Choose from 110 Fun Things to Do in Alaska
ShowingFilter 101-110 of 110 listings.
Sitka National Historic Park
Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska's oldest national park. Established in 1890 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka, as well as to preserve Native totemic art, the park strives to combine beautiful temperate rainforest with history. Northwest Coast totem poles line much of the coastal trail here, and the Russian Bishop’s house stands as one of the last existing examples of Russian Colonial architecture in North America. Visitors can also attend ethnographic exhibits and the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, where guests are allowed to watch native artists at work. In addition, you can still visit the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield near the heart of this 113-acre (45-hectare) national park, and though not much remains of the last major battle between Europeans and the Alaskan Natives, it remains an interesting glimpse into the past, surrounded by towering spruce and western hemlock.
Practical Info
Sitka National Historical Park is located in downtown Sitka.
The Bishop’s House, and Visitor Center are open year round, but vary be season. Check the National Park Service Website (http://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/hours.htm) to determine precise times.
Park Trails are open and free of charge year round: May - September: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; October - April: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Bishop’s House, and Visitor Center are open year round, but vary be season. Check the National Park Service Website (http://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/hours.htm) to determine precise times.
Park Trails are open and free of charge year round: May - September: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; October - April: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: 106 Metlakatla St, Sitka 99835, USA
Hours: May - September: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; October - April: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From $ 69
Sitka Sound Science Center
Aside from being a scenic town that’s rich in culture and heritage, Sitka is also uniquely situated between the mountains and sea. Since the Sitka coastline was originally settled, the ocean has always provided a bounty of food, tools, and lore, and here at the Sitka Sound Science Center, visitors can literally feel the creatures that swim in the Sitka Sound. In the saltwater touch tanks, feel a squishy sea cucumber or a spiny starfish skeleton, and be amazed at how soft a sea anemone feels when it gently falls on your hand. Crane your neck upward for a full skeleton of a 15-foot killer whale, or stare at the mounted, in-wall aquariums for a look at life beneath Sitka’s waters and the green, plankton-filled sound.
And, while the touch tanks are great for visitors with young children, everyone can equally appreciate the sight of dozens of leaping salmon. Outside the aquarium in the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery, species of salmon are often found leaping from the waters of the center’s fish ladder. Most of the work at this non-profit, however, takes place behind the scenes, and staff are always happy to discuss the projects, news, and education that Sitka researchers are completing each year from this small center on the coast.
Practical Info
The Sitka Sound Science Center is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-4:30pm, and Saturday from 10am-3pm. Admission is $5, and the center is about a 15-minute walk from the downtown city center.
Address: 834 Lincoln St #200, Sitka, Alaska 99835, USA
Admission: $5
From $ 69
Skagway Cruise Port
A century ago, Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields of the Klondike. Today, the scenic cruise port still has the feel of its Gold Rush past, complete with an historic downtown filled with false front buildings and wooden sidewalks. It’s one of Alaska’s most popular ports of call and a departure point for exploring the vast Yukon.
The Basics
Since Skagway is so small, it’s easy to explore in a single day—often with time leftover for an excursion further afield. Many travelers docking in Skagway head out on a half-day excursion across the border into the Yukon, Canada’s westernmost territory. No matter what side of the border you’re on, there are numerous ways to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife during an ATV tour of the Mineral Mountain wilderness, trek the moderate Chilkoot Trail, learn about dog sledding at an Iditarod training camp, or take a picturesque ride along the White Pass Summit Railroad.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Skagway shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the Skagway port.
- Food and other essentials are often more expensive in Skagway than other nearby ports of call.
- Don’t forget your passport, especially if you’re taking a shore excursion to Canada's Yukon territory.
How to Get to Skagway from the Skagway Cruise Port
Cruise ships drop anchor at three deep-water docks—the Broadway, Railroad, and Ore docks—all within easy walking distance of Skagway’s historic downtown. A small ferry dock just outside of town sometimes serves smaller vessels. Bus service takes passengers from the docks into town for a small fare.
Port Information
Credit cards are widely accepted in Skagway, but there’s also an ATM at a Wells Fargo bank on the corner of 6th and Broadway. The US dollar is the official currency.
