If you ask anyone where Alaska is, the first thing that will come to mind is the freezing temperatures but surprisingly enough, that is not all about this magical place. Alaska is home to Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, surrounded by a serene woody forest, and the scenic Kenai Fjords National Park which features glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the vast magical landscape. If you have time on your hands, make your way to Denali National Park and Reserve for a remarkable chance to enjoy the beautiful breathtaking views of the pristine Mt. Micknley. Come and check out these most recommended things to do in Alaska, the USA for a fascinating discovery of Alaska.
Tip from Content Creator
Calling all nature and wildlife enthusiasts! Alaska is a dream come true for travelers looking to get outside and see some jaw-dropping natural phenomena. The best way to explore Alaska is on a cruise, with time on each leg of the trip to go inland. If you're here in the fall, stop by Skagway to enjoy the lovely scenery. Don't forget to pack your hiking shoes and camera!
1. Explore the exhibits at Sealaska Heritage Institute
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Posted by Sealaska Heritage Institute on Friday, 1 November 2019
If you are looking to discover the vibrant culture and unique heritage of Alaska, then Sealaska Heritage Institute would be the perfect place to start your adventure. Conveniently located along Seward Street, just a stone’s throw away from Capitol Building, this astounding heritage institute was found in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Get to see various entertaining applied arts from intriguing traditional plays to exciting dance, songs, and everything else in between. The institute also features a traditional native market where you can buy handcrafted souvenirs to make your visit more memorable.
Sealaska Heritage Institute
Address: 105 S Seward St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Website: Sealaska Heritage Institute
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 8:30am - 8pm
2. Play with puppies at Husky Homestead
Treat yourself to a unique experience and make your way to the Husky Homestead for a chance to learn a thing or two about man’s best friend. Nestled conveniently in Denali National Park and Preserve, this picturesque venue makes an ideal spot, especially for staunch dog and pet lovers who want to advance their knowledge on how to look after their lovely pets. Cuddle with the beautiful puppies as you get a behind-the-scenes look on what it takes to bring up and train these dogs in a relatively friendly environment. You also get a chance to hear from and share memorable experiences with other pet owners.
Husky Homestead
Address: Mile 238.5 Parks Hwy (Booking Office), Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, United States
Website: Husky Homestead
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri: 10am - 12pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Learn about Alaska at University of Alaska Museum of the North
Housed on the University of Alaska Fairbank Campus, lies the University Museum of Alaska, Museum of the North – a place that not only exhibits what Alaska is all about but also a place that preserves the ancient times of this beautiful region. Walk through the intriguing displays and feast your eyes on some of Alaska’s unique collections. Showcasing about ten disciplines from archeology to birds, ethnology, and fine arts, you get to learn great detail about the biological diversity and fascinating cultural traditions of the North. This museum also offers special exhibits, events, and engaging lectures throughout the year.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Address: 1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States
Website: University of Alaska Museum of the North
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 14 USD
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4. Enjoy bird watching at Alaska Raptor Center
If you fancy yourself a birder or you just picked up birdwatching as a hobby, then Alaska Raptor Center is the place for you. The center specializes in providing the best medical services to birds alongside other raptors. Get to see different bird species recovering from injury and others enjoying free flight. The main purpose of this majestic center is also to educate the public, conduct research on the beautiful bald eagle, and also to rehabilitate any other birds of prey. Listen to the soothing rhythms of the adorable chirping birds as you take a memorable selfie for this delightful visit.
Alaska Raptor Center
Address: 1000 Raptor Way, Sitka, AK 99835, United States
Website: Alaska Raptor Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 13 USD
5. See the beautiful reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch
If you are looking for something unique and entertaining to do in Alaska, then Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks is undoubtedly the place where you are guaranteed to find it. Nestled in the pristine confines of the magical Boreal Forest, this scenic 5-acre ( 2 hectares) ranch offers you a place to enjoy up-close time with the adorable reindeers in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the profound tranquility as you take a stroll through the beautiful birch and spruce trees with this four-legged furry friends, and get to understand what makes them different from the other deers. You also get a chance to feed and pet the reindeers.
