Destination attractions things to do in anchorage

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Whether an outdoor adventurer or one who prefers the indoors, Anchorage has attractions that will appeal to all. Anchorage is teaming with cultural attractions, history and outdoor opportunities. Out of all thats available, all one has to do is decide what appeals to them most.

Anchorage is thriving with American history. Gold being what most people associate with Alaska, it was one of the main reasons for the settling of such a beautiful, rugged country. In addition to the American history is of course the native culture and history of the area. Within the state of Alaska there are twenty different Native dialects and eleven cultural groups.

To learn more about Alaskan history there are many places to visit. One is the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The museum covers 10,000 years of history that includes Native lifestyles, European explorers, Russian influence and modern times. Sitting on twenty-six acres north of downtown is the interactive Alaska Native Heritage Center. The emphasis of the center is on Alaska Native Cultures. For a unique view on the Russian and Native cultural mix visit the Eklutha Historical Park which has a Russian Orthodox Church, St. Nicholas, a colorful cemetery and displays on Athabaskan culture.

For those who are fans of the famous gold rushes that brought a lot of Americans from the main continent there are various museums to see. Anchorage was originally a tent city that became the states biggest city. Current visitors can still pan for gold to get the experience. The Crow Creek Gold Mine dates back to the 1898 gold rush. It is a placer mine which preserves the historic miner lifestyle of no electricity, telephone or running water. The Indian Valley Mine is a place visitors can pan for gold and view the mines history in an on-site museum. The main activity of the mine took place from 1920 to 1939. Lastly, in the small town of Hope, the Hope-Sunrise Historical and Mining Museum documents the Turnagain Arm Gold Rush of 1896. The Hope Mining Company, Inc., established in 1923 also offers visitors a chance to experience a historical working placer mine.

A plethora of option are available for those who enjoy being out of doors. Extremely popular is sport-fishing. Anchorage is the jump off point for fishing throughout south-central Alaska. Also available without leaving the city are four species of Alaska salmon and rainbow trout. Within a day's drive of Anchorage are monster halibut and five species of pacific salmon. No need to bring your own equipment; fishing guides provide all the gear, transportation and expertise that is needed for either a half-day or full-day adventure. Nearby fishing spots include the Kenai River two hours south of Anchorage, Prince William Sound an hour away, Resurrection Bay a little over two hours and farther south is Kachemah Bay which is a five hour drive.

If fishing isnt your thing there is bird watching at the Anchorage Costal Wildlife Refuge twelve miles south of downtown. Encompassing 2,300 acres it is home or stop over to over 200 bird species. At the Alaska Sea Life Center you can see 1,500 pound Stellar sea lions, puffins and harbor seals in a world-class facility aimed at preserving the sea. To view glaciers visit the Kenai Fjords National Park or Prince William Sound. Tours are available from Seward year-round and transportation is available from Anchorage. On this tour often seen are humpback whales, Orcas, porpoises, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and seals.

Anchorage also offers 120 miles of paved trails and 300 miles of unpaved and wilderness trails. Two of the most popular places are the Chugach State Park which offers hiking, skiing, camping, snowmobiling, rafting and rock climbing. Denali State Park and Preserve is home to North Americas highest peak Mount McKinley. For those who enjoy river rafting there are Class I to Class IV rapids available. For canoers there are numerous popular places such as Jewel, Chaney, Campbell, Eklutna and Mirror Lakes. Kayakers will enjoy Eagle River with it challenging lower section or the flatness of Eklutna Lake.

Probably the most popular attraction on a visit to Anchorage is the Aurora Borealis. Commonly known at the Northern Lights the lights glow, dance, ripple, sway, fold and unfold before suddenly disappearing and reappearing moments later in a new shape. The lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun that react to the earths magnetic field. The lights are viewable year round except in summer but the best display usually occurs in sub-zero temperatures and with a moonless sky. The best viewing time is around midnight; however there is no guarantee when it comes to the lights.

No matter what you are interested in Anchorage is a city that offers well-rounded activities to appeal to any taste. Indoor or outdoor, historical or cultural, Anchorage combines all these activities in one outstanding, beautiful city.