Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is the collection, preservation, and public presentation of Alaska's aviation history, 1897 to present.
4721 Aircraft Dr.
Anchorage Alaska, 99502
(On Lake Hood) (907) 248-5325
2. The Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Since opening in 1999, the Center has become Alaska's premier interactive cultural destination. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an exciting place where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska's first people. Here we share the rich heritage of Alaska's eleven cultural groups - drawing upon the lifeways of long ago, the wisdom of our elders, and the traditions that endure. The encounter is designed to enhance self-esteem among Native people and to encourage cross-cultural exchanges among all people.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99506
(907) 330-8000 - Phone
(800) 315-6608 - Toll Free
[email protected]
3. Flightseeing Opportunities at Anchorage International Airport
• Alaska Air Taxi - 1-800-789-5232
• Arctic Flyers - (907) 243-3953
• Beaver Air Taxi - (907) 229-3353
• Ellison Air - (907) 243-1959
• Era Nostalgic DC-3 Flightseeing - 1-800-866-8394
• Era Helicopters Flightseeing - 1-800-843-1947
• Great Northern Air - (907) 243-1968
• Ketchum Air Service, Inc. (907) 243-5525
• Regal Air - (907) 243-8535
• Ptarmigan Air - (907) 248-4421
• Rust's Flying Service - 1-800-544-2299
• Trail Ridge Air - (907) 248-0838
• Wings - (907) 345-7121
4. Anchorage Museum of History and Art
A world-class museum located in the heart of Alaska’s largest city, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art began as a public-private partnership to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The Museum opened its doors in 1968 with an exhibition of 60 borrowed Alaska paintings, and a collection of 2,500 historic and ethnographic objects loaned from the local historical society.
Each year, more than 20 travelling exhibits from around the globe visit the Museum. Recent visiting exhibitions include those featuring works made entirely of recycled materials; an exhibit inside and outside the building by light artists, and Wrapped In Pride a touring celebration of Ghanaian kente cloth and African American identity. Travelling exhibitions are complemented by innovative public programming--community-wide cultural events, Free Family Days featuring local artists and hands-on art activities, and docent-led tours for approximately 15,000 school children every year.
5, Anchorage Museum of History and Art
121 West Seventh Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Information: 907-343-4326
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in the nation, and it folds into the foothills of East Anchorage. The half-million acre park is rich in recreation opportunities, with some of Alaska’s most accessible hiking, skiing, camping wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, rafting, and climbing – not to mention a stunning backdrop to the Anchorage landscape.
Soaring eagles, moose, grizzly bears, wolf packs and lynx name just a few types of wildlife that reside in the park. High alpine wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, roaring glacier-fed rivers, clearwater streams, a mature spruce forest and more than 50 glaciers hardly describe the spectacular sights that await. Mountaineering challenges, front country trails, and backcountry bushwhacking offer something for all types of wilderness explorers. Three campgrounds, public use cabins and wide-open spaces provide the ultimate in camping experiences.
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/jewels/chugach.htm
2. The Seward Highway
The drive south from Anchorage to Seward is an incredible journey. The 125-mile All-American Road follows along the shores of Turnagain Arm, past Portage Glacier, through moose-rich meadows, over a tundra-carpeted mountain pass, under the huge evergreen trees of Chugach National Forest, then down to the salty seaside town of Seward.
3. The Glenn Highway
Along the drive north through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, scenery abounds with spectacular views of majestic and rugged landscapes, crystal clear waterways, and tundra where moose and bear wander. This National Scenic Byway connects with the Parks Highway in Wasilla, Richardson Highway in Glennallen and the Alaska-Canada Highway in Tok.
4. Iditarod Sled Dog Race
It has been called the "Last Great Race on Earth" and it has won worldwide acclaim and interest. From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days. It's not just a dog sled race, it's a race in which unique men and woman compete. Mushers enter from all walks of life. Fishermen, lawyers, doctors, miners, artists, natives, Canadians, Swiss, French and others; men and women each with their own story, each with their own reasons for going the distance. It's a race organized and run primarily by volunteers, thousands of volunteers, men and women, students and village residents. They man headquarters at Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome and Wasilla. They fly volunteers, veterinarians, dog food and supplies. They act as checkers, coordinators, and family supporters of each musher.
5. Glaciers Near Anchorage
Alaska's No. 1 visitor attraction is just a short, spectacular drive away. Portage Glacier and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center are located 50 miles south of Anchorage.Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, marvel at iceberg-choked Portage Lake, learn of the area's geological and glacial history at the Center, or hop aboard the M/V Ptarmigan for an even closer look at this astounding natural wonder.
The drive to Portage is an experience in itself. In addition to incredible fjord-like vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities, additional glaciers hang from the mountainsides. Head farther south to glaciers near Seward, or travel north from Anchorage to the Matanuska Valley.
20-mile Glacier:
Visible from the Seward Highway. Look northeast up the Twenty Mile River valley just before you reach Portage.
Explorer Glacier:
Viewable from the road to Portage Glacier. Look for this hanging glacier near the Bear Creek Campground.
Byron Glacier:
Near the visitor center at Portage Glacier. A 3/4-mile walking trail leads to the snowfield at the base of the glacier. Guided "iceworm safari" available from the Center.
Exit Glacier:
Just north of Seward, 2.5 hrs. south of Anchorage. Get close by following the half-mile (.8 km) trail. Adventurous hikers can take a (long, strenuous) climb up to the 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field.
Matanuska Glacier:
Follow the Glenn Highway north about 2 hours. This glacier stretches 27 miles long. Drive closer (over private land) for a lowland perspective of its 4-mile-wide terminus.
1. Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is the collection, preservation, and public presentation of Alaska's aviation history, 1897 to present.
4721 Aircraft Dr.
Anchorage Alaska, 99502
(On Lake Hood) (907) 248-5325
2. The Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Since opening in 1999, the Center has become Alaska's premier interactive cultural destination. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an exciting place where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska's first people. Here we share the rich heritage of Alaska's eleven cultural groups - drawing upon the lifeways of long ago, the wisdom of our elders, and the traditions that endure. The encounter is designed to enhance self-esteem among Native people and to encourage cross-cultural exchanges among all people.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99506
(907) 330-8000 - Phone
(800) 315-6608 - Toll Free
[email protected]
3. Flightseeing Opportunities at Anchorage International Airport
• Alaska Air Taxi - 1-800-789-5232
• Arctic Flyers - (907) 243-3953
• Beaver Air Taxi - (907) 229-3353
• Ellison Air - (907) 243-1959
• Era Nostalgic DC-3 Flightseeing - 1-800-866-8394
• Era Helicopters Flightseeing - 1-800-843-1947
• Great Northern Air - (907) 243-1968
• Ketchum Air Service, Inc. (907) 243-5525
• Regal Air - (907) 243-8535
• Ptarmigan Air - (907) 248-4421
• Rust's Flying Service - 1-800-544-2299
• Trail Ridge Air - (907) 248-0838
• Wings - (907) 345-7121
4. Anchorage Museum of History and Art
A world-class museum located in the heart of Alaska’s largest city, the Anchorage Museum of History & Art began as a public-private partnership to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The Museum opened its doors in 1968 with an exhibition of 60 borrowed Alaska paintings, and a collection of 2,500 historic and ethnographic objects loaned from the local historical society.
Each year, more than 20 travelling exhibits from around the globe visit the Museum. Recent visiting exhibitions include those featuring works made entirely of recycled materials; an exhibit inside and outside the building by light artists, and Wrapped In Pride a touring celebration of Ghanaian kente cloth and African American identity. Travelling exhibitions are complemented by innovative public programming--community-wide cultural events, Free Family Days featuring local artists and hands-on art activities, and docent-led tours for approximately 15,000 school children every year.
5, Anchorage Museum of History and Art
121 West Seventh Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Information: 907-343-4326
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in the nation, and it folds into the foothills of East Anchorage. The half-million acre park is rich in recreation opportunities, with some of Alaska’s most accessible hiking, skiing, camping wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, rafting, and climbing – not to mention a stunning backdrop to the Anchorage landscape.
Soaring eagles, moose, grizzly bears, wolf packs and lynx name just a few types of wildlife that reside in the park. High alpine wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, roaring glacier-fed rivers, clearwater streams, a mature spruce forest and more than 50 glaciers hardly describe the spectacular sights that await. Mountaineering challenges, front country trails, and backcountry bushwhacking offer something for all types of wilderness explorers. Three campgrounds, public use cabins and wide-open spaces provide the ultimate in camping experiences.
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/jewels/chugach.htm
2. The Seward Highway
The drive south from Anchorage to Seward is an incredible journey. The 125-mile All-American Road follows along the shores of Turnagain Arm, past Portage Glacier, through moose-rich meadows, over a tundra-carpeted mountain pass, under the huge evergreen trees of Chugach National Forest, then down to the salty seaside town of Seward.
3. The Glenn Highway
Along the drive north through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, scenery abounds with spectacular views of majestic and rugged landscapes, crystal clear waterways, and tundra where moose and bear wander. This National Scenic Byway connects with the Parks Highway in Wasilla, Richardson Highway in Glennallen and the Alaska-Canada Highway in Tok.
4. Iditarod Sled Dog Race
It has been called the "Last Great Race on Earth" and it has won worldwide acclaim and interest. From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days. It's not just a dog sled race, it's a race in which unique men and woman compete. Mushers enter from all walks of life. Fishermen, lawyers, doctors, miners, artists, natives, Canadians, Swiss, French and others; men and women each with their own story, each with their own reasons for going the distance. It's a race organized and run primarily by volunteers, thousands of volunteers, men and women, students and village residents. They man headquarters at Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome and Wasilla. They fly volunteers, veterinarians, dog food and supplies. They act as checkers, coordinators, and family supporters of each musher.
5. Glaciers Near Anchorage
Alaska's No. 1 visitor attraction is just a short, spectacular drive away. Portage Glacier and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center are located 50 miles south of Anchorage.Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, marvel at iceberg-choked Portage Lake, learn of the area's geological and glacial history at the Center, or hop aboard the M/V Ptarmigan for an even closer look at this astounding natural wonder.
The drive to Portage is an experience in itself. In addition to incredible fjord-like vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities, additional glaciers hang from the mountainsides. Head farther south to glaciers near Seward, or travel north from Anchorage to the Matanuska Valley.
20-mile Glacier:
Visible from the Seward Highway. Look northeast up the Twenty Mile River valley just before you reach Portage.
Explorer Glacier:
Viewable from the road to Portage Glacier. Look for this hanging glacier near the Bear Creek Campground.
Byron Glacier:
Near the visitor center at Portage Glacier. A 3/4-mile walking trail leads to the snowfield at the base of the glacier. Guided "iceworm safari" available from the Center.
Exit Glacier:
Just north of Seward, 2.5 hrs. south of Anchorage. Get close by following the half-mile (.8 km) trail. Adventurous hikers can take a (long, strenuous) climb up to the 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field.
Matanuska Glacier:
Follow the Glenn Highway north about 2 hours. This glacier stretches 27 miles long. Drive closer (over private land) for a lowland perspective of its 4-mile-wide terminus.