Running Reindeer Ranch
Address:470 Ivans Alley, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States
Website: Running Reindeer Ranch
6. Learn about marine life at Alaska SeaLife Center
If you are a fishing enthusiast or you’ve just picked fishing as a hobby, then a visit to Alaska SeaLife Center may be worth your while. Located on the shores of Resurrection Bay, adjacent to Seward Brewing Company, Alaska SeaLife Center is a premier public auditorium and mammal rehabilitation facility showcasing thousands of amazing sea life species, from sea lions to puffins and everything else in between. Go through the auditorium as you enjoy the thrilling fun that comes with close encounters or buy unique souvenirs from the Discovery gift shop to take home with you.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Address: 301 Railway Ave, Seward, AK 99664, United States
Website: Alaska SeaLife Center
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
Price: 29.95 USD
7. Cruise with Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
If you are a staunch sailor looking to scratch off your exploration urge, then set sail with Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour for a fun-filled discovery of Alsaka’s ocean and marine life. Step onboard and delve into the amazing world of sea crab fishing with a few notable characters you might recognize from the ship’s series on the discovery channel. Although this authentic Bering Sea Crab Fishing Boat has battled many storms, you are sure to have an exciting yet smooth sail with a quaint onboard shop and an alluring “live tank” where you can get an up-close view of the day’s catch.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
Address: 316 Icehouse Ln, Ketchikan, AK 99901, United States
Website: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
8. Take a ride along White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
If you are a visitor in Alaska and you’re looking for a remarkable outdoor adventure, then take a ride along White Pass & Yukon Route and soak up the rustic charms of Alaska. A historic rail-trail built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this beautiful marvel of engineering cuts through some of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. A relaxing ride that takes you through a fun-filled, sight-seeing journey, glide past the majestic mountains and arduous hills, to the inspiring allure of cascading waterfalls. Sit back and enjoy the uplifting panoramas as your ride cuts through the rustic tunnels to the sky-high trestles, where you will get to see incredible glaciers and stunning gorges.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Address:231 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840, United States
Website: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)
9. Discover Alaska's authentic culture at Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
If you are an avid reader, with a particular interest in the study of culture and anthropology, then make your way to Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for a chance of learning a thing or two about the vibrating cultures and fascinating heritage of the Alaskan communities. Located conveniently on the banks of the roaring Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, this outstanding venue offers you with an opportunity to celebrate the authentic features and customs of Alaska communities, and explore their way of life. Experience the grandeur of interior Alaska as you learn more about the region’s natural and cultural history.
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Address:101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
Website: Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
10. Get amazed at the exceptional Aurora Ice Museum
If you are looking for a distinct and entertaining place to visit in Alaska, then head to Aurora Ice Museum, where you get a chance to see inspiring ice sculptures and other beautiful exhibits from Alaska’s talented ice sculptors and carvers. Located at Chena Hot Springs Resort, this venue is the world’s first largest year-round ice environment. A winter wonderland of breath-taking ice sculptures depicting all sorts of creative imaginations from jousting knights to a two-story snowball fight structure, and polar bear bedrooms, this place makes a great spot for a uniquely fun-filled family day out.
Aurora Ice Museum
Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States
Website: Aurora Ice Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
11. Marvel at Mother Nature's splendor at Denali National Park
If you are looking for a scenic place in Alaska to surround yourself with the quiet respite that nature provides, then pick up your backpack and head up to the Denali National Park. A premium park that has undoubtedly become the country’s most elating attraction, this is just the perfect venue where you and your family can enjoy a unique retreat with mother nature. Stretching over six million acres (over two million hectares), Denali National Park is a beauty to behold featuring tall, beautiful birch and spruce trees embalming the typical terrain of Alaska’s mountainous regions. Visitors to this park can enjoy watching wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and moose in their natural habitat.
