There are no facilities for visitors to the checkpoint. This is the first of many Native villages along the Iditarod Trail. There is a village store at the far end of town across from the airstrip and limited lodging is available through advanced booking. The checkpoint is located in the Community Hall. It is the last chance to buy aviation gas, except at Galena, until you reach the coast at Unalakleet.
Lodging is also available with advance booking.
Iditarod sponsor, PenAir awarded their first Spirit of the Iditarod award to the first musher into McGrath in 2001. Situated on the banks of the Takotna River, this town has a store and a restaurant. This is one of the smallest towns with one of the biggest welcomes. Many items and artifacts still remain untouched. The checkpoint is at Dick and Audra Forsgren s cabin.