It’s Alaska. What further reason to visit is needed? For those who require more convincing, let’s break it down further:
Wildlife
According to Alaska Department of Fish & Game, “More than 1,000 vertebrate species are found in the state, sometimes in huge numbers. More than 900,000 caribou roam in 32 herds across vast tundra landscapes. On the Copper River Delta alone, five to eight million shorebirds stop to forage and rest each spring on their way to arctic breeding grounds. Alaska has 32 species of carnivores, more than any other state.”
Brown and black bear, wolves, coyotes, lynx, moose, mountain goats, dall sheep, beaver and wolverine roam the Chugach Mountains bordering Anchorage, and often make an appearance in city parks and greenbelts. Also within the municipality are salmon spawning streams and marshlands full of migratory birds. Beluga whale are frequently seen along the coast of Turnagain Arm in late summer. See more on wildlife viewing around Anchorage
Native Culture
Alaska’s first people encountered wildly diverse ecosystems in distinct regions throughout the state. Cultures evolved around the unique challenges faced by each group, with differences expressed through diet, art, dance and mythology. The Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center and Eklutna Historical Park are some excellent resources in Anchorage to learn more about the indigenous people. See more on Alaska Native cultural experiences
Scenery
Of the 20 highest mountains in the United States – 17 are in Alaska, including 20,320-foot Denali, the High One. Alaska has twice the length of shoreline as the rest of the U.S. and the state borders two oceans and two seas. There are 2 million lakes, 20 acres or larger, 3,000 rivers and 100,000 glaciers covering 3 percent of the entire state.
With 50 glaciers within a 60 mile radius, the third largest State Park as backdrop, six mountain ranges within one view and two arms of ocean bordering along the coast, Anchorage is central to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery. See more on mountains and glaciers surrounding Anchorage.
