Things To Do in Anchorage – Best Attractions
Anchorage is the largest and most populous city in the state of Alaska, on America’s west coast. Home to more than 300,000 people, it makes up for 40% of the total Alaskan population. The city is known as Alaska’s cultural soul, attracting more artists than any other city in the state.
Moreover, all the best attractions in Anchorage are grateful for the city’s access to the surrounding wilderness, mountains, trails, and lakes. It is famous for its floral exhibits during the summer months, which have given Anchorage the nickname “The City of Lights and Flowers.” It is also known as “The Air Crossroads of the World” on account of its bustling airplane traffic.
Attractions in Anchorage
Furthermore, tourists have an abundance of things to do in Anchorage. Have you ever wanted to visit Alaska? It’s not all ice and snow, you know. Alaska is home to beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and trails, and Anchorage is the state’s urban center. Tag along with us as we explore some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Anchorage, Alaska.
Explore Indigenous Culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Residing in the northeast part of the city, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a collection of 11 Alaskan indigenous groups. Visiting the cultural center is a great way to begin your visit and is one of the best things to do in Anchorage.
Not only is it one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Anchorage, but it is also the best way to learn about Alaskan history and indigenous cultures. It attracts history buffs and scenery lovers alike because of the geographical location and structure of the establishment. The Alaska Native Heritage Center comprises 6 traditional village-like dwellings surrounding Lake Tiulana. Each village displays its unique collection of artifacts, crafts, and demonstrations.
Additionally, you can also be a part of the culture and participate in traditional games, dances, and art demonstrations. You will find most local art exhibits in the famous Hall of Cultures. Opting for local guides is a great way to gain more insight into the exhibits and the overall collective experience in one of the best attractions in Anchorage!
Be One With Nature on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Anchorage offers a combination of adventure and scenic beauty to hipsters, cyclists, and adventurers with the Tony Knowles Coastal Trails. The scenic biking and walking trail maps roughly 11 miles of the city shoreline. It starts at the famous Oscar Anderson House and finishes at the Kincaid Park. You will also cross the legendary Earthquake Park on your journey along the trail; the park was built in remembrance of the 1964 earthquake and includes panels to educate visitors about the calamity.
Common wildlife sightings along the trail include beluga whales and moose! It would be wise to remember bringing a camera to get some beautiful pictures.
In addition to wildlife sightings, you will be blessed with some of the most beautiful land-and-mountainscapes, such as the Chugach Mountains and Denali, with the latter being the tallest peak in Anchorage. You might benefit from a late evening bike ride and get to see the downtown skyline in all its glory. Seeing the city lights from afar will make for good memories and is one of the best things to do in Anchorage.
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
You will love a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center if spotting a moose or two on the Tony Knowles Trail wasn’t enough. Founded in 1993, the sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Alaskan wildlife.
Moreover, the entrance fee goes into research, education, and animal care – a worthy cause! The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Anchorage and one of the best ways to view Alaskan wildlife up-close.
The center is home to several animal species living in vast enclosures that resemble the animals’ natural habitats. Visitors have made a point of mentioning how natural the enclosures appear. On a routine visit, you will be able to see many resident moose, coyotes, bison, bald eagles, and even bears!
Hop on Board the Alaska Railroad
The historical railroad was built in 1923 and was tasked with aiding the World War II efforts and supporting the U.S economy. Since those tumultuous times, the 470-mile train track has become one of the best attractions in Anchorage. The city is just one of its many stops.
The railroad stretches from Seward to Fairbanks while making stops at prominent locations, including Girdwood, Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Preserve, and several backcountry areas only accessible by train.
Taking a scenic ride aboard the Alaska Railroad is one of the most memorable things to do in Anchorage. On your cruise, you would witness the mesmerizing Alaskan landscape, wildlife, sparkling glaciers, and a beautiful view of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Art and History at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
Dedicated to studying and exploring Alaska’s art and history, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is a glass-fronted four-story art, science, and history museum. It is one of the main reasons Anchorage is home to so many native Alaskan artists.
Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in Anchorage for history buffs and people looking to learn more about Alaskan history, culture, art, and lifestyle. The modern building hosts many features, traveling exhibits, and centers, such as the Spark!Lab, the Thomas Planetarium, and the Smithsonian Arctic Center.
The Spark!Lab offers aspiring young scientists hands-on science and technology exhibits. It is attached to the Discovery Center and helps kids invent, conduct scientific experiments, and learn about history in an engaging way!
You might also enjoy visiting the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center or one of the permanent Art of the North exhibits. You might also consider visiting the Thomas Planetarium for more visually appealing exhibits. It even features educational documentaries on the cosmos, the environment, and the Earth in general. Booking a tour will help you have a more fulfilling experience with knowledgeable guides offering tidbits of information about the exhibits and answering all your questions!
Day-Trip to Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is one of America’s four largest state parks and covers an astounding 700 square miles of terrain. The park encompasses rivers, glaciers, lakes, and the rugged mountainous terrain that is home to wolves, bears, moose, and beavers.
Consequently, Chugach State Park is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Anchorage and offers visitors a wide range of activities. It also borders the eastern side of the city connects to several seawater points along the Turnagain Arm and Seward Highway.
Moreover, it offers a number of exciting trails and locations for hiking, camping, and skiing. If you’re looking for a magical outdoor experience complete with a starry night sky, visiting this enormous park will be one of the best things to do in Anchorage. Some famous trails include the Crow Pass Trail and the Glen Alps Trailhead.
Trails offer a path to the Chugach National Forest, which is home to natural attractions, such as the Portage Glacier. Located south of Portage Lake, it is also part of the Kenai Peninsula. The “Visit Anchorage” website describes it as “the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers.” Chugach State Park can be thought of as a gateway to some of the best attractions in Anchorage. You can immortalize the moments spent in the forest and other locations by taking pictures with your phone or camera.
Sightseeing at Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is situated on the previously mentioned Kenai Peninsula and is home to Alaska’s coastal fjords, islands, glaciers (remember Portage?), and the famous Harding Icefield. Originally established as a national monument, the park has existed since 1978 to preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystem, wildlife, and historical remains of the Kenai Peninsula.
Exit Glacier is the only attraction accessible by road, while the rest of the sites can be accessed by air or cruise ship travel. Other settlements in the area include Seward, Homer, and Kenai. This scenic masterpiece is one of the best attractions in Anchorage. It offers visitors the chance to walk on glacier trails or hire guides to learn about the natural landscape, including coastal mountains and natural ice-shaped landscapes!
Some Honorary Mentions
Although this is where we end our list of the top-rated tourist attractions in Anchorage, it is by no means an extensive or complete list. We tried including some of the best attractions in Anchorage in our article, but, unfortunately, some spots could not make the cut.
However, we still want to add a few honorary mentions, such as:
- Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
- Alyeska Resort
- The Alaska Zoo
- Denali National Park
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
This concludes our article on one of Alaska’s most beautiful cities. We hope you liked reading about the best attractions in Anchorage. If visiting the beautiful Alaskan city was not on your bucket list before, we suggest making an addition now.
On an ending note, we suggest interacting with the locals for a more authentic and fulfilling experience in Anchorage, Alaska!
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