Denali National Park
Address: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, United States
Website: Denali National Park
12. Click some pictures at Kroschel Films Wildlife Center
Located approximately 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Haines Highway lies Kroschel Wildlife Center, a world of palpable peace where tranquility resides in abundance and the blossoming beauty of nature flourishes. A perfect place to get in tune with the magical sceneries of Alaska, this place offers you a serene environment where you can enjoy nature’s soothing rhythms. Get to see some of Alaska’s exciting wildlife scene as you relish your moment of up-close encounters with some of the species in the center, which include reindeers, grizzly bears, wolves, and snowy owls. This center also features a gift shop where you get a unique handmade souvenir to carry the theme and essence of your experience.
Kroschel Films Wildlife Center
Address: 18 Mosquito Lake Rd, Haines, AK 99827, United States
Website: Kroschel Films Wildlife Center
13. Enjoy whale watching with Kenai Fjords Tours
If you are a stalwart outdoor buff in Alaska looking to find an amazingly adventurous tour, then take the fun to new heights at Kenai Fjords Tours where you get an opportunity to explore some of the picturesque panoramas, landforms, and glaciers of typical Alaska from the calm waters of Ressurection Bay. Explore the stunningly craggy coastlines and get to see some of Alaska’s enthralling wildlife. From the bald eagle soaring up the sky to playing sea otters and stellar sea lions sunning, this exciting tour combines a perfect opportunity to absorb the wonders of Alaska.
Kenai Fjords Tours
Address: 1304 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, United States
Website: Kenai Fjords Tours
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Admire the flowers at Jewell Gardens
If you are an environmentalist and you are looking for a place in Alaska to surround yourself with nature, then make your way to Jewell Gardens for an opportunity to see some of Alaska’s unique biomes. Nestled in a serene environment with a harmonious atmosphere away from the town’s hassle, this garden is the perfect place to unwind on a lazy weekend and connect with nature. Come and see a diverse array of scenic floral displays. You will also get to visit a public glassblowing studio, where you get to unleash your creativity and participate in the production of a beautiful glass ornament which you get to keep as a souvenir.
Jewell Gardens
Address: Skagway, AK 99840, United States
Website: Jewell Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
15. Explore the marine life at Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank
Immerse yourself in an amazing experience at Kodiak Fisheries Research Center Aquarium and marvel at the fascinating marine life Alaska offers. A favorite place for area residents and visitors alike, this stunning fishery offers you a place to witness the lively ambiance of Alaska’s sea species. Representing the major marine invertebrate phyla in the region, this fishery boasts a large freestanding oval aquarium, which holds about 3,500 gallons (13,249 liters) displaying a wide array of distinctive marine life. Get up-close and personal with the animals as you watch them in their element enjoying themselves. Among the regional species on display include a variety of crabs, sea stars, and mollusks.
Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank
Address: 301 Research Ct, Kodiak, AK 99615, United States
Website: Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
16. Have a stroll through Sitka National Historic Park
Get in tune with the uplifting outdoor scene of Alaska and soak up some of the region’s magical sceneries at Sitka National Park. A picturesque park nestled on a beautiful island amid towering spruce and hemlock, this national cultural park holds profound historical significance as it preserves the site of a tragic battle between Russian traders and the indigenous people of Tlingit. While its allure lies in the colorful towering totem poles and eerie ethnographic displays, visitors to this exciting park get to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating stroll through the scenic coastal trails of the beautiful rainforest.
Sitka National Historic Park
Address: 103 Monastery St, Sitka, AK 99835, United States
Website: Sitka National Historic Park
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
17. Glide through the sky with Talkeetna Air Taxi
Soak up the magical vibes of Alaska’s beautiful skylines as you explore the marvels and awe-inspiring landforms of Alaska. A must-have tour when you visit Alaska, especially for the keenest outdoor enthusiasts, this thrilling and adrenaline-pumping tour takes you through some of the region’s beautiful sceneries. From Denali National Park and Talkeetna Air Taxi, climb on board a plane and take to the skies where your fun-filled sightseeing adventure begins. Get to see up-close views of the intriguingly beautiful mountainous glacier terrain and witness some of Alaska’s alluring landscapes from the meandering rivers that cut through the scenic forests, to the majestic Denali mountain.
