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.
Adjacent to the Hilltop Ski Area, these 18 miles of ungroomed trails wind their way into the Chugach foothills and offer a delightful view of the city. Watch out for the very common moose and black and brown bear in this area and exercise extra caution if traveling solo. There are no rest facilities in this park. Check out the Alaska Botanical Gardens open daily, just off of the Campbell Airstrip Road.
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.
Whether you are being walked by your dog, need some fresh air or are giving your kids a break from an endless shopping spree, this is a great place to relax and enjoy the flowers. Edged by small flower plots, this park consists of rolling hills with lush lawns with a trail in the center, sections of woods and large frisbee-friendly zones. The delightful playground features a log fort-like tower with slides and hanging bars, swings, park benches and more. No admission charged.
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.