In 1970 this magnificent area was declared a state park. Located within the municipality of Anchorage, Chugach State Park includes roughly 500,000 acres (202,343 hectares) of the Chugach Range and the surrounding landscape. The Eklutna Lake is the park's most unique proposition that beautifully mirrors the surrounding environs over its glassy surface. With a 5,000 foot (1,524 meters) vertical rise and three major campgrounds to the north of Anchorage, this wilderness area is filled with wildlife including moose, wolves, brown and black bears and more. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a plethora of activities that allow one to get up, close and personal with nature.
Part of the Anchorage walking tour, this house was built by the self-proclaimed "18th person" to walk into Anchorage, Oscar Anderson, in 915. Restored in 1982, it is open for guided tours Memorial Day to Labor Day. At the museum one gets a glimpse of the life style of the Andersons, and learns more about the early history of Anchorage. Exhibits discuss a roughly ten-year period from 1915 to 1925. The home is directly adjacent to the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that follows the Inlet.
The main attraction at this multi-galleried museum is the Alaska Gallery, which features more than 1,000 pieces of history, artwork and photography by Alaskans. Five other galleries are housed in the downtown-area museum, showcasing a variety of temporary exhibits from all over the world, as well as a Children's Gallery that is sure to delight visiting families. Visitors to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center can also attend after-hours events, art classes, and lectures that are sure to spark the imagination.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is remarkable for its programs, life-sized village displays, craft-making workstations and friendly, knowledgeable Alaskan Native staff. This museum presents 11 distinct cultural groups of Alaska within its 26 acres (10 hectares) and is a must-see for anyone interested in knowing Alaska's history and its native people's way of life. Located just ten minutes east of downtown, the grounds are bordered by the Chugach Mountains. Expect to be entranced by storytelling, drumming, hands-on crafts and Native dancers. A gift store and cafe are onsite.
View 85 species of wildlife from the Arctic, including glacier bears, grizzly bears, and black bears, on this 25-acre (103 hectare) wooded area. Other creatures that can be found here include caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, Musk-ox and many others. Some non-Alaskan species such as elephants, Bactrian camels and even a Siberian tiger are housed in the zoo as well. A gift shop and a refreshment stand are on the premises for anyone who needs a little pick-me-up.
The history of Alaska Aviation Museum dates back to 1988. This museum was established to preserve and display the aviation heritage of Alaska. Planes dating from 1924-1960 are located here, painstakingly restored, and situated next to recorded entries and information about their use and pilots. Pioneer aviators' gear and brief biographies are in the main building. Placard after placard relate stories of these aviation heroes, many of whose lives were ended prematurely by their dangerous occupation. WWII artifacts and accounts are also found inside. The interactive displays are also to look out for. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and the inquisitive ones.
Since 1990, this museum's displays have educated the public on Alaska's rich natural history. All of the items collected by the museum have been donated or loaned by Alaska residents. Permanent exhibits include collections of Alaska dinosaurs and marine reptiles, Alaskan archaeology, and Alaskan paleontology. The museum holds the largest exhibits of Alaskan rock, mineral and fossils, and also showcases native artifacts dating back 11,000 years. From time-to-time, the museum also presents traveling exhibits from the Lower 48. Most exhibits are fascinating for people of all ages.
This structure was moved in the 1920s from the tiny city of Knik, by horse and sleigh, 57 miles south to Anchorage. Church members began adding to the building (late 30s), but were interrupted by the war and did not complete its construction until 1952. A statue of a praying saint and a plaque commemorating Pope John Paul II's visit in 1981 are in front of this Cathedral. During the Pope's stay, he held a Mass attended by 50,000 people at the nearby park.
In 1970 this magnificent area was declared a state park. Located within the municipality of Anchorage, Chugach State Park includes roughly 500,000 acres (202,343 hectares) of the Chugach Range and the surrounding landscape. The Eklutna Lake is the park's most unique proposition that beautifully mirrors the surrounding environs over its glassy surface. With a 5,000 foot (1,524 meters) vertical rise and three major campgrounds to the north of Anchorage, this wilderness area is filled with wildlife including moose, wolves, brown and black bears and more. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a plethora of activities that allow one to get up, close and personal with nature.
This municipal greenhouse is open to the public, housing more than 550 species of plants and includes a yearly "test garden." Another experimental garden is featured in its tropical plant display (a challenge in Anchorage's harsh winter months). This greenhouse is the supplier for the more than 520 city flowerbeds; it produces 80,000 plants, which are distributed throughout the city. During summer months, Anchorage streets bloom with hanging baskets filled with the flowers grown here. Free to the public and open daily except for holidays.
Part of the Anchorage walking tour, this house was built by the self-proclaimed "18th person" to walk into Anchorage, Oscar Anderson, in 915. Restored in 1982, it is open for guided tours Memorial Day to Labor Day. At the museum one gets a glimpse of the life style of the Andersons, and learns more about the early history of Anchorage. Exhibits discuss a roughly ten-year period from 1915 to 1925. The home is directly adjacent to the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that follows the Inlet.
Often used as a photogenic vantage point from atop a high bluff, this geographic wonder is a terrific place to watch the lights twinkle in the city. Here, you can catch the aurora borealis when it's dark or the northwest views of Mt. Susitna (also known as the Sleeping Lady) during daylight hours. Also in the northwest distance is the Alaskan Range with Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker standing out in clear skies. This is a no fee area.