Top 32 Things Anchorage, AK is Known For & Famous For
Anchorage, Alaska, is the largest city in Alaska and a popular travel destination. It’s known for its natural beauty and wildlife, but that’s not all it has to offer.
In Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll find many national outdoor exploration sites such as the Far North Bicentennial Park, Kincaid Park, Thunderbird Falls, Chugach National Forest, and more. Additionally, activities like the zoo and a few annual festivals.
The city has plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy while visiting—from museums and memorials to festivals and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun or indoor entertainment, Anchorage has something for everyone!
Related: Top 20 Things Alaska is Known For
1. Largest City in Alaska
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a popular travel destination. The population of Anchorage is nearly 300,000 people, making it the state’s most populous city by far. Anchorage is also the economic hub for Alaska and its cultural center.
2. Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a great place to visit because it has a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens. The museum also hosts many events throughout the year. For example, the museum hosts “First Saturday,” a monthly celebration of art and culture in Anchorage. Special events happen throughout the year, such as a Native Art Festival and an Alaskan Heritage Celebration.
The museum itself has four floors of exhibits with different themes on each floor. On the first floor are exhibits about Alaska’s history and culture, including an exhibit called “Alaska: A Continent Revealed.”
This exhibit highlights how Alaska was formed over millions of years through geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It also includes information about how humans have interacted with the Alaskan environment over time.
The fourth floor is dedicated to kids, making this spot a perfect place for the entire family to enjoy!
3. Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The mission of the zoo’s staff is to provide a safe, healthy environment for animals while educating the public about wildlife and conservation.
The Alaska Zoo was founded in 1966. It was open to the public in 1969 though its history goes back three years and is pretty interesting. A local store owner had won a contest with a prize of either $3,000 or a baby elephant. When he selected the baby elephant, it created a domino effect that led to the zoo’s creation.
4. Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization that preserves and promotes the history, languages, art, and cultures of Alaska’s indigenous people.
The center offers a variety of exhibits, such as “Myths & Legends: Stories from Across the Last Frontier” and “Feathered Spirits: Artifacts from Alaskan Cultures.”
Visitors can also watch traditional dance performances or take part in workshops on crafts like weaving or carving wood. To get there via public transportation, take Route 1 for about 40 minutes north to downtown Anchorage before turning left at Centennial Park and following signs indicating “National Park Service Visitor Center.”
Admission costs $29 for adults over 18 visiting from outside the state. Alaskan residents only pay $14. Several special events are held annually at this center; please check their website for more details.
5. Fur Rendezvous
The Fur Rendezvous is an annual event that takes place from February through March and draws over 50,000 people to Anchorage each year. The festival features a parade, dog sled races, and a fashion show at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. It’s the most significant event in Anchorage and is dedicated to the fur trade.
6. Bear Paw Festival
Bear Paw Festival is a celebration of Native Alaskan culture that takes place in Anchorage, Alaska. It is held in the fall, usually in September. The festival has many activities and events, including a parade, carnival, and pow-wow.
The Bear Paw Festival is held at the Carlson Center in downtown Anchorage each year.
7. Summer Solstice Festival
June 21st is the year’s longest day, and Anchorage celebrates its summer solstice with various events. The festival starts with a parade at 10:00 p.m., where participants carry lanterns. This procession begins on Fourth Avenue, continues to Raspberry Road, and then heads back up through downtown Anchorage.
The celebration also includes a food festival in South Anchorage that features native ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.
Music and dance performances are held throughout downtown Anchorage, including at Ship Creek Park, which hosts free concerts every Thursday night during summer. A fireworks show takes place on July 4th near Dimond Boulevard Bridge in Downtown Anchorage.
8. Hiking
There’s no better way to see Alaska than on foot! You’ll find many opportunities to hike around Anchorage, whether looking to see the city from a unique perspective or simply wanting a workout. You can also hike in groups or alone, with or without your pet.
9. Lake Eklutna
If you’re looking for a popular fishing spot, Lake Eklutna is an excellent choice. It’s also a good place to go bird-watching, hiking, and kayaking, and features some of the most beautiful landscapes around. Lake Eklutna is the home of many legends, including the Bel K’ikghil’ishen.
10. Fishing
The most popular sport in Alaska is fishing. If you’re looking to catch fish, Anchorage is the place for you. You can fish in lakes, rivers, and oceans. There will be no shortage of places to try your luck at catching a fish.
Many different types of fish can also be found in Anchorage, so whether you are an amateur or a professional fisherman, there is no reason why your trip should not be fruitful!
