Choose from 110 Fun Things to Do in Alaska
Portage Glacier
- Portage Glacier is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Anchorage.
- Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water.
- Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise.
- Most tours include round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
Mt Alyeska
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Ketchikan Cruise Port
- Most Ketchikan shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the Ketchikan port.
- Guided shore excursions typically last two to four hours, depending on the activities involved.
- Bring bug spray ashore, especially if you plan to spend time in the woods.
- While it’s possible to explore on your own, booking a shore excursion with transportation and a guide is the best way to eliminate hassle.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Visitors can also see ancient artwork spanning from 2,000 years ago to present, like ancient ivory carvings; contemporary sculptures; Alaska’s most comprehensive public display of gold and Blue Babe; a light installation that changes with the position of the moon and sun; Native tools and toys; and much more. Other things to do include seeing a 36,000-year-old preserved steppe bison; learning about Alaska’s mining history, seeing a film on the Aurora Borealis; viewing the world’s largest collection of polar dinosaurs; taking in beadwork handicrafts from the mid-1800s and other experiences you just can't have anywhere else. Don’t leave without perusing the Museum Store, which sells authentic Native Alaskan artwork.
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Mt. Roberts Tramway
- Tickets can be purchased in person at the tramway or through a shore excursion tour if you’re arriving in Juneau by cruise ship.
- A ticket lasts all day, so you may spend as much time as you like at the top.
- The tramway is ADA-compliant and can accommodate visitors with accessibility needs.
- Hiking trails are suitable for all skill levels and include a handicap-accessible trail.
Mendenhall Glacier
No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier — one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. The 13-mile-long (19 km) glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the historic Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. On a sunny day the glacier is beautiful, with blue skies and snow-capped mountains in the background. On a cloudy and drizzly afternoon, the glacier is even more impressive, as the ice turns shades of deep blue.
The Basics
Near the face of the glacier is the visitor center, which houses various exhibits including a large map of the Juneau Ice Field, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater that shows a film about the glacier every 20 minutes.
- If you plan on walking, dress accordingly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Those visiting by cruise ship can take a tour of Mendenhall Glacier as a shore excursion.
- No food or drink other than water is allowed from May through September, due to bear activity.
- Look for Nugget Falls, a salmon-viewing platform overlooking Steep Creek, and for six hiking trails of varying difficulty.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 km) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. You can reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by taxi, car, or bus.
Note that the city bus drops visitors a mile and a half from the visitor center so plan accordingly.
When to Get There
From May through September, the visitor center is open daily between 8am and 7:30pm. October through April, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The trails and outdoor areas are open all year.
Mendenhall for Adventurers
If you’re visiting Alaska, chances are high you’ve already got a bit of the adventurous spirit. There are many glacier tours catering to adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Opt for a combo that includes a whale watching tour, a hike along the glacier, and a salmon bake; paddle down the river to the glacier from Juneau by raft, kayak, or canoe; or embark on a guided adventure tour that includes hiking or ice exploration.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
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Kenai River
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Juneau Cruise Port
- Most Juneau shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the Juneau port.
- Guided tours from the Juneau port typically last anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the activities chosen.
- Book a private, customizable tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights on your list.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and bug repellent ashore with you.
Katmai National Park
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Matanuska Glacier
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St. Michael's Cathedral
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Juneau Icefield
- Juneau Icefield is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Dress in warm layers; it’s much colder out on the ice than it is in Juneau.
- Opt for a basic glacier landing, or upgrade to a dog sledding experience.
- Most helicopter tours include round-trip transportation from Juneau.
- Some helicopter tours are wheelchair accessible.
Last Chance Mining Museum and Historic Park
The venue for this evocative gold-mining museum is the former compressor building of the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated here from 1916 to 1944.
On display are the locomotives and rail cars that transported the goldminers to the mine. Industrial artifacts include one of the world’s largest air compressors, used in the mining of gold to bring air to the miners.
Old mining shafts surround the site, and you can get an idea of the mine’s original extent by studying the museum’s model.
Photo courtesy of CityProfile.com
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There’s a short uphill hike along an uneven trail to reach the museum’s entrance.
Mesa Verde National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park is ideal for lovers of archaeology, history, and nature.
- There is no bus or shuttle in the park so you will need a vehicle or bike to get around. Bikes are permitted on paved roads but not on most of the trails.
- Give yourself at least two hours just to drive in and out of the park, as the route is a narrow and steep mountain road, and weather and sporadic road work can cause delays.
- The park ranges in elevation from 6,900 to 8,572 feet (2,100 to 2,612 meters), so stay hydrated to help ward off altitude sickness.
- Free WiFi is available in the visitor center lobby and parking area.
- Mesa Verde National Park’s visitor center and most park attractions are accessible to wheelchairs, though some may require assistance due to gravel paths and grades.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
- The monument is a must-visit location for outdoor lovers, but notice a permit is required to access certain areas in winter.
- Book your campsite ahead of time online; most can be reserved at Recreation.gov.
- Parking is available throughout the park, so you can easily drive to different landmarks.
Pioneer Park
While the Alaska Native Museum teaches visitors about Eskimos and Native Alaska cultures, the Pioneer Air Museum displays aviation memorabilia and aircrafts. Hungry? Enjoy fresh local fish from Salmon Bake or stroll around while savoring a refreshing treat from the Gold Rush Ice Cream Parlour. If you’re interested in the arts the Palace Theatre puts on a lighthearted performance about Fairbanks from history to present day, while Bear Gallery allows you to view works created by local artists. A few of the many other attractions within the park include Lucky Fox Gold Mine, Square Dance Hall, Betsy's Photography, the Pioneer Museum, Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, Bulgolgi House Restaurant and much more.
Pioneer Park is free to explore, but some of the attractions within the park may charge an entry fee. Also, stay tuned for a big addition to Pioneer Park, as they’re currently working with World Eskimo Indian Olympics to create a space where athletes can train and put on demonstrations year-round.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
First, the center showcases a number of free exhibits on Interior Alaska and its people, providing insight to the heritage of the area. For example, their main exhibit, “How We Live: The People and the Land”, features life-sized dioramas depicting the seasons of Interior Alaska. You can also shop for Native Alaskan artwork in their Alaska Geographic store; dress up in traditional Athabaskan attire for a photo; see a traditional performance of music, art and storytelling; create your own traditional Athabascan moose skin bags or sun catcher; view a film of Alaska’s history; and more. On the first Friday of each month the center hosts First Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, a free reception showcasing the work of a local Interior Alaska artist.
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Photo credit: Angie Cerny/FCVB
Lamar Valley
- Lamar Valley is a must-visit for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
- Bring binoculars or a long camera lens to view wildlife safely from a distance.
- Make use of the many pullouts lining the road through the valley for wildlife viewing.
- Always remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) from wildlife and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves.