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.
Opened in 1997, this pub took Anchorage by storm. The menu holds a full selection of appetizers from Brewhouse Amber ale-battered halibut and calamari to desserts such as wood oven-roasted bread pudding or outstanding crème brulee. Entrees vary also, from an applewood grilled King Salmon, to a three peppercorn spit-roasted prime rib accompanied by garlic-mashed potatoes. Of course, don't forget to try the house-brewed beers.
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.
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.
Departing from Whittier, 60-miles south of Anchorage, this daily cruise (from May 1 - Sep 30) is a four-and-a-half hour trip that offers views of 26 glaciers. Along the way you may expect to view sea otters, seals, porpoises and quite frequently, whales. The fully narrated 110-mile route through Prince William Sound is breathtaking and memorable from its views of glittering ice to the shattering sound of "calves" breaking free of the "mother" glacier. It comes with a guaranteed "no sea-sickness or your money back" policy.
When the "Good Friday" earthquake rocked Anchorage in March of 1964, the area that is now the park was an affluent residential area on the bluffs above Cook Inlet. The 9.2 earthquake dropped these homes into 30-foot crevasses and destroyed this entire area. Developed as a park years later, it carries monuments and reader boards with information on the great quake. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail winds through the park.