Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city! Urban and wild aren’t opposites; they are Anchorage’s two defining elements. Best known for trails, wildlife, and glaciers, it is the state’s cultural soul as well. The city is home to more artists and musicians than any other place in Alaska.
On Route • Campgrounds • Food and Drink • Things To Do • Next Stop
On Route From Denali
Hurricane Gulch Bridge
As you travel down from Denali towards Anchorage, you will pass over the Hurricane Gulch Bridge located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Built in 1971, it is 558 feet long and an impressive 254 feet high! It’s twin railroad bridge is the tallest bridge in Alaska at 296 feet high.
Get your camera ready before passing over, because the views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
Talkeetna
At Milepost 98.9, you can make a turnoff at the wooden grizzly on its hinds legs. Follow the 14 mile Talkeetna Spur Road all the way to Alaska’s funky town, Talkeetna! It’s name comes from the Indian word K’Dalkitnu, meaning, “rivers of plenty” because the Talkeetna and Chulitna rivers join the Susitna River at the end of Main Street.
Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest
Located at Mile 1.1 of the Talkeetna Spur Road! Open 10-6, May though September!
Downtown Talkeetna consists of only a few blocks, but is rich in history! Stroll Main Street, browse through historic buildings and art shops or grab a bite to eat at a restaurant or café! At the end of Main Street is Riverfront Park, which overlooks a 20,000 foot peak and is a great place to stroll sand bars and enjoy nature.
Campgrounds Near Anchorage
Food and Drink in Anchorage
Things To Do Around Anchorage
There is no shortage of activities and things to enjoy in Anchorage! Walk, run, rollerblade or bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation! Explore 4th Ave, Anchorages “main street” or attend the Alaska State Fair between August 18th and September 4th. Anchorage is home to Lake Hood, one of the largest and busiest seaplane bases in the world, so if you enjoy watching seaplanes, stop by Lake Hood Harbor!
Take A Tour!
On May 4th, 1995 Anchorage Trolley began- first operating out of the historical 4th Avenue Theater, and then home in the Log Cabin Visitor Center on the corner 4th and F St. For 25 years they have been showing visitors from all over the world why Anchorage is the most beloved city in Alaska. From history to local stories, they are proud to show visitors the highlights of life in the biggest city in Alaska.
Rust’s flight tours are designed to show off Alaska’s largest city and surrounding wilderness while enjoying the exhilaration of taking off and landing on water. Your expert pilot will evaluate the days conditions and select best viewing. You’ll hear stories and fun facts as you fly over Anchorage and explore the Chugach Mountains, its secluded valleys, and the famed Captain Cook’s aptly named Turnagain Arm.
Come experience the booming Anchorage craft beer scene in style as you join your knowledgeable ‘Hoperator’ for an off-the-beaten path tour of Anchorage full of sudsy fun. Big Swig’s philosophy and outlook on life are one in the same: drink good beer with good friends.
Anchorage has a rough and tumble history. Through the grit and grime, conflict and disappointment of building the city, many lost their lives. Most passed into eternity, but a few stayed behind. The Ghost Tour of Anchorage will introduce you to some of these unresolved spirits. If you are a believer perhaps they’ll speak to you. And if you’re a skeptic you can still benefit from their stories.
Get up close to a towering glacier and listen to the thunderous roar as a brilliant blue shard of ice crashes into the waters below. The show isn’t over when the boat turns for home. Whales, seals, sea lions, porpoise, otters, and other animals all spend the summer in these waters too. Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Portage Lake are three popular day cruise options out of Anchorage.
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Seward
Welcome to Seward! Nestled between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities, with Mt. Marathon rising steeply behind the town.
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