Big Wild Life Trivia Contest Study Guide
Presented by
Visit Anchorage
Explore www.Anchorage.net
Table of Contents
Introduction
Wildlife: Wild Things
Birding: Fair-Feather Friends
Geocaching: Ultimate Hide-N-Seek
Fishing: Catch-N-Keep Memories
Family: Family Friendly
Weddings: Weddings Alaska-Style
Native: Rich Past. Dynamic Future
Art: Art Matters
Outdoor Adventure
Trails: Trail Mix
Winter: Hibernate? Never!
Sports: Hometown Heroes
Flat Seymour of Anchorage
Local Chefs: Savor the Flavor
The Suburbs: ‘Burbs Gone Wild
Southbound Adventure
Northbound Adventure
Rest of Alaska: Rest of the Story
Anchorage Centennial Facts
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Visit Anchorage
524 W. Fourth Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-276-4118
President & CEO: Julie Saupe
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ABUNDANT WILDLIFE
ORGANIC LIFESTYLE
My life in Anchorage is awesome! Everything here is BIG. Big mountains, big heart and the opportunity to
chase Olympic-sized dreams! Whether I’m carving the slopes of Alyeska or Arctic Valley, or watching a black
bear wander through my backyard – my LIFE in Anchorage is as WILD as the natural beauty that is part of the
city.
So, how do you get a handle on Anchorage’s Bid Wild Life™? Well, we’ve done a lot of the homework for you,
making it easy to plan an adventure-of-a-lifetime. Throughout the pages of this guide, local Anchorage
residents will share with you their secret hikes, their favorite restaurants and luckiest fishing holes. It’s called
the BWL 411 (Big Wild Life™ information).
Anchorage is spectacular! Living large just comes naturally here. Beautiful views, gigantic mountains, vast
forests, icy glaciers, and our unique culture are waiting to be discovered. Here’s to your Anchorage
adventure! I’m 2006 Winter Olympics Bronze Medalist Rosey Fletcher – Anchorage is my home and I live a Big
Wild Life™!
WILD THINGS
Anchorage: The Wild in our Midst
“In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks.”
– John Muir
Preservationist John Muir would have received more than he could
fathom in the forests that surround Anchorage. Opportunities to
view Alaska’s amazing wildlife, beautiful flowers and peculiar plant
life abound. Bear, fox, beaver, eagles and a large resident moose
population are just a few species that call this place home. Habitat
hot spots are prevalent throughout the city. Here are a few
suggestions to help you find your fill of fowl, fox, flora and fauna!
Anchorage Skyline from Westchester
Lagoon. Photo Credit: Rebecca Coolidge
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
If you ask a local where the wild things are, they’ll mention the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This 11-mile
treasure trove offers gorgeous seascape vistas and wonderful woodland trails to explore as it meanders along
the coast of Cook Inlet from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Red fox play along the trail and moose can
be spied snacking on plant life.
Visitors to Point Woronzof, midway down the trail, are treated to amazing panoramas of the mountain ranges
that surround the city. Bald eagles soar overhead and porcupine nibble through low-lying vegetation.
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At the end of the trail, find Kincaid Park, a spectacular wooded
playground with 36 miles (60 km) of maintained trails. Kincaid
provides a great place to view a variety of mammals that are
indigenous to Alaska. In the springtime, moose cows with calves are a
common site. Beluga whales traverse the coastal portions of the trail
when the hooligan are running. Be bear aware when in and around
Kincaid! While amazing animals, bears can pose a serious safety
threat. Take the time to read about bear safety.
Anchorage is home to some Big Wild Life™ alright! Nearly 1,500
moose call Anchorage home. Photo Credit: Jody Overstreet
How to get there
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is accessible from Second Avenue. There are numerous entry points along its
route including Elderberry Park, Westchester Lagoon and Point Woronzof. Kincaid Park is accessible from West
Raspberry Road.
Glen Alps
With stunning beauty and outstanding city and mountain views, Glen Alps is an excellent place to catch a
glimpse of some otherwise elusive critters. Dall sheep, ptarmigan, red fox, moose and marmots are frequent
visitors to the area.
Potter Marsh
A boardwalk reveals nature’s mysterious wonders at Potter Marsh.
The purple fields of the marsh offer wildlife lovers the opportunity to
get up close and personal with an extraordinary number of winged
and four-legged creatures. Potter Marsh is part of the Anchorage
Coastal Wildlife Refuge that extends 16-miles from Point Woronzof to
Potter Creek. See beaver, coyotes, least weasel, mink, muskrats,
snowshoe hares, red squirrels, vole, and shrews among the residents.
Occasionally lynx, river otters, red fox, or black and brown bear make
an appearance.