Address: Broadway, Skagway, Alaska, USA
From $ 48
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Of the 8.5 million acres of land in Gates of the Arctic National Park, every single one of them lies north of the Arctic Circle. This massive, mountain strewn swath of land is larger than all of Belgium"”yet scarcely more than 10,000 people end up visiting the park each year. It's a place where caribou, grizzly bear, and moose roam free across hundreds of miles, and time seems to stop"”or rather, not matter"”when all you can hear is silence. Grandiose in its isolation, this park is truly a wilderness outpost for adventurous backcountry explorers, and offers a look at an ecosystem still largely free of man's touch. The rivers, mountains, wetlands, and wildlife merge just as nature intended, and the best way to see it is with guided day trips that help you to fish the pristine rivers and breathe the fresh mountain air.
Practical Info
Despite the park's enormous size, there aren't any roads, signmarked trails - or even a proper visitor center. The Visitor Center is way back in Fairbanks, and trips begin with a short flight to Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass. From here, float trips and day trips venture into the park"”which has no backcountry lodging"”though isolated cabins and lodging options exist just outside the boundaries. Since bugs can be brutal in the middle in summer, be sure to pack repellent.
Did You Know? There are 30 straight days of sunlight in summer, and the maximum temperature is above 70 degrees for most of the month of July.
Address: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Bettles, Alaska 99726, USA
From $ 1,600
Skagway Overlook
For stunning views over Skagway and its environs, take a scenic drive along the road to Dyea and follow the turnoff to the Overlook.
The viewing platform at the Skagway Overlook takes in the town of Skagway, waterways and surrounding peaks dusted with snow.
Bring your camera and set it to panoramic to capture wide-angle shots of the Skagway River, and inlets and waterways like neighboring Smugglers Cove.
Tours heading to the White Pass summit take time so visitors can appreciate the views over Skagway from the Overlook observation platform.
Photo by Bill & Vicki Tracey, sourced from Wikimedia Commons
The viewing platform at the Skagway Overlook takes in the town of Skagway, waterways and surrounding peaks dusted with snow.
Bring your camera and set it to panoramic to capture wide-angle shots of the Skagway River, and inlets and waterways like neighboring Smugglers Cove.
Tours heading to the White Pass summit take time so visitors can appreciate the views over Skagway from the Overlook observation platform.
Photo by Bill & Vicki Tracey, sourced from Wikimedia Commons
Practical Info
The Skagway Overlook is around 2.5 miles (4km) from downtown Skagway, just off the road to Dyea.
Address: Dyea Road, Skagway AK 99840, USA
Hours: Open daily
From $ 55
Saxman Native Village
Saxman Native Village celebrates all things Alaskan and Tlingit, and that means totem poles, folklore and dance, lumberjack exploits and woodcarvers.
The native village introduces visitors to the customs and culture of Alaska's native inhabitants, and features the largest collection of totems you're likely to see.
At the Beaver Clan House, members of the Cape Fox Dance group welcome visitors with traditional songs, stories and dance. Woodcarvers show off their skills, and there are examples of their craft for sale in the village store.
While visiting Saxman Village, it's also possible to take in a lumberjack show and wood-chopping competitions.
The native village introduces visitors to the customs and culture of Alaska's native inhabitants, and features the largest collection of totems you're likely to see.
At the Beaver Clan House, members of the Cape Fox Dance group welcome visitors with traditional songs, stories and dance. Woodcarvers show off their skills, and there are examples of their craft for sale in the village store.
While visiting Saxman Village, it's also possible to take in a lumberjack show and wood-chopping competitions.
Practical Info
Saxman is 2 miles (3km) south of Ketchikan, on the S. Tongass Highway.
Address: S. Tongass Highway, Saxman, USA
Admission: Tour: $35
From $ 700
Lake Spenard
Lake Spenard (along with Lake Hood, which it is connected to by canals) is the world's busiest and largest floatplane runway. Visiting is a truly memorable experience, and in the summer it's a popular place to enjoy a picnic and watch a free air show. Aircraft are almost constantly taking off and landing"”about 200 per day"“and heading in and out of the lesser-explored parts of Alaska.
Even if you aren't an aviation enthusiast, there are other activities to enjoy at Lake Spenard. Along with a playground and swimming area with a lifeguard"”perfect for families with children"”there are picnic tables, volleyball courts and other areas for sport and recreation. Additionally, photographers will love capturing the action, especially with the sparkling glaciers and soaring peaks in the background.
