Calving
glaciers. Whale watching cruises. Dog sledding across a snowy plain.
Trophy fishing. These are things that come to mind when you imagine your
visit to Alaska. Whether you visit Alaska by land or by cruise, you can
experience these things, and much more.Here are my picks for Alaska's best 10 attractions:
1. Denali National Park
Caribou Browsing Among the Fall Color in Denali National Park
The
Denali National Park experience is fascinating and memorable for a
number of reasons. First, of course, is magnificent Mount McKinley,
which at 20,320 feet is the highest peak in North America. Then there's
the wildlife. Take one of Denali National Park's bus tours and you're
likely to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Finally, there's the gorgeous and varied color of the park's lakes and
rivers, geologic formations, and tundra landscape. Spend time at the
Denali Visitor Center, located at the park's northeast entrance, to
learn about the seasons and the natural history of Denali, and to get
information about available park tours, activities, and recreation.
2. Kenai Fjords National Park Day Cruise
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Scenery
Where
a visit to Denali National Park allows you to see an abundance of
land-based wildlife, a Kenai Fjords day cruise will allow you to see a
wide range of marine life. Otters, puffins, harbor seals, bald eagles,
sea stars, orcas, Minke whales, and Dall's porpoises are just part of
the list. You'll also see stunning mountain scenery, as well as hanging
and tidewater glaciers. The Kenai Fjords National Park cruises leaves
out of Seward, Alaska.
3. Museum of the North in Fairbanks
Museum of the North at University of Alaska Fairbanks
Located
on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the Museum of the North
is a world-class museum stuffed with fascinating exhibits covering
Alaska's history, art, and culture. The Gallery of Alaska covers each
region of the state, addressing both human and natural history.
Highlights of this gallery include the coverage of mammoths and
mastodons and the magnificent display of gold and gold nuggets. The
Alaska Classics art gallery features historical paintings, while
upstairs the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery focuses on contemporary
Alaskan art. Don't miss the movies in the Museum of the North's theater,
particularly Dynamic Aurora, which focuses on the science and beauty of the aurora borealis.
4. Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska's oldest national park, is located on the east side of Sitka, a popular port of call for Inside Passage cruises. Begin at the park's visitor center, where you'll explore exhibits on historic and modern totem poles, Russian and Native artifacts, and temperate rain forest and beaches. You'll also get an introduction to the Battle of 1804 between local Tlingit Indians and Russian colonists, the event that Sitka National Historical Park interprets and preserves. Follow that with a walking tour of the Russian Bishop's House and a hike along the Totem Trail.5. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
© Angela M. Brown (2007)
The
1898 Klondike Gold Rush was a colorful yet somber episode in North
American history. With units scattered throughout Alaska - and even one
in Seattle - the major visitor center for the Klondike Gold Rush
National Historical Park is located in Skagway. The visitor center
offers a gripping film covering the terrible hardships and rare triumphs
of the men and women who were part of the great rush, with a focus on
those who passed through Skagway on their way over the Chilkoot Pass.
After checking out the film, exhibits, and book shop at the visitor
center, you can hook up with a ranger-led tour of downtown Skagway and
its many historic Gold-Rush-era buildings.
6. Anchorage Museum
Anchorage Museum
The
Anchorage Museum at Rasmussen Center is like several museums in one
location, together covering Alaska's art, history, and science. Visitors
can view contemporary and traditional art, learn about the state's
history and native peoples, view amazing presentations at the Thomas
Planetarium, and participate in hands-on activities. The Smithsonian
Arctic Studies Center, a collection on loan from the Smithsonian, is a
particularly fascinating display of artifacts from Native Alaskan and
other Arctic cultures. Kids will love the Imaginarium Science Discovery
Center, which moved into the Anchorage Museum in 2010. Anchorage Museum
services include a cafe, a gift shop, and guided tours.
7. Alaska State Museum in Juneau
Alaska State Museum
The
Alaska State Museum, located in the capital city Juneau, is the
official museum for the state. You'll find exhibits on a variety of
topics related to Alaska history and culture. Their presentation of
Native Alaskan traditions, including the Aleut, Athabaskan, Eskimo, and
Northwest Coast people, is excellent. Early Russian, European, and
American settlement, as well as gold rush and mining history, are among
the other fascinating subjects illuminated by items in the museum's
permanent collection.
8. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska
There
are a number of ways to experience Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve. Many visit Glacier Bay as part of an Alaska Inside Passage
cruise. Day-long boat tours are also available. As you make the chill
and quiet journey through the fingers and inlets of Glacier Bay, you'll
have the chance to see several major tidewater glaciers as well as a
variety of wildlife. The area around the town of Gustavus, at the
southern end of Glacier Bay National Park, offers most of the amenities
for land-based visitors, including the park headquarters, visitor
center, and accommodations.
9. Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks
Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks Alaska
Departing
out of Fairbanks, the grand Riverboat Discovery will take you on a
scenic tour of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Along the way you'll learn
about the contemporary and traditional ways of life in Alaska. You'll
stop in front of the home and kennels of the late Susan Butcher to find
out about the sled dogs. An Athabaskan fish camp is another stop, where
you'll learn about the harvest, preparation, smoking, and storage of
salmon. The highlight of the trip is the Chena Indian Village, where you
can get off the Riverboat Discovery and explore an Athabaskan village
to get an up-close look at the gear, dwellings, and animals that are a
part of their culture. The cruise takes about 3.5 hours and starts and
ends at a large Alaska gift shop.
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