Potter Marsh Boardwalk
Eagle River Nature Center
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage and nestled between the 7,000-foot peaks of the upper
Eagle River Valley, is the Eagle River Nature Center. The Center is a definite stop on the discerning wildlifeviewing itinerary. Every type of Alaska animal can be found in the forests surrounding the Center. Bear,
moose, and eagles roam free in the park. The Center offers a cornucopia of outdoor encounters for nature
lovers. Daily nature walks and other programs led by staff naturalists add depth and dimension to any wildlife
excursion. Pack a lunch and your sense of wonder!
Beluga and Bird Point
Mile 110 and 96 on the Seward Highway are famous for - you got it- beluga whales and birds. Beluga and Bird
Point are two great spots to catch wildlife action. Bald eagles and bears share the view.
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Windy Corner
Windy Corner is at Mile 106 on the Seward Highway. This is
the place to view Dall sheep! Sheep come to the area because
of a natural mineral lick. Newborns can be seen stumbling
about in late May or early June.
McHugh Creek Day Use Area
When heading south on Seward Highway’s
scenic Turnagain Arm, scan the high rocky
cliffs for Dall sheep in an area known as
Windy Corner, located near milepost 106.
Photo Credit: Greg Daniels
Located at mile 112 of the Seward Highway, McHugh Creek
provides stunning views of the Kenai Mountains and
Turnagain Arm. During spring and early summer it’s common
to see moose calves wandering with their mothers
throughout the area. Bear, fox, Bald eagles, ravens and other
creatures soar high above or amble through the brush. Best
place for a picnic lunch!
Avoid HAIRY situations
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their natural
environment.
1. Tools of the trade: Increase your chances of animal viewing with a good
pair of binoculars and a field guide. Dress for the weather.
2. Keep your distance: Hike on clearly marked trails and keep a safe
distance between you and the animal.
3. Be bear aware: Anchorage is bear country! When hiking it’s a good idea
to take bear spray and make noise. Singing, conversation and bear bells
let animals know there are humans about.
4. Do not feed wildlife: There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human
food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even
kill an animal.
Whether its furry, feathered, or finned, plenty of species can be found running wild within the city of
Anchorage. Photo Credit: Robert Olsen
For more on wildlife, explore www.Anchorage.net/wildlife.
FAIR-FEATHER FRIENDS
Surrounded by the misty mountains of the Chugach Range, Anchorage
provides a lush, rich wilderness in which avid birders can focus their
binoculars. Alaska has more than 246 native species of birds and Anchorage’s
abundant wetlands serve as excellent rest stops for dozens of migratory
species. More than 445 species have been documented in the state.
Anchorage is the hub of activity for all things feathered.
Westchester Lagoon
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Westchester Lagoon is a waterfowl wonderland. Many far-north fliers assemble on the lagoon’s calm surface
or waddle along the surrounding flat greens. Majestic loons, sea ducks, scaups, green-winged teals and
dowitchers are frequent visitors, with red-necked grebes nesting on the lagoon’s island.
Point Woronzof
Take a leisurely walk, or bike 5 miles along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Point Woronzof. Bald eagles soar
above the wooded areas of the Point. Chicks hatch in the beginning of May and fledglings try their wings in the
later part of July. Among the leafy emerald of the trees, spot flycatchers, thrush, chickadees, warblers,
sparrow, common redpolls and the occasional Steller’s eider. The sand dunes near Jodhpur trailhead serve as
an excellent pit stop for migratory fowl in the spring. Nearby ponds attract
A local waxwing finds a
snow geese and cranes.
Potter Marsh
wintertime snack. Photo
Credit: Jody Overstreet
Potter Marsh, the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge,
reveals some of the best bird viewing in the world. From the 1,550-foot ambling boardwalk, spy copious
species of water birds including the lesser Canada goose, Arctic terns and mew gulls that nest in the marsh.
Other water birds including mallards, northern pintails, northern shovelers, American widgeons, canvasbacks,
red-necked grebes, horned grebes, yellowlegs, and northern phalaropes frolic in the plant rich waters. In times
of migration, spy tundra swans, snow geese, short-eared owls, and Pacific loon.
BWL 411
Name: Sirena T. Brownlee; Age: 32; Wildlife biologist; Passionate, motivated, sensitive
I am the quintessential “bird nerd” according to my friends and family. A rare bird alert posting or a flock of
shorebirds gets my heart racing. One of my favorite birding spots in Anchorage is Westchester Lagoon and the
mud flats adjacent to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Watching the red-necked grebes conduct their ritualistic
breeding displays is a treat. My favorite time of year to bird around the lagoon is during spring migration
when the Arctic comes alive with migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, geese, loons and songbirds. Take flight!
To discover more on birding, explore www.Anchorage.net/birding.
