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What is there to do in Anchorage? LOTS! Some of our favorite activities are renting bikes, visiting the Ulu factory or just walking around downtown. There is also a great museum that is well worth the time. (Several of the cruise line busses depart from this location.) You can even go to a baseball game! And don’t forget to get a reindeer sausage…absolutely delicious!
Baseball
Baseball in Alaska, you ask? Yes! Anchorage is home to two teams of the Alaska Baseball League: the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Anchorage Bucs. In addition to the Glacier Pilots and Bucs, high school and American Legion games are played at Mulcahy. It has a natural grass outfield and an infield of FieldTurf and has one of the largest capacities of any outdoor sports facility in Alaska. Many college players go north each summer to play and to be seen by major league scouts.
Biking
Biking is a great option for all fitness levels, because the experience is what you make of it. Take relaxing rides along paved trails and enjoy the scenery. Or….try a thrilling mountain bike adventure. Biking makes for a great individual or family activity away from larger tours. There are many trails in and around Anchorage and several places to rent. One of our favorite rides is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail starts in the downtown area and stretches for 11 miles, offering breathtaking views of Alaska’s natural beauty. It is an easy journey around the Anchorage airport, with paved paths and the chance to see wildlife and beautiful scenery. Be sure to give the wildlife a wide birth though….they are WILD and will attack is threatened. Seeing grizzly bears and moose in Anchorage is common, showing a city living in harmony with the nearby wilderness.
Ulu Factory
The Ulu factory is close to downtown. It is down the hill, close to the train station. The factory provides a free shuttle, if you choose not to walk. It runs from 10:00am and to 7:00pm June, July and August Inside you can watch the knives being made, the blade and handle assembled and packaged. A staff member will be happy to take you on a personal tour. You can also see a demonstration on how to use, sharpen and care for an Ulu knife and cutting bowls. There is a nice gift shop in the building where you can purchase the knives and other Alaska products. Just behind the building is a salmon creek with viewing platforms. If the salmon are running, this is a great location to see them.
Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum located in a modern building in the heart of Anchorage. It is dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art and history of Alaska. The museum is located at 625 C Street. Cost of admission is $18/adult, $12/senior, student or military with ID, $9/ages 3-12 and free for 2 and younger. We found it to be a pleasant way to spend a few hours and learn more about Alaska.
Earthquake Park
In 1964, Anchorage was hit by a devastating earthquake, one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded, significantly impacting Anchorage. The city initially considered developing the affected area but opted to preserve it as a park due to the soil’s instability. This decision has provided a space for reflection and education on the forces that shape our world. Earthquake Park
Visitors can engage with informative plaques detailing the quake’s events and its effects on the region. It features an extensive walking trail, offering a peaceful journey through shaded forests and alongside the bay with picturesque views. This park is more than just a green space; it’s an educational journey into a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the 1964 earthquake’s impact and enjoy the natural beauty that has emerged in its wake.
Explore Downtown
Downtown is very walkable with shops, a tourist information center (where you can get information on a free, guided walking tour) and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (where you can learn about Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness through a scavenger hunt for children). At least one of the shops will have a piece of glacier ice you and touch!
Visit a Brewery or Distillery
If you are a beer lover, you can visit two breweries downtown….49th State Brewing Co and Glacier Brewhouse. Mid-town you will find Broken Tooth Brewery, Cynosure Brewing and Matanuska Brewing Company. Each brewpub has a full menu of beers and food available.
There are also several distilleries in Anchorage you can visit. Alaska Spirits and
Anchorage Distillery are two of them.
Where to Eat?
Snow City Cafe serves classic comfort dishes for those searching for hearty meals. For a more upscale dining experience, Jens’ Restaurant & Wine Bar serves fine food and wine with a touch of Alaskan influence in a fun and elegant atmosphere. Other dining options include Ginger, which offers Pacific Rim cuisine and classic Asian specialties. Club Paris, which offers a traditional steakhouse experience for both lunch and dinner and Kincaid Grill, which specializes in seafood and Alaskan Regional cuisine.
We ALWAYS make sure to visit one of the hot dog carts downtown and get a reindeer sausage. Believe me…there is nothing like it! You can get a regular or spicy one, with or without grilled onions. YUM!
Aviation Museum
Is anyone in your group an aviation enthusiast? The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum offers a fascinating look into aviation’s pivotal role in Alaska’s past and present. Aviation is a vital mode of transportation across the state’s vast and remote areas, making this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique aspects of Alaskan life. The museum is home to an impressive collection of educational exhibits, including numerous historic airplanes that tell the story of aviation’s evolution in the region.
Exporing Outside of Anchorage
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Renting a car and want to see more? Located only 10 miles from downtown, The Alaska Native Heritage Center allows you to explore six life-size villages representing different cultural groups. Since opening in 1999, the center has dedicated itself to educating visitors about the five major cultural groups that call Alaska home. The center’s website lists yearly demonstrations and events for those interested in more dynamic activities.
Eklutna and Spirit Houses
Another great option to learn about Alaska’s heritage and native culture is Eklutna Historical Park. (DO NOT use the website button on the Alaska.org site…it is not secured and sends you to a spam site.) This is a favored stop for guided tours around Anchorage and is located roughly 24 miles from the city, The drive typically takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The park offers a deep dive into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Dena’ina Athabascans, highlighting the influence of Russian Orthodox traditions on their way of life.
The standout feature of this park is the Spirit Houses. These colorful structures are distinctive aspects of Athabaskan burial practices. Built by the families of the deceased, they mark graves uniquely personal and culturally, blending spirituality with the landscape. With complimentary parking available, your Eklutna Historical Park visit is easy. This is an opportunity to witness a unique cultural heritage and immerse yourself in the stories and traditions that have shaped the region.
Athabaskan is a large branch of the Na-Dene language family of North America. The Athabaskan people traditionally lived in northwestern North America. Before 1400 some Athapaskans, including the Navajo and the Apache, moved to what is now the southwestern United States. Their language is still spoken in the regions of Saskatchewan, the Northwestern Territories, and British Colombia. In Canada, a total of 20,039 people reported speaking a language belonging to the Athabaskan language family in 2021.
Beluga Point
Driving to Seward or Whittier to join your ship? Be sure to allow time to stop at Beluga Point, where the expansive views of Turnagain Arm might offer a glimpse of whales. Keep an eye open for what looks like bobbing marshmallows….those are Beluga whales. We have not been lucky enough to spot them, but they have been sighted recently by locals.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Along the way, The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, located in Girdwood, is a must-visit for those interested in wildlife preservation. This center showcases Alaska’s commitment to wildlife conservation, research, education, and care.
Visitors can either walk or drive through the center to observe the animals. Opting to walk, we found the trails manageable and the experience intimate. Many of these animals have been rescued and now find safety within the center. Each enclosure tells the story of its inhabitants. The center plays a crucial role in reintroducing species like elk and wood bison back into Alaska’s wilds, underscoring its vital contribution to the state’s ecological balance.
Keep an eye open for wildlife everywhere you go. And respect them….they are wild animals.
Be sure to take the opportunity to explore on foot, bike or by car. No matter what you choose to do in Anchorage or the surrounding area, you will enjoy your visit!
Do you need packing suggestions? Visit Alaska Packing Essentials for a good list of what to take.
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