Talkeetna Air Taxi
Address:14212 E 2nd St, Talkeetna, AK 99676, United States
Website: Talkeetna Air Taxi
18. Watch wildlife at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Another enthralling venue to visit when you are in Alaska, especially if you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center along Mile 79 Seward Highway, just across the road from Portage Farm. A beautiful outdoor sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through quality animal care, research, and education, this is just the perfect place to be if you want to reconnect with mother nature’s quiet respite. Come and see some of Alaska’s inspiring wildlife, from the majestic wood bisons to the fierce bald eagles, black bears, and everything else in between, this conservation center undeniably packs a tonne of fun when it comes exploring some of Alaska’s wildlife sceneries.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Address: Mile 79, Seward Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States
Website: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
19. Enjoy climbing the gorgeous Mount McKinley
If the spirit of adventure runs deep in you and you like trying out new experiences, then enjoy a gorgeous sight-seeing adventure as you climb Mount McKinley. Nestled in the picturesque confines of Denali National Park, Mount McKinley is a baffling landform considered to be the tallest mountain in North America with an astounding summit elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). Surrounded by a scenic landscape covered by lush sceneries of towering birch and spruce trees, walk through the exciting trails as feast your eyes on some of Alaska’s wonders as you gradually make your way up. While a climb to the top may be challenging, the fantastic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
20. Grab a beer at Haines Brewing Company
If you are in Alaska and you are yet to visit Haines Brewing Company, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. A popular place among the locals and a highly recommended tourist venue to visit, Haines Brewing Company offers you a chance to indulge your taste buds in some of Alaska’s amazing craft beers. Located at Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, this brewing company offers a beautiful indoor tasting room that extends to the lush beer gardens where you and your friends can enjoy sampling a wide array of the company’s most recent and seasonal flagships.
Haines Brewing Company
Address: 327 Main St, Haines, AK 99827, United States
Website: Haines Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Sun)
21. Marvel at nature at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Pick up your friends or family and make your way to Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve and feast your eyes on some of Alaska’s lush sceneries. Rising from the calm waters of the pristine ocean to an elevation of about 18,000 feet (5,486.4 meters), this astounding park offers you a scenic place to get in tune with the soothing vibes nature provides and wonder at some of Alaska’s intriguingly beautiful landscapes. Stroll through the fascinating trails that cut through craggy peaks where sheep and mountain goats patrol as you head up high where you get to witness breathtaking views of the park’s surroundings.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Address: Alaska, United States
Website: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
22. Check out the artistic totems at Totem Bight State Historic Park
Another must-visit place in Alaska especially if you are a staunch outdoor lover with a thing for inspiring architecture is Toten Bight State Historical Park nestled just outside Ketchikan. Nesting on a picturesque scenery that was once a native fishing ground, Totem Bight State Historical Park offers you a chance to relive and experience the ancient cultures of Alaska’s natives, as you get to see and experience their distinct way of life. Admire the art depicted on the towering totems by the native’s talented cravers, which relay subliminal information from how they lived to what they ate and everything else in between.
Totem Bight State Historic Park
Address: 9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901, United States
Website: Totem Bight State Historic Park
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
23. Get excited at Santa Claus House
If you are looking for a place where you can spend Christmas in Alaska, look no further than the Santa Claus House in the North Pole, Alaska. A place where you can enjoy some joyful anticipation of unknown treasures, at the Santa Claus House you get a convenient place where you can source out the ultimate Christmas gift for you and your loved ones. While at the jolly man’s house, visitors can also treat themselves to a delicious piece of chocolate, fudge, cookies, or a cup of coffee.
Santa Claus House
Address: 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705, United States
Website: Santa Claus House
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
24. Catch a sled dog race at Iditarod National Historic Trail
Take fun to new heights and make your way to the Idaditrot historic trail, for a chance of watching an exciting sled dog race in the beautiful mountainous terrain of Alaska. A symbol of frontier travel that once played a pivotal role in Alaska’s gold rush era, today it serves as a vital recreation area where you and your family can enjoy the fascinating outdoor charms of Alaska. With a tremendous length spanning over 2,300 miles (3,701 kilometers), theIditarod National Historic Trail is not only known for its entertaining outdoor activities but also is a premier remote location that plays host to modern adventures such as skiing and winter camping.
