Alaska’s beauty is as vast as its size. A vast, uninhabited wilderness overwhelms the state’s comparatively small cities, such as the largest, commercially minded Anchorage and the tucked-away state capital city, Juneau, which has no road access. While these cities have a variety of sights and attractions to offer, the glorious outdoors draws people to Alaska, also known as The Last Frontier.
Alaska is home to some of the country’s largest state and national parks and some of North America’s most expansive wilderness areas. Hiking, paddling, fishing, and whale watching are just a few activities available to enjoy these natural wonders. Other commonplace activities include bear watching, rainforest exploration, and a boat ride through the Inside Passage.
Things to do in AlaskaÂ
Wildlife safari Denali National Park
Denali National Park is the third-largest in the United States, encompassing North America’s highest peak in the northern part of the Alaska Range. Denali is the traditional name for the 20,320-foot peak, but modern explorers dubbed it Mount McKinley. For more than a century, the mountain’s name was a source of contention. Still, in 2015, “Denali” became the official name for North America’s highest peak. Aside from the names, the national park’s six million acres are simply breathtaking.
Wide river valleys, tundra, high alpine ranges, and glacier-draped mountains are all photogenic landscapes. The park is located roughly halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks and is easily accessible by the Alaska Railroad. Only park-approved buses are permitted to travel beyond Savage River. There is only one road leading into the park. Weather permitting, views of Denali can be had from the park road. There are a few short, well-marked trails (less than two miles). Experienced explorers, on the other hand, tend to venture out into the park’s trailless backcountry.
Reindeer, elk,Grizzly bears, wolves, and other animals call Denali home. More than 167 bird species have been identified in the park. The Sled Dog Kennels, which offer demonstrations and are home to dozens of energetic huskies, is another favorite among the park’s many activities.
Adventure safari at Kenai Fjords National Park
This national park, which protects much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), provides some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. The park’s panoramic landscapes include the many glaciers of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield and an uninhabited coastline. In addition, the national park is home to enormous brown bears that feed on fat-rich salmon.
There are numerous tourist attractions in the surrounding areas, including the end of Highway 1 in Homer. The Alaska Railroad and the Seward Highway, both end in Seward, near the park’s northern boundary, are popular ways to enter the park. Exit Glacier, where several trails offer closer views at the end of the icefield, is the only park area accessible by vehicle.
The Museum of the North
It is located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and displays over 2,000 years of art, culture, history, flora, and fauna from the region. Nature photography, full-size bison mummies, and gold and mineral collections from the Klondike Gold Rush are among the exhibits. The artwork ranges from ancient Eskimo carvings to contemporary paintings and portraits of Alaska’s indigenous people.
Visiting The Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad, known as the “Backbone of the Last Frontier,” is a significant part of Alaska’s history and remains an important mode of transportation. This railroad, which ran from Seward to Fairbanks, helped Anchorage grow from a tent town to what it is today. It played an important shipping role during World War II.
The Alaska Railroad is now owned by the state and transports over 500,000 passengers per year. The Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, and Denali National Park & Preserve are all popular stops along the way. The Alaska Railroad provides a variety of routes, services, and special event rides, such as backcountry ski packages and a Halloween Train for kids.
Also Read, New York: 7 Beautiful Places You Can Visit
Grasping knowledge at The Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center gives you hands-on interaction with music, people, and art. It provides a look into the lives and values of Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups. In addition to providing interpretive information, the Heritage Center is a place to connect with the community and participate in programs and events.
The Heritage Center can be found just outside of Anchorage. It features The Gathering Place for Alaska Native dancing and storytelling and the Hall of Cultures, which features exhibits and local vendors selling handmade crafts and works of art.
Trekking the Trail
Alaska’s only National Scenic Trail is the Iditarod National Historic Trail. It is a network of trails stretching over 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bering Strait, and Seward, near Anchorage. The trail was originally used by ancient hunters and later by gold prospectors. Still, it is now best known for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
The entire route is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, with mountains, glaciers, and wildlife views. Although it is primarily a winter trail, sections of it are used by hikers in the summer, including the popular Crow Pass Trail within Chugach State Park.