Anchorage Attractions

Log Cabin and Downtown Visitor Information Center
Begin any exploration at the sod-roofed cabin. Friendly, knowledgeable staff can provide brochures, maps and information about anchorage. Open daily, year-round. 4th Ave. & F Street.

Historic City Hall
This two-story building opened in 1936 and once housed all of the city’s municipal services. Today, find a free exhibit of early Anchorage in the lobby. Enjoy Music in the Park each Wed. and Fri. from Noon - 1 p.m., then take a one-hour Historic City Tour that departs Mon.– Fri. at 1 p.m. from June to August. 4th Ave. & E Street.

Anchorage Museum
Experience the Museum’s extraordinary permanent collection depicting 10,000 years of Alaska history - Native subsistence lifestyles, European exploration, Russian America, and contemporary times. View art of the North. Restaurant and gift shop. Open daily, May to Sept., and Wednesdays – Sundays from October to April. 7th Ave. & A Street. Web site

4th Avenue Theatre
An art deco-style landmark which first opened in 1947. Find original floor-to-ceiling bronze murals inside. Trolley tours and shopping available near the front entrance. (907) 263-2787

Alaska Public Lands Information Center
Explore Alaska’s public lands through wildlife and cultural exhibits, interactive videos and trip-planning information. Maps and guides for purchase. Free movies and special programs. 4th Ave. & F Street. Web site

Historic Anchorage Hotel
Established in 1916, with an addition constructed in 1936, the hotel was home to noted Alaska painter Sydney Laurence. Web site

Alaska Statehood Monument
A plaque and bust of President Eisenhower commemorates the Alaska Statehood Act, signed by the President on January 3, 1959, making Alaska the Union’s 49th state. 2nd Ave. & E Street.

Ship Creek
Fish for salmon in the shadows of downtown office buildings. From the viewing deck, spot huge kings or silver salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Ship Creek Avenue.

Imaginarium
Kids of all ages will enjoy the fun, exploratory exhibits and hands-on experiences at this award-winning science discovery center. 737 W. 5th Ave., Suite G. Web site

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
Three theaters host many extraordinary world-renowned performances. Lobbies are decorated with Alaskan art, including 23 Native masks. 621 W. 6th Ave., between F & G Streets. Daily showing of Aurora - Rivers of Light - rare aurora photography set to beautiful music, May - September.

Kimball Building
This multi-story commercial building was built in 1915 and is representative of early Anchorage. 5th Ave. & E Street.

Alaska State Trooper Museum
Uncover the story of the officers who brought law and order to “The Last Frontier.” Free Admission. 6th Ave., between C & D streets. (907) 279-5050

Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Co-op
Step inside for a look and feel the unique quality of qiviut (pronounced "kiv-ee-ute"), the soft underwool of the musk ox. The luxurious wool, which is eight times warmer than sheep wool of equal weight, is hand knit into warm garments by Natives in western Alaska. 604 H St. (907) 272-9225.

Resolution Park Captain Cook Monument
Stand adjacent to the life-size statue of British Captain James Cook and view Cook Inlet, where he anchored in 1778. Beluga whales are often spotted from this location in the spring and fall. End of 3rd Ave. at L St.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Enjoy spectacular views of mountains and ocean on this popular paved bike, ski and walking trail that traces the coastline 11 miles (17.6 km) to Kincaid Park. Begins at western end of 2nd Ave. Bicycle rentals available from local businesses.

Oscar Anderson House, Elderberry Park
Built in 1915 by Swedish immigrant Oscar Anderson, this is Anchorage’s only house museum, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open Mon. – Fri. from June to mid-September plus two weekends in December for the annual "1915 Swedish Christmas Celebration." 420 M Street. (907) 274-2336.

The Ulu Factory
Inuit (Eskimo) Natives invented this knife (pronounced "ooloo") centuries ago for every imaginable domestic cutting need. Learn the history, and see how they are being manufactured today. Web site

Beyond Downtown

Alaska Botanical Garden
Learn about flora native to Southcentral Alaska while strolling along easy trails that wind through a 110 acre spruce and birch woodland retreat. Web site

Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn of Alaska’s diverse Native cultures through performing and demonstrating artists, films, displays, and exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Experience the Welcome House and five traditional outdoor villages. A free shuttle departs from Heritage Gifts located downtown in the Village at Ship Creek Center. Web site

Open daily mid-May to mid-September; Saturdays from mid-September to mid-May. 8800 Heritage Center Drive. Web site

Alaska Zoo
Find Alaskan animals, including seals, fox, musk ox, moose, and four kinds of bears among the zoo’s many residents – year-round. Gift shop and special programs. 4731 O’Malley Road. Web site

Alaska Native Medical Center Craft Shop
A hidden jewel. See the emphasis on the holistic nature of the Alaska Native culture and the value of art in healing. Find a wide selection of Native art including spirit masks, slippers, dolls, ivory, beadwork and dance fans at the Craft Shop. Open Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. first and third Saturdays. 4315 Diplomacy Drive, off Tudor Road.

Alaska Heritage Library Museum
Find displays of Native baskets and artifacts, photos, rare books and paintings. Open Noon – 4p.m. Mon. through Friday year-round. Northern Lights Blvd. and C Street in Wells Fargo Bank lobby. (907) 265-2834

Alaska Wild Berry Products
Observe the production of jams and candies made with Alaska wild berries, and view the world's largest chocolate waterfall. Free tours and samples. Web site

Earthquake Park
The site where huge tracks of land slid into Cook Inlet, destroying 75 homes in the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale, this is the most powerful tremor ever recorded in North America. Interpretive displays feature information on the quake, along with the area’s geology and wildlife. W. Northern Lights, just past Satellite Dr.

Eklutna Historical Park
The park features the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a cemetery with colorful spirit houses and displays that explore the fascinating history of the Russian influence on Athabaskan culture. The visitor center has a gift shop and offers guided tours. (907) 688-6026

Elmendorf State Hatchery
See king salmon from late May – July, Coho from August – September. Open year-round. (907) 274-0065

Flattop Mountain
One of the most popular hikes in Alaska, this 1.5-mile, steep trail rewards trekkers with a panoramic view of greater Anchorage. From O’Malley Road follow signs for Chugach State Park from Upper Huffman Road to Glen Alps Road.

Arctic Valley
A popular mountain biking and berry picking area during the summer, and Nordic and alpine skiing during winter. Get spectacular views of Anchorage and beyond from the top. Web site

Lake Hood Air Harbor & Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Lake Hood and Lake Spenard form the largest floatplane base in the world with more than 800 takeoffs and landings on a peak summer day. See vintage aircraft and learn about the state’s unique aviation history from special exhibits at the museum located on the south shore. Aircraft Drive. Web site