceiling over it, protecting it from harsh weather, but otherwise it’s about as close to dining on a river raft as you can get. On colder days, the top floor is the better option. The clean glass windows still offer a great view of the Frigid Frontier from high-up, while a candle on each table provides romantic lighting and defrosts frozen guests. Hung up on the walls are a series of paintings depicting the natural beauty of the region. Whether you stopped in for a meal or came looking for unique treasures, we hope you enjoyed your time at the Moose Hill Cabin. Come again real soon!
The menu blends classic comfort food with Inuit staples to represent the spectrum of Alaskan cuisine as well as possible. Enjoy!