This library contains a sweeping indoor staircase, computer access, three floors of neatly arranged titles, reference desks throughout, study areas and a walnut paneled reading lounge in the Alaska Collection area. Outside, a lower level entrance brings you to the elevators, while the second floor entrance is reached by a covered staircase that stretches to a small coffee shop and statue of William Seward. Bring children for the Lapsit and Preschool Storytimes, but please call in advance for scheduling.
This one hour up-close-and personal glacier cruise brings you to the face of Portage Glacier. Narrated by a forest service representative, the cruise is informative and breathtakingly beautiful. Gaze up at this ancient wall of ice and witness it "calving," or sloughing off icebergs with its movements. A trip you will remember, the Ptarmigan boat and Portage Glacier are only a one-hour drive from Anchorage and reservations may be made online or by phone.
Nationally recognized muralist Wyland has painted a mural that is 400 feet in length and five stories in height (on the J.C. Penney's wall) depicting underwater whales with icebergs floating above them. The scene is particularly Alaskan because of the mountains of ice in the background and the fur seals shown resting on the icebergs. Elsewhere in the U.S., Wyland has painted humpback migrations and scenes of great blue whales (found in Pacific Coast cities along Hwy 101).
This park may be driven to, or accessed by walking down the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail from downtown (about 1 mile south on the trail). The park includes a fitness area with pull-up bars, sit-up bench and other fitness equipment. Paralleling the Westchester Lagoon, it features a dock, a maintained skating rink during winter and benches to rest on while viewing the Lagoon. There are also bike lock-up areas and a tiny police substation. This is a no fee area.
The Alaska Jewish Museum is a place which promotes diversity in Anchorage and showcases the rich Jewish history of the city. It highlights the infrastructural developments which have been a contribution of Jews in the city. The museum was established in the year 2004, when Rabbi Joseph Greenberg, along with a few fellow Jews opened it to highlight the achievements of the community in the USA.