LOCATION

Alaska is the 49th state of the US. The Aleutian Islands actually cross longitude 180°, also making it the easternmost state, although the International Date Line doglegs around them to keep the whole state in the same day. Alaska is one of the two states that is not bordered by another US state. Visit Alaska for whale watching, moose spotting and fjord cruising.

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

INTERIOR REGION

Fairbanks Ice Museumis known as the 'The Coolest Show in Town'. The museum is home to the Ice Showcase and Freeze Frame programs. The International Ice Sculpting Competition is held each March at Fairbanks.

El Dorado Goldmine is where the rush started in 1902. Today visitors can learn the authentic way of how to extract gold.

Georgeson Botanical Garden is a nationally recognized botanical garden and is designed to allow the public to learn about plant culture in the far north.

University of Alaska Museum is internationally recognized for its comprehensive northern collections.

SOUTHWEST REGION

Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository has over 7,500 years of Kodiak's cultural history.

Museum of the Aleutians, a 9,400 square foot building, is the only archaeological research and museum storage facility in the Aleutian Region.

Kodiak Baranov Museum is housed in one of only four Russian-built structures remaining in the US today. Originally built as a fur warehouse, it is the only log building remaining on its original site. Also visit the Kodiak Military History Museum.

Dig Afognak Archeological Expedition offers an opportunity to learn about Alutiiq history and culture, while discovering the natural history, geology and botany of Afognak Island.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

The Imaginarium, located in Anchorage, The Imaginarium resembles a living laboratory, where you can stand inside a bubble, ponder the magnitude of the universe in a planetarium, discover ocean life in a marine touch-tank.

Alaska State Trooper Museum tells the story of police officers who imposed law and order to one of the most unusual and rugged jurisdictions of the US.

Valdez Museum & Historical Archive has the history of the state from the time when Native Americans first occupied the area to the present day.

Alaska Botanical Garden has over 480 varieties of cultured plants.

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum has preserved Alaska's aviation history, 1897 to present.

Anchorage Museum of History and Art is the largest museum in Alaska has exhibits and programs on the art, history and cultures of Alaska.

Prince William Sound Science Center was established in 1989 to conduct and facilitate scientific studies on the ecology of the region.

Wolf Country features a wolf tour, gold panning, RV camper park, gift shop and more.

Visit Alaska Sealife Center to watch sea lions, puffins and harbor seals.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

INSIDE PASSAGE REGION

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a must visit. See the beautiful display gardens nestled in the heart of the state's rainforest. Enjoy the Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Japanese Maples that create a dazzling contrast to the lush green background of the rainforest.

White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Railroad: This iron trail was born during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush and built through some of the North's most ruggedly beautiful terrain.

MATANUSKA GLACIER is the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. The beautiful valley glacier, which can be reached in two hours from Anchorage, is 24 miles long and four miles wide, descending twelve thousand feet to the terminus.

Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway to experience Juneau - from spectacular scenery, culture and artwork, nature trails, even shopping and dining.

Alaska Raptor Center: This is the leading treatment center for eagles and other birds of prey in Alaska.

NATIONAL FORESTS: There are just two national forests in Alaska, the Tongass and the Chugach, but they are the largest in the nation.
The Chugach surrounds glacier-filled Prince William Sound and is close to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. The Tongass includes the many forested islands of Southeast Alaska and surrounds the cities of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, Alaska's capital.

THINGS TO DO: Don't be fooled by the geography and climate of the place. There are lots to do in Alaska from trekking, hiking to bird watching. You can also enjoy dog-sled rides even in the snowless months of summer. Birders come to Alaska for the 246 native species and dozens of migratory species. Millions of seabirds live in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that appears here and there along the coast from the Arctic Ocean to the southern end of the Inside Passage.