Trophy fishing, dog sledding across snowy plains, whale watching cruises and calving glaciers: these are just some of the most exciting activities you can consider when visiting Alaska where you'll undoubtedly have the most wonderful time of your life. It doesn't matter whether you visit Alaska by cruise or land, because you can experience a multitude of adventures that will leave you wanting for more.
1. Anchorage Museum
The Rasmussen Center is home to the Anchorage Museum which is described by tourists as being several museums in one location, with all of them covering a large part of Alaska's science, history and art. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities, view breathtaking presentations at the Thomas Planetarium, learn about the state's native peoples and history, but also its amazing traditional art.
Another wonderful place to visit is the collection on loan from the Smithsonian, particularly the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center. This is a marvelous display of artifacts from various Arctic cultures, including the Native Alaskan culture. If you have your kids along with you, they'll utterly adore the Imaginarium Science Discovery Center. While enjoying your visit at the Anchorage Museum, you'll also benefit from services that include guided tours, a gift shop and a cafe.
2. Museum of the North in Fairbanks
The Museum of the North is a world-class museum that's located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and it features captivating exhibits that cover the culture, art and rich history of Alaska. Each region of the state is covered in the Gallery of Alaska and both natural and human history are addressed. If you're interested in gold and gold nuggets, mastodons and mammoths, then this is certainly a gallery you will not want to miss. Wonderful exhibits are covered here and they're preserved very well.
On the other hand, there is also something for the art lover here as well at the Alaska Classics art gallery. It features a wide collection of historical paintings, while if you want to go upstairs, you will be pleasantly surprised by the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery which basically focuses on the state's art. Museums abound in Alaska, especially in this area, so if you want to learn more about the Alaskan history, you should not miss the movies in the Museum of the North's theater. The Dynamic Aurora is a particular draw for tourists, because it focuses on the beauty and science of the mystifying Aurora Borealis.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Scenery
If you're completely in love with marine life, a visit to the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise will amaze you. Dall's porpoises, Minke whales, orcas, sea stars, bald eagles, harbor seals, puffins and others are just part of the many things you'll see here. On top of that, you'll be breathless at the view of tidewater glaciers and the stunning mountain scenery. This is a one of a kind adventure you should not miss out on and if you decide to have it then be sure to keep in mind that the cruises leave out of Seward.
4. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
The Mendenhall Glacier is located outside Juneau and before terminating into and forming the Mendenhall Lake, it fills the Mendenhall Valley. If you're looking for sheltered and warm viewing opportunities, then you'll be delighted with this place. If you want to learn everything about the history and science of Mendenhall Glacier, but also about glaciations and glaciers in general, you'll find films and exhibits available at the visitor center. Even better, you can explore the wildlife, the recently deglaciated landscape and the glaciers thanks to a number of trails that start near the visitor center.
5. Alaska State Museum in Juneau
Located in the capital city Juneau, the Alaska State Museum is the state's official museum. Here you'll be able to enjoy hundreds of exhibits on a multitude of topics that are related to the culture and history of Alaska. Their presentation of Native Traditions from Alaska, including N-W Coast People, Eskimo, Athabaskan and the Aleut are outstanding. Amongst the spellbinding subjects illuminated by items in the permanent collection of the museum are mining and gold rush history, but also American, European and Early Russian settlement.
Alaska is one of the most mysterious and wonderful places where you can learn a lot about glacial history and arctic wildlife in general. Filled with wonderful places to visit and thousands of exhibits from the state's art, science and history, you'll be completely overwhelmed by its sheer beauty.