If you’re looking for saltwater species like halibut and salmon – head over to Cook Inlet. If freshwater is more your thing – head up north past Girdwood towards Moose Pass, where there are plenty of lakes just waiting for some bait!
11. Alaskan Cruises
Cruises are the best way to see this unique destination if you plan a trip to Alaska. Alaska has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and it’s hard to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer without taking at least one cruise while visiting.
Whether you opt for a small ship or large luxury liner, these cruises will give you access to incredible views of glaciers and wildlife. They also offer opportunities for kayaking, hiking, or biking on shore excursions. You’ll get a chance to visit many different Alaskan cities and towns during your adventure! Alaskan Cruises are among the most popular of your options for cruising.
12. Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird falls are located in the Chugach National Forest, near the city of Anchorage. The falls were named after the thunderbird, a mythological creature that appears in some Native Alaskan legends.
This YouTube video shows everything Thunderbird Falls has to offer:
As you can see, it would be a lovely destination for any trip.
13. Kincaid Park
Kincaid Park is a large park in Anchorage, Alaska. It has a variety of activities for visitors, including trails, boating, canoeing on the Knik River, picnicking, and camping facilities. Kincaid Park is also well known for its wildlife, such as bears and moose, and its many different plants, including wildflowers native to the area.
14. Far North Bicentennial Park
Located along the Seward Highway, Far North Bicentennial Park is home to one of Alaska’s largest bald eagles. Visitors can glimpse the majestic bird through binoculars or on a 1-mile hiking trail that winds through various habitats.
The park also features a small lake and several picnic areas for those looking for a quiet place to relax after exploring the area. There are several great hiking trails nearby; one of our favorites is Bird Creek Trail, which leads you through beautiful forests and multiple waterways.
15. Potter Marsh Wildlife Refuge
The Potter Marsh Wildlife Refuge is a 6-acre preserve that protects the wildlife and habitat of the area. It’s open to the public year-round and allows visitors to get up close to nature.
Visitors can walk along a boardwalk that overlooks Potter Marsh, where they might see:
- Bald eagles
- Great blue herons
- Ducks
- Shorebirds
The refuge also has an interpretive center where you can learn more about what makes Alaska unique and what you see in front of you.
If bird watching or photography is your thing, this is an excellent place for both—there is a lot of wildlife here!
16. Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is the second largest state park in Alaska, and it’s also one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation in Alaska. Located just south of Anchorage, Chugach State Park offers excellent opportunities for camping and hiking along its 1,200 mile (1,931 kilometers) shoreline.
17. Chugach National Forest
Chugach National Forest is a national forest in south-central Alaska. It’s enormous, covering more than a million acres of land. Some parts of it are even larger than Delaware.
The Chugach National Forest was established as the first national forest in Alaska by the U.S. Congress on May 27th, 1964. It was actually one of the first of its kind. There are public-use cabins here as well for camping!
18. Campbell Creek Trail
The Campbell Creek Trail is a 5-mile trail that runs from the Anchorage Railroad Park to Kincaid Park. It’s an easy hike with a few obstacles, but it’s not very strenuous. You can see wildlife, including moose, bears, and even wolves.
There are also many beautiful waterfalls along the way. The trail is relatively flat except for one steep hill near the end, where you’ll have to climb over some rocks before reaching Kincaid Park.
19. Skiing
If you’re into winter sports, Anchorage has plenty to offer. The city is situated on a mountain range, so it’s a great place to ski. There are several ski resorts around the city, and they often offer discounts or packages that make skiing in Alaska a popular activity for tourists. If you don’t want to go as far as skiing down mountains yourself, there are also many opportunities to see and learn about this popular sport in Anchorage.
Alaska has many beautiful places where skiers can enjoy their hobby outdoors without traveling too far away from home.
20. Earthquake Park
In Anchorage, Alaska, is a manmade park called Earthquake Park. The name of this park comes from the fact that it was formed by an earthquake in 1964.
The park is suitable in the middle of Anchorage and has many attractions, such as playgrounds and picnic areas. You can enjoy your time there with your family or friends while enjoying some sunshine! It’s also home to many events, such as movie nights and concerts.
21. Planet Walk
While in Anchorage, be sure to stop by Planet Walk and take a walk around the city’s perimeter. This fantastic trail will take you through Alaska’s most beautiful scenery while allowing you to see wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and whales in their natural habitat.
