An Alaska adventure begins in Anchorage. The majestic mountains, glistening glaciers and crystal-clear streams and lakes beckon for exploration. Explore the rich culture of Alaska's first people and feel their pride. Savor the taste of fresh Alaska seafood. Cosmopolitan Anchorage is a city that has its own symphony and ballet, while offering rugged wilderness only minutes away. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, as well as many other galleries. Shoppers will discover unique native Alaskan arts and crafts. Anchorage is the place to tap into your sense of adventure!

Attractions
Anchorage Museum of History and Art: Occupying an entire block, this museum contains exhibits of historical and contemporary Alaskan art, history displays and a special children's section. There is an excellent cafe that is open for lunch. Admission is $5. (121 West Seventh Avenue).

Alaska Native Heritage Center: This extraordinary center contains a spacious Welcome House that introduces you to the Alaskan Native Peoples through displays, artifacts, photographs, demonstrations, performances and films. Admission $20. (8800 Heritage Center Drive).

Alaska Zoo: See a vast collection of Alaskan wildlife, including bears, birds, moose, fox, river otters, harbor seals, sheep and much more. (4731 O'Malley Road).

Earthquake Park: In 1964, the Anchorage area was severely rocked by the most powerful earthquake ever felt in North America, registering an astounding 9.2 on the Richter scale. This park features interpretive displays detailing the earthquake, as well as local geology and wildlife. (Located just off Northern Lights Boulevard, near the airport).

Lake Hood Air Harbor and the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum: Visit a display of over 21 vintage aircrafts, Japanese artifacts & historical photographs from World War II, in addition to a theater showing short movies demonstrating early aviation in Alaska. (4721 Aircraft Drive).

Resolution Park: A monument of the British explorer Captain Cook comes in the form of a cantilevered viewing platform looking out toward Cook Inlet and the mountains beyond. Often called the "Sleeping Lady" by the locals, Mt. Susitna is the prominent low mountain to the northwest. To her north is the famous Mt. McKinley, often visible 12.5 miles away. The traditional Native name for this majestic mountain is Denali.

Shopping
Alaska General Store: Take your time and have a leisurely browse in this old-fashioned general store that offers a diverse collection of objects, old and new.

Cook Inlet Book Company: Choose from a huge selection of Alaskan titles in this book store.

Native Arts & Crafts: Shop for quality Native Alaskan artwork at a number of shops including the Alaska Native Medical Center (4315 Diplomacy Drive, off East Tudor Road). If you are in the downtown area, be sure to have a look in One People, a great place to purchase Native artwork located at 425 D Street.

Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Co-op: Hand-knit scarves and hats with genuine traditional designs are produced here by Native Alaskan villagers. The underwool of the musk ox is as soft as cashmere and makes for a very cozy scarf! (6th Avenue and H Street).

Saturday Market: Browse for great food, fresh produce and of course, Alaskan-made crafts. This market fills the parking lot at 3rd Avenue and E Street. Open Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

Activities
Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon: This popular running race attracts more than 4,500 runners every year. Held to coincide with the summer solstice, it actually consists of five races that are run simultaneously. There is of course, a marathon (26.2 miles); a half marathon (13.1 miles); a five miler recreational event (5.61 miles); a marathon relay with 7, 8, 6.5 and 6.5 mile legs; and a youth cup at 1.6 miles. This event is sponsored by the University of Alaska and has been held since 1973.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Take a bike ride, a walk or a jog along this trail which starts at Westchester Lagoon at the end of 15th Avenue, running 2 miles (3 km) to Earthquake Park. If you are feeling especially energetic, continue for another 9 miles (15 km) all the way to Kincaid Park. Bicycle rentals are available at the Bicycle Shop (1035 West Northern Lights Boulevard, Tel: 907.276.5219) or Downtown Bicycle Rental (245 West 5th Avenue, Tel: 907.279.5293).

Walking Tours: Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Anchorage. This tour will give you not only scenic perspectives of the city, but historic ones as well. Starting at the the Log Cabin Visitors Center, visit several points of interest including Historic City Hall, the Alaska Statehood Monument, the Imaginarium and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, ending the tour at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

Wildlife
Driving just about anywhere outside of the city, you are bound to see some wildlife, be it moose, caribou, brown bear, or if you're near the water, breaching humpback whales. Just remember that the key word is "wild" so be sure to keep your distance and respect their space.

Whales and Birds: Whale and bird watching can be enjoyed by driving along Turnagain Arm which is just south of Anchorage. Just fifteen minutes from downtown is the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refugee Potter Marsh, a 2,300-acre wetland where you can observe more than 130 bird species during the year. In the spring and fall, from the road you can see whales following salmon up Turnagain Arm.

Port Code : USANC
Country : United States
Country Code : US
Currency Name : US Dollar
Currency Code : USD