Things to do in Anchorage

There is plenty to do and see in Anchorage and there are also a number of good attractions for families with children. The Alaska Heritage Centre is one of the most impressive places and a great place to get an introduction to Alaskan history. There are a number of good museums, with the Anchorage Museum being the best of them. The zoo is well worth a visit to see some of Alaska’s animal species, and a visit to Anchorage’s Saturday Market is an absolute must if you visit in the summer, with the market offering a great atmosphere.

Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum is situated in downtown Anchorage and is a fascinating place to spend some time. The museum has a vast collection detailing 10,000 years of Alaskan history, from subsistence living through European exploration to the earthquake and oil boom of more modern times.

The museum also has many temporary exhibitions from around the world. Recent exhibits have included works made entirely from recycled materials and a celebration of African American identity. The museum is one of Alaska’s most visited attractions and it also has a number of annual special events such as Jazz concerts, poetry readings and film showings. Phone: +1 907 343 6118; website: www.anchoragemuseum.org.

Alaska Zoo

If you don’t get to see much of Alaska’s wildlife on your trip, then the zoo in Anchorage is well worth a visit, with 85 different Arctic species housed across a 25-acre woodland area. The animals on display include caribou, reindeer, moose, seals, polar bears, grizzly bears and also a few non-Alaskan species like elephants, camels and a Siberian tiger.

The most famous attractions are a brown bear, Oreo, and a polar bear, Ahpun, who were orphaned as cubs and raised together at the zoo. The zoo has a gift shop, and during the peak summer season, there is a shuttle bus from downtown Anchorage to the zoo. Website: www.alaskazoo.org.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Centre, set in a 26-acre site facing the Chugach Mountains, is one of the most interesting attractions in Anchorage especially if you have an interest in the history of Alaska’s native people. The main building, the Welcome House, has a range of exhibits including photographs and artefacts as well as some native dance performances and films. There is also a café and a gift shop.

Arguably the most impressive displays here are outside. Around the lake, you will find five, life-sized native villages with craft-making displays and knowledgeable staff. There are 11 different cultural groups represented here. The centre is located just 10 minutes drive from downtown Anchorage and in summer, there is a free shuttle bus providing access. Phone: +1 907 330 8000; website: www.alaskanative.net.

Alaska Botanical Garden

The Alaska Botanical Garden has a large range of artic and native Alaskan plants, set in a vast 110-acre birch and spruce woodland. It’s a beautiful and pleasant place for everyone to visit, not just for horticulture enthusiasts. In the summer, it’s particularly popular to bring a picnic here and find a good spot, while in winter, visitors can actually ski through the woodlands. The mile-long Lowenfels Family Nature Trail winds a path through the forest and is especially popular. The garden is open throughout the year and on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the height of summer, guided tours are available. Phone: +1 907 770 3692; website: www.alaskabg.org.

Anchorage Market

The Saturday Market in downtown Anchorage is one of the highlights of any visit to the city. The market attracts sellers from all over Alaska and has around 300 different stalls, with usually between 10,000 and 15,000 people shopping here each week. There is a vast range of products on sale including antiques, books, arts and crafts, and a variety of food stands selling delicacies such as reindeer meat, smoked salmon and homemade fudge. There are also a number of entertainers performing each week and there tends to be something of a festival atmosphere. The market only opens in the summer, from mid-May to mid-September. Website: www.anchoragemarkets.com.

Imaginarium

Anchorage’s science discovery centre, Imaginarium, is an interesting and fun place for families. The centre is designed so that people can learn about science through fun and interactive activities. Here you can stand inside a giant soap bubble, learn about the northern lights or how aircraft fly and discover all sorts of facts about ocean life. Two of the favourite areas are the reptile alley and the insect section, where you can study creepy crawlies at close quarters. The centre is situated in downtown Anchorage and has a gift shop on-site. Phone: +1 907 276 3179; website: www.imaginarium.org.