Denali National Park and Preserve
Famous for its spectacular mountain vistas, abundant wildlife,
glaciers, vast expanses of sub-arctic tundra, and North America's
highest mountain, Mount McKinley, Denali National Park and Preserve
is a real wilderness area that attracts millions of visitors each
year. More than six million acres are home to grizzly bears,
caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and numerous species of birds.
The main attraction is the snow-covered massif of Mount McKinley,
towering 20,320ft (6,096m) above the peaks of the Alaska Range, the
definitive symbol of untamed Alaska. On a clear day its twin peaks
can be seen from Anchorage, 149 miles (240km) away.
The Alaska Range divides the park into north and south sides,
with the majority of visitors accessing the north where the main
visitors centre is located. Mountaineers seeking out the challenges
of Mount McKinley need to access the park from the south side.
Other peaks offer excellent climbing opportunities for those not
wishing to risk the mountain that has earned its reputation as one
of the world's most difficult climbs. The park region also offers a
wide variety of other activities including day hikes or backcountry
hiking, camping, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and ice
climbing. Early June or late September is the best time to avoid
the crowds.
Address:
George Parks Hwy, Denali
Denali from Wonder Lake
National Park Service
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
The world-class Museum of History and Art is the largest museum
in Alaska and is one of the most visited attractions in Anchorage.
The exhibits cover the history and cultures of Alaska - from Native
American beginnings to American colonisation - and explore the
natural resources and landscapes of the country. Part of exploring
the cultures of the country is exhibiting Alaskan art, and the
museum has a good permanent collection and hosts multiple temporary
art exhibitions. Art, history and the natural sciences are combined
to great effect in this wonderful museum. Visitors of all ages
should find something to interest them. Check the official website
listed below for details.
Address:
625 C St, Anchorage.
Opening time:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm. Closed
Monday.
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place for
visitors to learn about the culture and heritage of the native
Alaskan people while in Anchorage. Indigenous traditions, customs
and lifestyles are showcased in the centre's exhibits, which
include artefacts such as tools, watercraft, clothing, pieces of
art and musical instruments. The centre also hosts local
storytelling, dancing and craft events which help to bring the
traditions to life for visitors. The Alaska Native Heritage Center
is closed in winter, but hosts monthly cultural events. Check the
official website listed below to see what's on offer during your
visit.
Address:
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Maori Performer
Alaskan Dude
Anchorage has a subarctic climate characterised by short, cool
summers and long, cold winters. Average daytime summer temperatures
range from 55°F (13°C) to 78°F (26°C), while average daytime winter
temperatures range from 5°F (-15°C) to 30°F (-1°C). The average
winter snowfall is 70 inches (1778mm).
As with all of Alaska, Anchorage has extremely long days in the
summer, with the Summer Solstice in late June experiencing 22 hours
of sunlight; winter is just as dark as summer is light, and at the
Winter Solstice in late December the daylight lasts less than six
hours. The best time for visitors to travel to Anchorage is the
period between May and early September when long days, clear skies
and warm afternoons prevail.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Location: The airport is situated about six miles (10km) south of
Anchorage.
Time: GMT -9 (GMT -8 from mid-March to the first Sunday
in November).
Transfer Between Terminals:
There is a free airport shuttle bus between the South (Domestic)
Terminal, the North (International) Terminal and the rental car
lots.
Getting to the city:
The People Mover bus service stops regularly at the airport,
taking travellers to downtown Anchorage. It operates between
roughly 6am and 11pm daily, at 30-minute intervals. Many hotels
offer free airport pick-up services for their guests, and
limousines and taxis are also available for hire. Ride-hailing
services, like Uber, are available.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz,
National and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside both terminals. The ride to downtown
Anchorage takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, bars,
shops, a massage centre, a barbershop, a nursery, mail drop points,
a military lounge, a hotel reservations desk and tourist
information. Disabled facilities are very good.
Parking
Short-term parking outside the North Terminal (international) is
free for the first half hour, then $6 for two hours, and $10 for
three hours up to $13 per day and $78 per week (10-day maximum).
Short-term parking at the South Terminal (domestic) is slightly
more expensive, charging $3 for the first hour, $6 for two hours,
and $10 for three hours, up to $16 per day and $96 per week (30-day
maximum). Long-term parking is near the South Terminal, costing $13
per day and $78 per week (90-day maximum). The Park, Ride & Fly
Lot is the cheapest long-term option; located across from the DOTPF
Central Regional Headquarters on International Airport Road, it
charges $9 per day, $40 per week, and $100 per month (90-day
maximum). The lot is serviced by a free shuttle to both
terminals.
Anchorage's public transit system, People Mover, provides easy
access to most tourist attractions and places of interest. The
buses run roughly between 6.30am and 9pm on weekdays and thereafter
until 11pm, but the service during these late hours is limited.
Travellers should note that operating times vary by route and are
reduced on weekends. Maps and schedules are available from the
People Mover Transit Center on 6th Avenue. Adult bus fare starts at
$2. Day passes are available and good value for money if you will
be sightseeing all day.
Some tourist attractions provide free shuttles to and from
downtown Anchorage, where many of the hotels are situated. There
are also taxis, rental cars and rental bicycles available.
Ride-hailing services, like Uber, are also available.
Anchorage is a priceless travel hub for many visitors to Alaska,
but the appeal for tourists is rooted firmly in the good transport
networks and the glorious wilderness on the city's doorstep.
Anchorage itself is not a renowned tourist destination. Having said
that, the city retains a sort of pioneer charm as it is still a
gathering point for Americans and foreigners looking to make their
fortune in various trades. Within the city, the most popular
sightseeing attractions include the Alaska Native Heritage Center
and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Downtown Anchorage
also hosts the fantastic Anchorage Market & Festival every
weekend in the summer, which is a great attraction for visitors.
The market offers an array of locally made goods including
clothing, paintings, handmade jewellery and
dolls (Russian nesting dolls), as well as
a great selection of food from all over the world. There are also
entertaining music and dance performances to enjoy, and a special
Kids' Market where children sell their hand-made items to raise
money for charities and other organisations.
Most visitors quickly exit the urban sprawl to enjoy the wonders
just beyond the city, like Prince William Sound, Chugach National
Forest and Flattop Mountain, the most climbed mountain in Alaska.
The Denali National Park is one of the top attractions in the state
and encompasses many of the most beautiful landscapes Alaska has to
offer. Those in need of some information or advice should pop into
the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, situated at 524
West Fourth Avenue.