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ULTIMATE HIDE-N-SEEK
Geocaching: High-Tech Treasure Hunts Through Downtown And Local
Wilderness
Something happened to me when I picked up the GPS (Global
Positioning Systems) unit the first time I went geocaching. It was a
feeling akin to the “gold fever” that afflicts prospectors. I suddenly
understood the compulsion of Cortes, the pining of Polo, the mania of
Magellan. There was a treasure somewhere out there in the
wilderness and I wanted- no, needed- to find it!
GPS Systems. Photo Credit:
Cathryn Posey
It probably didn’t help that my first experience geocaching had a
competitive element. Otherwise, I might have relaxed enough to
enjoy the incomparable sunshine and the boreal forest in the Chugach
foothills.
Equipped with the GPS device and just enough information to track
waypoints, I was overcome by the competitive urge to stumble over hill and dale, to wherever the compass
needle pointed. The other people assigned to my team had little choice but to chase along behind me as I
bushwhacked my way to the prize – the cache!
Jody Overstreet, Local Geocacher
Play the Game
For those who have never geocached, it is the ultimate type of hide-and-seek experience. Essentially, it is a
discovery game where participants discern clues and coordinates on a GPS unit, navigating to a hidden cache.
Geocachers become high-tech pirates on the search for buried treasure.
Geocaches are hidden all over the world. There are hundreds in Alaska and geocaching is a great way to
explore when on vacation. In Anchorage, caches exist for every skill level. There are leisurely paced, site-seeing
tours through the heart of the historic downtown district, easy to moderately skilled nature walks the entire
family can enjoy and intense hikes in the city’s abundant wilderness.
Give Me the Digits
The Visit Anchorage (VISIT ANCHORAGE) recently developed a geocaching program with students at Central
Middle School of Science, through a school business partnership. The result was “Geocaching Journeys,” a
brochure developed by students and Landmark Program Director, Michael Warren. The free brochure is
available at all VISIT ANCHORAGE Visitor Information Centers.
The students developed three major caches: Big Wild Life™, Ice Breaker and Trailhead Maker. These caches
offer state-of-the-art, citywide treks that provide entertainment, education and excitement for the beginner,
expert, family or group.
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Finding Your First Geocache
Step 1: Get the Gear
Get your hands on a GPS unit and pay a visit to any VISIT ANCHORAGE Visitor Information Center to pick up a
“Geocaching Journeys” brochure!
Step 2: Choose Your Cache
Read the cache listing carefully. Decide your skill level and take into account difficulty and terrain ratings.
There’s a cache for every skill level.
Step 3: Take Stock
Where are you going? What are the weather conditions? Water – bring it! Beware of animal encounters you
may experience - We don’t say Big Wild Life™ for nothing.
Step 4: Hunt
Step 5: Find your cache!
Step 6: Restore the cache
Take an item, leave an item
Step 7: Log your find at Geocaching.com
BWL 411
Name: Michael Warren; Treasure Hunter, Teacher, Geocacher
I wish I had a crease-worn fedora like Indiana Jones! I’d wear it every time I go geocaching in Anchorage. I
enjoy the caches at Kincaid Park and Eagle River Nature Center. You can spend days discovering treasure
there, each one its own, unique adventure. Sometimes, the trail takes me through the boreal forest. I crunch
over brush, smell the ancient moss and see moose, fox and bear searching for treasures of the edible kind.
Other expeditions might have me jumping on my bike and racing to an unknown finish line hidden among the
lushness of the landscape. Occasionally, as I search, I manage to marvel at the majestic views – it’s truly a Big
Wild Life™.
Geocaching Journeys Blog
LovesReward
July 14th
Whoohoo-a cache in Anchorage! What an awesome idea! Took a button,
left a pin & 2 signature items. Heading home to California!
Artigas & Peggy
July 8th
FTF (First Time Find) for us. Visiting from Oregon. We took baggy w/ live
strong bracelet, some marbles, a Seymour pin and couple of magnet rocks.
Go Ducks!!!
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Benhil
July 20th
Nice Caching! Belgian greeting from the first Alaskan Cache!
Logged at 12:30
The hunt starts here. Begin your geocaching adventure at the VISIT
ANCHORAGE Log Cabin Visitor Information Center downtown. Photo
Credit: Cathryn Posey
To discover more about geocaching, explore www.Anchorage.net/geo.
CATCH-N-KEEP MEMORIES
Alaska’s Finest Salmon Come Home to Anchorage
The “big one,” that famed finned fish that got away. From size to strength to
stamina, fish tales run wild in Alaska. The exalted cry “fish on” is a universal
language among anglers, signaling the classic fight between fish and man.
The dream of landing a trophy fish lures people from around the globe to
Anchorage. Although salmon and halibut are caught in Alaska’s coastal
waters year round, the fishing craze really heats up in Anchorage and
Southcentral Alaska in mid-May when the famed king salmon return to
spawn in local rivers and streams. When the kings are “running,” it’s
headline news in Anchorage.