Iditarod National Historic Trail
Website: Iditarod National Historic Trail
25. Admire the glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park
It’s often said that a trip to Alaska is not complete if you are yet to visit the state’s most iconic park - Kenai Fjords National Park. A favorite place among area residents and visitors alike, a visit to this attractive venue is all you need for a perfect discovery and exploration of Alaska, as you get to see its fascinating marvels. Located in the pristine confines of the Kenai Peninsula where ice age lingers, visitors to this picturesque park not only get a chance to see some of Alaska’s amazing wildlife but also the breathtaking glaciers and hard icefields which Alaska is known for.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Address: Alaska, United States
Website: Kenai Fjords National Park
26. Fish at Ship Creek
Posted by Jeremy Johnson on Saturday, 29 June 2019
If you like to go fishing, head up to Ships Creek for a chance to enjoy a remarkable fishing experience. A favorite place for people looking to fish, camp, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride, Ships Creek is known for its wide array of fish species such as trout and King and Silver salmon. Located in the middle of Anchorage industrial business district, this place is not only considered to be one of Alaska’s most unique fishing destinations but also a shorebird viewing spot, where you can enjoy birdwatching.
27. Go skiing at Don Sheldon Mountain House
We think this is the most spectacularly-situated cabin in Alaska. What are your favorites? http://www.alaska.org/detail/don-sheldon-mountain-house
Posted by Alaska.org on Friday, 18 April 2014
If you are a skier in Alaska and you are looking for a place where you can practice and sharpen your skiing skills, then pick up your skiing-equipments and make your way to Don Shelton Mountain House just right at the foothills of the majestic Denali Mountain for a fun-filled skiing experience. A favorite skiing location for keen skiers and hikers alike for its favorable surroundings, Don Shelton Mountain House not only offers you the perfect place to enjoy the sport but also an outlandish cabin where you can set up camp and enjoy watching the world unfold.
Don Sheldon Mountain House
Address: Above Ruth Gorge, Denali, Alaska
Website: Don Sheldon Mountain House
28. Ride through Alaska Highway
It is a known fact that driving on a free road can help alleviate some of life’s daily struggles and stress as it’s a representation of freedom and independence. So with this in mind, break off the monotony of a tedious day and enjoy a refreshing ride along the relatively smooth lanes of the Alaska Highway. With a tremendous length stretching to over 1,400 miles (2,253 kilometers), this highway encompasses diverse communities, untouched nature, and indigenous wildlife, making it an exciting outdoor adventure and a fun-filled discovery of Alaska. From Dawson Creek, which is its origin to Delta junction in British Colombia, this highway makes the perfect route for the ultimate northern road trip.
29. See the unique Blue Babe
If you are looking for something thrilling and unique to do in Alaska, then unshackle your chains and head up to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, where you will get to immerse yourself in the beautiful culture and fascinating heritage of the native Alaskans. Come and see intriguing displays from inspiring arts to history and language. With its allure being a beautiful plaster model of the“blue baby”- a name given to a mummified Steppe bison, you also get to see other amazing art displays and exhibitions, which depict the uniqueness and diversity of the Alaskan natives.
Blue Babe
Address:1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States
Website: Blue Babe
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
30. Check out native dances at Alaska Native Heritage Center
Make a comprehensive discovery of the charismatic Alaskan natives and immerse yourself in the unique charms of their vibrating cultures and fascinating heritage at Alaska Native Heritage Center. A premier cultural center founded in 1999, this cultural museum located in Anchorage offers you a place to learn more about the traditions and ways of Alaska natives. Get to see wood dwellings nestled in scenic grounds, where they are sheltered as you listen to captivating stories about the natives’ way of life. Watch live plays in a traditional setting, depicting their cultures and rites, or marvel at some of the inspiring art and astounding crafts.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Address: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504, United States
Website: Alaska Native Heritage Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Explore Alaska
With so much to do and endless places to explore, you do not need any more reason to set Alaska as a travel destination on your schedule. From magical places to visit, to entertaining activities to indulge in, Alaska is undoubtedly the place to be.
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