Top Rated Attractions in Anchorage

This large wooden platform offers terrific views of Cook Inlet (named for the man who discovered this waterway in 1778). A bust of Captain Cook and biographical and historical information are part of the monument. For 25 cents, visitors can peer through a telescope to look at Fire Island, Mt. Susitna or the Alaska Range across the Inlet. This is also a great way to get a closer view of the largest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet), 120 miles away. No admission is charged.

Known for its selection of original fine art only, this store also has special departments for furniture, interior design and gift shopping. The gallery contains predominantly Alaskan artworks, in a variety of media including drawings, paintings, sculpture, fiber art, pottery, ceramics and glass. The spacious gallery is located on the first floor of a large office building, directly across from the Hotel Captain Cook and is only blocks from the delightful Glacier Brewhouse.

The Alaska Railroad covers 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. In 1985, the Railroad was purchased by the State of Alaska from the federal government. Rebuilt and improved on in 1997, the first floor is designated for passenger ticketing and tour information, and has historical photos of the Railroad's development dating back to 1914 when the construction began. Many different tours are available for purchase, including float trips, glacier cruises, sightseeing flights and jet boat safaris.

This 1915 historic site was the town's original gravesite. Upright whalebones mark, in traditional Eskimo style, some of the graves where many well known forefathers of this state rest. Alaska's well-known artist, Sydney Laurence, is buried here as is Robert Reeve, the pioneer aviator of the Anchorage-Seattle route, and Charley Stanford, who carried the mail over the Iditarod route with sled dogs. This location was designated a National Historic Site in April 1993. There is no admission fee for viewing this park.

Operational since 1961, Anchorage's premier port currently is responsible for the shipping of more than three million tons of cargo each year. Much of the freight it carries out is dry bulk, with petroleum, NOS, vehicles, timber, steel and cast iron, making up the rest of the cargo. Anchorage terminal is by far the port's busiest location docking anywhere from four to five ships on its shores. Operated at full seaway depth, the port maintains an average magnitude of 35 to 45 feet (11 to 14 meters). The site is open to visitors and features a system of standing areas that offer breathtaking views of Anchorage's northern shores and the restful waters of Knik Arm.

See the rare Byron Birdsall stone lithographs from the 80s and admire the ceramic pieces created by artist Robin McLane. Check out the variety of Alaskan wildlife art by Donna Gates King and Ed Tussey. See the selection of pastel originals by Guitta Corey, then browse through a variety of modern artwork and in contrast, the Native masks created by Lester Newell. This gallery has a huge selection with 90 percent of it being Alaskan art.