Salmon Fishing at Ship
Creek. Photo Credit: VISIT
The remaining four varieties of Pacific salmon – sockeye, coho, chum and pink – fill the ANCHORAGE
pristine waters around
Anchorage later in the summer and are every bit as delectable as their larger cousins. A variety of fishing
derbies across Southcentral entice fishing folk May to September, with generous cash prizes and the accolade
of catching a record breaker. Local guide services provide expertise, transportation and all the gear for half,
full or multi-day fishing adventures.
Urban Angling
Easily accessed lakes, rivers, streams and saltwater – all within one to 60 minutes of downtown – earned
Anchorage the number 10 spot in “Field & Stream” magazine’s 2006 list of America’s top 20 best fishing cities.
Ship Creek, in the heart of downtown Anchorage, is an exhilarating place to cast a line. It’s where the
fashionable crowd goes for lunch in the summer – complete with hip waders.
Local Hot Spots
Find rainbow trout, landlocked salmon and Arctic char in Campbell Lake, located in majestic Kincaid Park. As
an added bonus, the park offers extensive hiking trails. University Lake is an excellent, secluded retreat for
small rainbows. Children love fishing on this hidden pond.
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Another Anchorage gem, Jewel Lake, is a local favorite for picnics and angling, offering quiet floating with
breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountain Range. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and landlocked
salmon. Parking, toilets, picnic tables and a dock are on site.
The Campbell Creek greenbelt, running through the center of Anchorage, has eight, easy-to-find public access
points for viewing salmon and rainbow trout. Not all areas are open to fishing. Check with the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game before dropping a line.
Great sites to the south and within city limits include Bird Creek, an excellent summer silver and pink salmon
fishery, as well as Twenty Mile River, near Portage Glacier. Give bears the right of way!
Just 13 miles north of Anchorage is Eagle River, open for king salmon fishing during weekends from mid-May
through June.
Eklutna Lake, 25 scenic miles north of Anchorage and within the Municipality, is the largest lake in Chugach
State Park. The best fishing holes are at the spillway, near the south side of the picnic area, and where Twin
Peaks, Yuditnu, Bold and Eight-Mile creeks flow into the lake. Dolly Varden, the most abundant fish in the
water, are caught most often with salmon eggs and spinners.
Beyond Anchorage
Just 40 minutes north of Anchorage are the Mat-Su Valley lakes, which offer trout, Arctic char and landlocked
salmon. Nearby, the Deshka and Susitna rivers have strong king and coho salmon runs. Longer drives provide
opportunities for salt water fishing. Prince William Sound (Whittier) is just 60 miles from Anchorage,
Resurrection Bay (Seward) is two and a half hours by car, Kenai is three and Kachemak Bay (Homer) is five
hours from the city. Numerous fishing charters are available to outfit anglers with the right gear. It is well
worth the trip – Alaska boasts the world record for sport fish – caught halibut – a hefty 450 pounder.
Endless Season
For the diehard angler, fishing season never ends. More than 27 Anchorage lakes and streams are stocked
with rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and landlocked salmon year round. Ice fishing is a popular
pastime for all ages at Beach, Campbell Point, Delong, Jewel and Mirror lakes. Several saltwater charter
services also operate year round for winter kings, cod and halibut fishing adventures.
To discover more on local fishing, explore www.Anchorage.net/fishing.
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FAMILY FRIENDLY
From Glacier Hikes to Gold Panning, Anchorage is an Ideal Family
Destination
On The Wild Side
What does a grizzly bear eat? Find out on the Alaska Zoo’s Discovery
Tour, just one of the many programs that engage visitors to learn
more about arctic and sub-arctic wildlife creatures.
Get nose-to-nose with the newborn critters at the Alaska Wildlife
Conservation Center, a 140-acre wildlife park just 43 miles south of
downtown Anchorage. The center is home to grizzly, bear, bison
herds, elk, musk oxen and moose.
The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offers unrivaled viewing of Gulf
The Alaska Zoo is open year round. Photo
of Alaska marine wildlife. Witness a 2,000–pound Steller sea lion
Credit: Lilly Kelly
gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in a
carefully crafted naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals sunning on rocky beaches.
Water Play
Anchorage lakes are often warmer than expected, due to long summer days. Splish splash at two Anchorage
beaches with supervised swim areas: Goose Lake and Jewel Lake.
Eklutna Lake, a favorite location for Alaskans year round, is just north of Anchorage in Chugach State Park.
Glide through the crystal-blue water in a kayak or canoe.
Back to Nature
Watch beavers build a dam or king salmon spawn, look for Ursa Major against an Aurora Borealis-painted sky,
or explore the colors of snow at one of the many weekend programs geared for tots and adults at the Eagle
River Nature Center. The nearby trails are as varied as the center’s programs.
Explore the 110-acre Alaska Botanical Garden with a Discovery Duffel chock full of kids’ activity ideas and
books from the nursery. Storytellers read nature books during Storytime in the Garden, followed by
exploration of the garden’s flora and fauna.
Little hands can pan for gold in an original mining camp from Alaska’s early days at Crow Creek Mine, just 40
miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood. Explore the mine’s original structures and relics.
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To Mars and Beyond
Discover the final frontier in the Last Frontier. Begin the self-guided journey
downtown at the dramatic, 12-foot-diameter model of the sun, complete with
an interactive display, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and G Street. The Light
Speed Planet Walk is a scale model of the solar system based on the correlation
between the speed of light and the speed of walking. Bike, run or walk from
planet to planet, each designated by a colorful interpretive sign strategically
placed along downtown streets and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The
complete trek ends 11 miles away with Pluto at Kincaid Park.
Contemplate the magnitude of the universe in a planetarium while exploring
Alaska’s hands-on, minds-on Imaginarium Discovery Center, a place where
families and visitors of all ages can explore art, history and science through play.
Imaginarium Discovery
Center at the Anchorage
Museum. Photo Credit:
Jack Bonney
Snow Fun
Numerous sledding hills are found throughout Anchorage. Find novice slopes at
Balto Seppala Park, located at Wisconsin and 32nd Avenue. Moderate to
advanced hills are located at Kincaid Park, Alpenglow and Hilltop Ski Area.
For an adrenaline rush, try the Glacier Tubing Park at Alyeska Resort, featuring two lanes of snowy terrain and
a surface lift for a quick trip back to the top.
To discover more family activities, explore www.Anchorage.net/family.
WEDDINGS ALASKA-STYLE
Atop a mountain, on a glacier or along the water, your special day is
sure to be graced by scenery as unforgettable as the moment.
Colors take a cue from nature for Anchorage weddings - vibrant jade hues from the mountain ranges,
glimmering white from snow-capped, pallid peaks and brilliant sapphire from Cook Inlet. What could be more
romantic than pledging your love under a northern lights sky, or more adventurous than exchanging vows
from the breathtaking expanses of an icy azure glacier? There are no limits to love when marrying in
Alaska’s largest city!
Start your honeymoon early with a destination wedding! Get lost in amour hiking the breathtaking Chugach
Mountain Range or cozy up among the glistening, silver snow of winter.
Let Mother Nature be your witness! Say "I do" high atop Mt. Alyeska amid incredible views of Turnagain
Arm, seven awe-inspiring glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. Or, pledge your vows with a view at Beluga
Point along the waters of Cook Inlet. Watch for Beluga whales peeking above the surface to spy on your
ceremony. Take your wedding to a whole new level with a hike to any of Anchorage’s gorgeous,
romantic mountain tops or helicopter to Punchbowl Glacier and dog sled down the aisle.
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Enjoy a variety of one-of-a-kind adventure options for the
wedding party members. Take the best man bouldering high up
on Flattop Mountain, horseback ride with bridesmaids, take a
glacier cruise with the in-laws, or gather up the wedding
party for wildlife viewing and sightseeing on the
Alaska Railroad.
Marriage in Anchorage marks the adventure of a lifetime!
A full array of full and half-day glacier and wildlife cruises depart from Seward (year-round) or
Whittier (summer only). Photo Credit: Kenai Fjords Tours
To discover more on weddings, explore www.Anchorage.net/weddings.
RICH PAST. DYNAMIC FUTURE.
Native Culture: Story and Dance
Alaska Native culture is rich with history and tradition. Since the
original explorers first made their way across the Bering Sea Land
Bridge about 30,000 years ago, their traditions have survived and
remain fervent. Today, Alaska Natives represent approximately 16
percent of the state’s population, including more than 200 rural
communities. Anchorage is often considered the largest of Alaska’s
villages.
Traditions from the Past
Young Alaska Native girls at the World
Eskimo Indian Olympics in Anchorage,
Alaska. Photo Credit: VISIT
ANCHORAGE
Alaska’s Native people comprise 11 distinct cultural groups, with
numerous social subgroups, using at least 20 different languages
and more than 50 dialects. Passing their traditions from generation
to generation through oral history, storytelling, art, song and
dance, their traditional cycle of knowledge has united and helped
Native societies survive for hundreds of generations.
The First Inhabitants
Visitors to Anchorage are often awestruck by the natural beauty of glacier-fed streams and rivers, majestic
mountains and the myriad of flora that covers practically everything in sight. The untouched quality is the
direct result of the Dena’ina Athabascan Indians and their belief in leaving little imprint on the land.
The Dena’ina Athabascan people were the first residents of the Anchorage area, settling in the Upper Cook
Inlet basin in about 500 to 1000 AD at the end of the last ice age.
Keeping Culture Alive
Summer fish camps have been an essential part of Alaska Native culture for hundreds of generations. The
Dena’ina people caught fish using a fishwheel, a device that scoops fish from the river as it is turned by the
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current. Today, some Alaska Natives continue to spend their summers at fish camps, where a subsistence
lifestyle is practiced and elders work with younger generations to pass down history and culture.