You’ll also get great views of some of Anchorage’s best spots, including Ship Creek Park, Point Campbell Park, and Turnagain Arm, from different angles than other areas of town.
22. Oscar Anderson House Museum
Oscar Anderson House Museum is a house museum that was built in 1891 by Oscar Anderson, one of the first settlers in Anchorage. The museum tells the story of Alaska’s history through its collection, which includes clothing for both men and women, household tools and appliances like an icebox, and Native Alaskan art.
23. Alaskan Railroad
Visiting the Alaskan Railroad is the perfect activity for history buffs and train enthusiasts! The Alaskan Railroad is a train that goes from Seward to Whittier, making it the only way to get to Whittier. The railroad offers tours of the glaciers on Mount Marathon and of whales as well.
24. Beluga Point
You can easily spot Beluga Point from Anchorage, but finding a parking space is not always easy. This is a popular place for people wanting to get that perfect photo of the city and its surrounding mountains. It’s also an excellent place for watching boats coming into the harbor and cruise ships moving along the coast.
25. Whale Watching
You can see whales in Anchorage, Alaska. There are several ways to do this.
You can go on a whale-watching tour with one of many companies or organizations that organize such tours in the area.
You can also watch whales from the shore—several places along the coast have good views of marine life and provide opportunities to get close enough to see some marine mammals up close.
26. Glaciers
Everywhere you go in Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll see glaciers. This is because the city is located on the coast of Cook Inlet, which is fed by three large tidewater glaciers: Chugach, Eklutna, and Knik. These three glaciers have carved out a series of fjords that have allowed for development in the area. The natural beauty created by these glaciers has made them major tourist attractions for Anchorage residents and visitors alike.
27. Mining
The most notable industry of Anchorage is mining. The city has been known for its gold, copper, and silver mines since the late 19th century when prospectors began to flock to Alaska in droves.
Since then, coal, oil, and natural gas have also become essential commodities in the region. In addition to these more traditional mineral products, Anchorage has also seen an increase in platinum production, thanks to new technologies that make it possible to extract this precious metal from waste rock left over from other mining operations.
28. Northern Lights
Anchorage is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. This is due to its proximity to Fairbanks, which has some of the best opportunities for viewing this incredible phenomenon. In fact, Anchorage is only about 60 miles away from Fairbanks and can often provide an even better view!
The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between late September and early March when fewer clouds are blocking them out (when they’re most visible). The farther north you go within Alaska, the more apparent it will be to view these beautiful lights! If you want a good chance at seeing them, plan your trip around mid-December or early January—the peak months for solar activity (and thus visibility).
29. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a winter sport that involves driving dogs, usually Siberian huskies, in a sled. It takes place in Alaska and other cold regions of the world.
Alaska is well known for this sport; you can even attempt it during your visit.
In Anchorage, you can go dog sledding at Alyeska Resort, which has groomed trails for this activity and lets you rent your own team of dogs (you’ll have to bring your own equipment). You’ll need to book ahead because this is such a popular activity.
30. Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun is a phenomenon that occurs in the Arctic and Antarctic regions where the sun remains visible at midnight. This happens during the summer when the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours. Anchorage is located in a region that experiences midnight sun during the summer.
On special occasions, Anchorage residents can step outside at night and see a fantastic display of stars on a clear night, lit by the midnight sun.
31. Fish
Anchorage is known for its seafood. Halibut, king crab, sablefish, and salmon are just a few of the many delicious fish species you can find in Anchorage. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute reports that Alaska’s commercial annual seafood production was 5 to 6 billion pounds in 2018.
32. Wild Game
Due to the high popularity of fishing in Alaska, you can count on the wild game being a part of your diet when you visit. Even if you don’t prefer fish, you should consider giving it a try while in Alaska.
Wild game is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. It has a vitamin B12 content similar to that of beef and lamb. Wild game also contains high vitamin B6 and niacin (vitamin B3).
33. King Crab
King crab is a popular seafood in Alaska, and it’s no wonder why. It’s delicious, plentiful, and easy to prepare. King crabs are harvested for food from the Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands, and the Arctic Ocean. They’re typically cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, or frying them.
34. Akutaq
Akutaq (pronounced ah-Koo-tahk), also known as Eskimo ice cream, is a traditional Inuit food made for centuries. It’s made from whipped marine animal fat and berries. Akutaq can be used to fill cakes and other desserts or eaten on its own; it has a consistency similar to marshmallow fluff with a slightly salty taste from the addition of dried fish or other meats.
Discover more about Alaska here.
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