The Millennium Alaskan Hotel sits nearby and has a terrace restaurant with views of the lake. Here you can watch the floatplanes take off while munching on seafood tacos, prime rib or crab and scallop macaroni and cheese.
Practical Info
Lake Spenard is located on Lakeshore Drive, just off Spenard Road. The best time to visit is the summer.
Address: Lakeshore Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99517, USA
From $ 20
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike is synonymous with the gold rush days of the late 19th century, when the frontier settlement of Skagway exploded from a population of just two to 20,000 in a mere 10 years.
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park protects the memory of these days, preserving the trails, towns and buildings of the gold rush era. Skagway was the gateway town to the gold of the Klondike, which lay 550 miles (885km) north, near the junction of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers in Dawson City.
The Chilkoot Trail is the most famous of the gold rush routes followed by the miners, originally created by the Tlingit people. The park also preserves the downtown Skagway Historic District and its prized collection of authentic 100-year-old wooden buildings, including the fun Mascot Saloon and historic Moore House and Cabin.
Drop into the park's visitor center to watch the video about the area's gold rush history and pick up information about the local trails, including the famous Chilkoot Trail.
Rangers lead a range of activities, including walking tours and talks through the historic buildings and countryside.
Photo by Reywas92 sourced from WikiCommons
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park protects the memory of these days, preserving the trails, towns and buildings of the gold rush era. Skagway was the gateway town to the gold of the Klondike, which lay 550 miles (885km) north, near the junction of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers in Dawson City.
The Chilkoot Trail is the most famous of the gold rush routes followed by the miners, originally created by the Tlingit people. The park also preserves the downtown Skagway Historic District and its prized collection of authentic 100-year-old wooden buildings, including the fun Mascot Saloon and historic Moore House and Cabin.
Drop into the park's visitor center to watch the video about the area's gold rush history and pick up information about the local trails, including the famous Chilkoot Trail.
Rangers lead a range of activities, including walking tours and talks through the historic buildings and countryside.
Photo by Reywas92 sourced from WikiCommons
Practical Info
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is in Skagway, the northernmost point of southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.
Address: 2nd and Broadway, Skagway AK 99840, USA
Hours: Open: May - Sept daily 8am - 6pm
From $ 55
Totem Heritage Center
Historic totem poles from the 19th century are preserved and exhibited at Ketchikan's Totem Heritage Center.
The tall totems were collected from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages in the region. Other Alaskan displays such as masks, photographs and artwork are also exhibited at the center, which hosts programs and classes to promote and safeguard traditional arts and crafts.
The century-old totems are poignantly weathered, their paint faded and patchy. Tours help fill in the stories behind the various carvings of animals and symbols.
The tall totems were collected from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages in the region. Other Alaskan displays such as masks, photographs and artwork are also exhibited at the center, which hosts programs and classes to promote and safeguard traditional arts and crafts.
The century-old totems are poignantly weathered, their paint faded and patchy. Tours help fill in the stories behind the various carvings of animals and symbols.
Practical Info
The Totem Heritage Center is a few streets east of downtown Ketchikan.
Address: 601 Deermont Street, Ketchikan AK 99901, USA
Hours: Open May - Sept 8am - 5pm daily, Oct - Apr Mon - Fri 1pm - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $5 (May - Sept)
From $ 700
Liarsville Camp
Located in Skagway, the Liarsville Camp brings Gold Rush history to the present. The camp offers a number of memorable experiences and is especially great for families wanting an educational yet fun experience. Along with its beautiful surrounding scenery that includes a waterfall and White Pass, the camp is also known for its salmon bakes. Meals at Liarsville are all-you-can-eat and consist of wood-fire grilled Alaskan salmon, chicken, rice, corn bread, pasta beans, salad and cake.
Even with the enticing food, the main draw is the gold panning experience. Visitors get to try their hand at the historic activity and can even keep their findings. The camp also has a comedic performance involving sourdoughs and dancehall girls that keeps the audience laughing and is complemented by a reading of the poem, "Bard of the North" by Robert Service, who was known for his Yukon-inspired poetry. Don't leave without exploring the old trail camp, which adds to the exposure to local history and culture that Liarsville provides.
Practical Info
Liarsville operates in May through September and offers lunch and dinner daily.
Address: Mile 1 Liarsville Rd, Skagway, Alaska 99840, USA
Hours: May-September, lunch & dinner tours
Admission: Adults $59, Children $39
From $ 48