Passing down culture through traditional potlatch celebrations is a significant practice of the Dena’ina people.
Potlatches take the form of governance, economy, social status and continuing spiritual practices. A potlatch
ceremony usually includes celebrations of birth, rites of passage, weddings, funerals, puberty, and honoring of
the deceased. Through political, economic and social exchange, it remains a vital part of the culture of
Anchorage’s indigenous people.
Cross-Cultural Influences
Russian explorers began arriving in the region during the mid-1700’s. Today, the blending of Russian and
Native culture is evident in architecture and art, reflecting the intriguing fusion.
The Dena’ina were fortunate to be in a prime location, with Anchorage as a center of trade for other
indigenous groups in Alaska. Trade was a principal activity of Athabascan men, who formed partnerships with
other communities and cultures as part of a system of diplomacy and exchanges.
Chief Mike Alex of Eklutna was the last Dena’ina Athabascan chief in the Anchorage area. His familiy’s
summer fishing camp was located (prior to 1915) on the water’s edge of Cook Inlet just below the present
Captain Cook statue at Resolution Park in Anchorage.
A Resilient Presence
In September 2008, the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center opened its doors for the first time. The city
chose to honor the Dena’ina with the Convention Center’s name, as well as by featuring Dena’ina Athabascan
language and art throughout the facility.
Around town there are numerous opportunities to experience Dena’ina art, dance, storytelling and culture.
View the monuments to three Athabascan chiefs at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery or explore the walls
of the Nat’uh building on Bragaw Road.
Experience Native Culture
Anchorage boasts a number of locations to learn more about, and experience Alaska Native Culture first hand.


Eklutna Historical Park is just 30 minutes north of Anchorage. Explore Eklutna Cemetery and find more
than 80 colorfully decorated spirit houses, or visit the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the
oldest standing building in the greater Anchorage area.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center shares the rich traditions of the state’s 11 different cultural groups.
Visitors can walk through traditional Native village sites located along the groomed mile-long path
embracing Lake Tiulana. Watch elders and youth share traditions through live dance and drumming
performances, listen to stories that have survived numerous generations, and purchase authentic
Alaska Native art straight from the hands of the artist.
 Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
showcases 10,000 years of Alaska history, including
Alaska Native subsistence lifestyles, European
exploration, and Russian America and contemporary
times.
 Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo features
an extensive collection of Alaska native artifacts, fine art
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by Alaska artists and a 2,600-volume reference library of books on Alaska subjects.
 4th Avenue Marketplace features free Alaska Native dance
The Alaska Native Heritage Center, located 10
performances May through September. View the permanent
minutes north of downtown Anchorage,
display of 65 prints by Alaskan artist Fred Machetanz.
celebrates and shares the rich heritage of the
 Ulu Factory offers a first-hand glimpse of the most
state’s Alaska Native cultural groups. Photo
renowned knife in Alaska, the ulu. Native people of northern Alaska
created the ulu knife for hunting, fishing, skinning and filleting.
Credit: Alaska Native Heritage Center
To discover more about Anchorage’s native culture, explore www.Anchorage.net/culture.
Art Matters
Anchorage: A Natural Place For Art To Flourish
Splashes of vibrant colors in Alaska Native masks, totems, and beading mix with the angular styling of Russianinfused sculpture and paintings. Inspired modern, classical and indigenous dance performances sway to the
beat of ancient rhythms and contemporary crooners. Lively, innovative local theatre productions showcase
the complicated history of regional culture. Art in Anchorage is as varied as the landscape that surrounds the
city. Layered in rich texture, each segment is linked inexorably with the other - paying homage to early
beginnings, while making valiant forays into the future. A young town with a fascinating past, Anchorage has
evolved into a sophisticated urban arts and cultural center.
“The arts in Anchorage are big, bold and breathtaking,” says Leslie Ward, choreographer in residence at the
Alaska Dance Theatre. “Inspiration is everywhere: within the environment, the culture, and the people. The
arts community is rich, colorful and grand.”
One Percent Difference
Investing in local art keeps Anchorage’s art scene energized. The One Percent for Art ordinance ensures that
one percent of state, municipal or school district construction projects be dedicated to producing artwork for
the emerging structure. Since 1978, the program has created more than 280 pieces for the collection, located
in schools, fire stations, senior centers and other municipal facilities throughout the city.
Frame It
Muses are many in a place of such beauty. Local visual artists put
their work on display each month at the First Friday Art Walk. A
saunter through the alphabet streets of downtown offers a
multitude of galleries that spotlight regional works. Sip a glass of
wine or chat with local art lovers at a café while gallery-hopping
through a truly enjoyable evening. Venues are posted weekly
online at www.anchorage.net.
