Alaska Trip Guide
If you're planning your next trip, Alaska has the whole package. From relaxing cruises along the coast to land tours over rugged terrain, beautiful landscapes, mountains and wildlife, there's no shortage of raw, natural beauty, or thrilling activities. Adventure-seekers and those looking to spend time in nature will love visiting this state.
Let's take a look at our top five must-see locations in Alaska. Don't miss these on your next trip!
1. Mendenhall Glacier
Experiencing the full power of mother nature is simply a must while in Alaska. The Mendenhall glacier itself is exceptional and breathtaking, but when a part of it collapses and shatters into the water, it is an entirely new, unique, and one-of-a-kind experience. It is one of the most famous glaciers in Alaska, which speaks volumes considering how many there are, and a great fact about it is that it is accessible via a road, and it's just twelve miles northwest of the state capital.
2. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Visiting Alaska cannot be complete without learning some things about their culture and heritage, and there is no better place for that than the Alaska Native Heritage Center. It provides insight into the values and lives of 11 cultural groups in Alaska, and thanks to various programs and events, visitors are able to feel like a part of the community. It is pretty easy to get to the Alaska Native Heritage Center as it is located near Anchorage at 8800 Heritage Center Dr. During the summer season, tickets for children (4-17) are $14, adults (18-64) $29, and seniors (65+) $25.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
If you have ever wondered how it was back in the ice age, you can get a close answer if you decide to visit Kenai Fjords National Park. The view is breathtaking, thanks to many ice caps and glaciers at the edge of the ocean throughout the year. There is no better place to see whales and many other ocean creatures than the fjords, and people who are patient enough can see many birds catching fish from the water. While it is possible to find accommodation in Kenai Fjords National Park, keep in mind that it is really cold there, and it would probably be better to go on a guided tour. This national park is located near the town of Seward, and there is no entrance fee.
4. University of Alaska Museum of the North
Museum lovers should set aside time and visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks. It is one of the most popular in Alaska, with great permanent collections. Some of the collections you will see are art collections, more than a million historical artifacts, and archeological findings from prehistoric cultures, but there is much more. The building itself is also valuable as it is a masterpiece by Joan Soranno and perfectly represents the Alaskan landscape. It’s located at 1962 Yukon Dr., Fairbanks, and visitors need to pay an admission fee of $14 for veterans (65+), $16 for adults over 13 years, and $9 for youth (5-12). Children under four years can enter for free.
5. Alaska Railroad
One of the best ways to explore Alaska is to get on a train and admire the changing landscapes. The Alaska Railroad has a great history and is still operating from Seward to Fairbanks. Thanks to the popular routes it goes through and special event rides such as Halloween rides and backcountry ski packages, this railroad has more than half a million passengers yearly. It operates during the entire year, and the ticket price depends on the route, so it’s best to check in on time!
Final Notes
Going to Alaska is something that should be on everyone's bucket list, regardless of the season, but if you really want to get the best possible experience, then July is the perfect month. Everything comes to life during this month, as the wildlife is fully active, and all of the trails are accessible. Above all, the temperature is also pretty pleasant, so if you don't want to experience extreme weather conditions, book your trip to Alaska in July. We hope you’ve found this Alaska trip guide helpful!