This amazing, unique and culturally significant festival is held in the winter, an alternative time to visit but the best time to come and celebrate Alaskan culture and wintertime. You can partake in anything from snowshoe softball, shop the native arts market, check out the outhouse races, stand in awe at the ice sculptures during the contest, see the rare but fun "running of the reindeer" and of course ogle over the gorgeous sled dogs at the sled dog race. This should be at the top of your list- after all, it made ours!
Eleven miles of paved path await you at the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You'll be able to enjoy the plants and wildlife up close with your camera while on foot, rollerblades, bikes, or cross country skis. Another perk to this attraction is that it is free of charge to explore year round. The summer is arguably the best time to go, as the trail winds its way around Cook Inlet and this is where you can catch glimpses of beluga whales.
This venue has done a fantastic job of preserving the unique cultures of Alaska. There are people and customs from Alaska that are much older than the cities and modern places that exist there today, and they're all made available to you at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The center has been divided up into three main sections: an exhibit of seven traditional tribal dwellings, a gallery of native cultural artifacts and a performance hall where native community members tell stories, dance and share their culture with guests.
From 10am to 10pm daily this park is open to visitors who are seeking to explore the Alaskan outdoors without having to go too far out of the city. It's located in the city's southwest area and overlooks Cook Inlet. The views are unparalleled and the trails are well groomed - the perfect recipe for an unforgettable experience.
Anchorage Museum is the state's largest museum and the best to visit if you're in town. Its galleries and information range from the history of Alaska to its wildlife and native cultures and peoples. Many leave pleasantly surprised at the high quality of the museum as well as at how interesting the Alaskan history portion turned out to be for them.