History Makers
Discover the fascinating heritage, stories and survival skills of
Alaska Native people portrayed in everyday life through
storytelling, song, dance and art. Celebrate the powerful culture of
Big Wild Trivia Contest Study Guide November 2013
First Friday at the Visitor Center.
Photo Credit: VISIT ANCHORAGE
Page 14 of 35
Alaska’s indigenous peoples at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Experience the sights and sounds of vibrant
customs firsthand. Take a walk back in time through the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center’s expansive
Alaska Native history collection, or stimulate your visual senses at the Alaska Native Arts Foundation’s gallery.
A Look Back
Anchorage has several museums that focus on cultural, artistic and mechanical features, including the Alaska
Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum at Rasmusson Center. Other museum options are
Museum of History & Science, Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, Alaska Law Enforcement (Trooper) Museum,
Veteran’s Museum and the Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo.
Art Out Loud
Diverse and daring are the words that best describe Anchorage’s performing arts scene. Local organizations
like the Anchorage Opera, Alaska Dance Theatre and Cyrano’s Theatre Company, delve into uncharted
territories throughout the season with award-winning productions. Local singers, dancers, actors and
musicians mingle with national artists. Productions, like the Tony-award winning Stomp and Miss Saigon,
world-renowned performers like Bradford Marsalis, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and the Chamber Music
Society of Lincoln Center, all call the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts home when in Anchorage.
Tune Town
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, Blues and R & B are always on tap at local pubs and clubs. Anchorage has a thriving live
music scene. Local bands like 36 Crazy Fists, The Whipsaws, Stray Dogma and The Veronica Paige Band provide
auditory fair for a wide range of musical tastes.
Regardless of budget, the artistically minded traveler has their pick of treats throughout the year. Art matters
in Anchorage’s Big Wild Life™.
BWL 411
Steven Wounded Deer Alvarez; Age: 50; Creative, Native and Versatile
I live my Big Wild Life™ in Anchorage by thriving in the city’s abundant performance art. I am living my dream,
performing classical music with the Anchorage Symphony and Anchorage Opera and working with theater
companies as a performer and director. I am a member of Medicine Dream, an award winning Native band,
recording for Canyon Records. The community of Anchorage is pulsing with arts, education and cultural
activities. Anchorage is a place where artists can immerse themselves in their craft and be inspired by the
surrounding beauty.
To discover more about Anchorage’s art scene, explore www.Anchorage.net/art.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Play Outside
With the midnight sun high overhead, the colossal, boreal forest of the Chugach Mountain Range looming on
the horizon, and the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet summoning like a siren, Anchorage’s long summer days
provide the outdoor enthusiasts with endless possibilities for adventure. Grab a bottle of water, double knot
those traveling shoes and discover your very own Big Wild Life™!
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Latitude with Attitude
Who needs sleep? With 19-hours of daylight in summer months, Anchorage’s unique geographical position
allows visitors to maximize their vacation time. Start a hike at 9 p.m. or join a midnight softball game. This city
truly doesn’t sleep from early May until late August. Events, tours, restaurants and activities start early and
end late. So, scratch an early bedtime off your Anchorage itinerary!
Life Cycle
Biking on the Coastal Trail. Photo
Credit: Jody Overstreet
Discovering delight in Anchorage is as easy as riding a bike!
Mountain or tandem, city slicker or rim runner, cycling in
Anchorage is an excellent adventure and an inexpensive way to
tour the city and view local wildlife. Bicycle rental shops are
available. Power up on Powerline Pass, screech down the steep
grades of the Chugach Mountains, pave your way from Bird to Gird,
coast on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or take a ride at Eklutna
Lake. Serious riders might want to test their quads on the 6.4-mile
climb up Arctic Valley Road. Got little ones? Gear down by taking a
tour around Westchester Lagoon’s paved oval.
Ice, Ice Baby
Feel the chill! Anchorage has a high concentration of Alaska’s number one tourist attraction - GLACIERS!
Whether by land, water or air, visitors are awe-struck by the majesty of these magnificent natural wonders.
Fly, float, bike or hike tour options are available for every budget.
Portage Glacier and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, just 50 miles south of the city are a must. Stroll along the
lakeshore and marvel at iceberg-choked Portage Lake. Learn of the area's geological and glacial history at the
Center, or hop aboard the M/V Ptarmigan for an even closer look at the beautiful ice. On the scenic drive to
Portage, stop along the road and check out Twenty Mile Glacier, visible from the highway to the northeast or
gaze at Explorer Glacier hanging from the mountain peaks near Bear Creek Campground. A 3/4-mile walking
trail leads to the snowfield at the base of Byron Glacier near the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Guided "ice
worm safaris” are available May - September.
