Described as America’s last frontier, Alaska can come up in your mind’s eye as inaccessible, vast and mysterious. It can be all of those things, but there is a gateway to untold adventures in Anchorage.
The enormous US state may be twice the size of Texas, but it only has a population of under 750,000, and almost 300,000 of those people live in and around Anchorage. Which makes this city where the wild meets the modern a great base for exploring the rest of the state. That is, if you want to leave town. Sure, you can find a wide array of flights, boat trips and tours out of Anchorage, but there is also plenty to do right there. And be prepared: in early summer, it can feel like the sun never sets.
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What to do
Into the wild
Flattop offers routes for all abilities
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Flattop Mountain, considered the most-climbed mountain in Alaska, is only 20 minutes away from downtown Anchorage and is ideal for those who pack their hiking boots wherever they go. Set in the enormous Chugach State Park – the third largest state park in the nation – the rest of the nearby landscape is ideal for hiking, biking and wildlife watching.
Story of the North
If you are hungry for knowledge, try the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Previous short-term exhibitions include “What Why How We Eat”, while permanently on show includes “Art of the North” and “Living our Cultures, Sharing our Heritage: The First Peoples of Alaska”, which contains more than 600 Alaska Native cultural heritage pieces.
Local heritage
Having been open for more than two decades, the Alaskan Native Heritage Center uses exhibits, artist demonstrations, movies and performances to illustrate the life of the Alaskan natives. There are four tours a day.
Gone to the dogs It involves a trip ut of town, but in summer a jaunt to meet the Ididaride husky dogs in Seward, just over two hours away, is a highlight. The Seavey family – led by three-time Ididarod husky race champion Mitch – put on tours of their kennel and take you on a two-mile ride. Not only that, you have the journey there from Anchorage. Seward can be reached by Alaska Railroad or you can rent a car in town – whichever you choose, the route towards the Kenai Peninsula is beyond impressive, and you would be advised to take a camera with you.
Where to stay
At the high end of the scale is…
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