Two hours south of Anchorage is Exit Glacier. Get close by following the
half-mile (.8 km) trail. Hikers can take a long climb up to the 300-squaremile Harding Ice Field. Or, head north from the city about 2 hours to
Matanuska Glacier, which stretches over 27 chilly miles.
The River Wild
Experience the mythical power and beauty of Alaska’s rivers! Ranging
from the relatively easy-going Matanuska River to the guaranteed-to get-
Exit Glacier
you-wet Class IV and V white water of Six-Mile Creek, various
rafting trips are available just outside of Anchorage. Hang on to
your seat - this is rip-roaring fun for those who aren’t afraid of a
little whitewater! Kayaking on a glacier-fed river is another
stunning experience.
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Anchorage offers all types of rafting opportunities,
from easy float trips to challenging whitewater
ventures. Photo Credit: VISIT ANCHORAGE Page 16 of 35
To discover more on summer fun, explore www.Anchorage.net/summer.
TRAIL MIX
Run, Hike or Bike, These Trails Are Paradise!
Not too many cities can say they’re ranked among the top walking, running and hiking towns in America.
Anchorage can claim all three titles!
Get up and get out! Hit the trails to behold some of Alaska’s most spectacular and wild settings. Anchorage’s
120 miles (193 km) of paved trails and 300 miles (482 km) of wilderness trails offer endless opportunities to
become one with nature.
Trail Favorites
The 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail hugs the coastline of Cook Inlet from Second Avenue in downtown
Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Highlights along the trail include dramatic views of Sleeping Lady, Cook Inlet, six
mountain ranges surrounding Anchorage, Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof. Wildlife viewing is abundant.
Situated among 1,400 acres of rolling, forested hills, Kincaid Park sets the stage for the best sunsets in
Anchorage. Kincaid is a monstrous playground in the heart of Anchorage, and among the top competitive
venues in the world for cross-country skiing. Winter adventures in the park include snowshoeing, ski-joring,
sledding and a biathlon course. It is a favored training ground for U.S. Olympians Kikkan Randall and Rachel
Steer, but also a great escape for mere mortals and weekend warriors. In the summer, Kincaid offers miles of
magnificent fun and challenging courses for mountain bikers and runners of all levels.
Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Park trail branches from the Coastal Trail at Westchester Lagoon. The six-mile,
flat, forested trail runs east toward the Chugach Mountains, parallel to Chester Creek and on to Goose Lake
Park – a favorite spot for swimmers on warm summer days.
Wide Open Spaces
Folding into the foothills of East Anchorage, Chugach State Park encompasses half a million (yes, half a
million!) acres of Alaska’s most accessible hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, rafting, and
climbing areas.
Soaring eagles, moose, grizzly bears, wolf packs and lynx name just a few types of wildlife that reside in the
park. High alpine wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, roaring glacier-fed rivers, clear water streams, a mature
spruce forest and more than 50 glaciers mark some of the spectacular sights in this vast, untamed wilderness.
Well-marked trails etched in rugged mountain slopes lead to beautiful meadows and awe-inspiring vistas.
Three campgrounds, public use cabins and wide-open spaces provide the ultimate camping experience.
Park boundaries stretch 60 miles from Eklutna, on the north side of Anchorage, to Girdwood on the south.
Front edge trailheads, including Glen Alps, Prospect Heights, McHugh Creek, Eklutna, and the Eagle River
Nature Center entice hikers with a network of amazing trails that climb atop peaks towering as high as 8,000
feet or lead deep into backcountry. Shorter hikes for those limited on time are also available, each with its
own reward.
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Peak Thrills
There are 155 peaks within Chugach’s park boundaries. Some of the more popular ascents include Flattop
Mountain, O’Malley Peak, Bird Ridge, Mt. Baldy and Rendezvous Peak.
Flattop Mountain, aptly named because of its signature flat top, is a
mountain to be conquered by both beginner and expert hikers. At 3,510
feet, Flattop has impressive 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The
3-mile roundtrip climb from the Glen Alps trailhead has an elevation gain of
1,252 feet and is perfect for a half-day family adventure. O’Malley Peak is
the tallest peak in the frontal Chugach range. Rising from a densely green
forest to more than 5,000 feet, this is a definite climb. From the Glen Alps
trailhead up rugged, rocky terrain – the reward is one of the finest views of
the Anchorage Bowl and on the reverse side, endless views of crystal-blue
lakes, towering snowcapped peaks and harsh scored valleys.
For hikers who need an ultra challenge, try Bird Ridge. The 3-mile, 3,400foot ascent of Bird Ridge is one of the first to melt in spring. The trailhead
begins at sea level, follows the mountain spine and extends well above the
tree line. Near the top, there are several false summits. The main summit
offers the ultimate view of Turnagain Arm.
Flattop Mountain. Photo
Credit: Jody Overstreet
Rendezvous Peak is an easy to moderate trail, which begins at the end of the Arctic Valley Road adjacent to
the Alpenglow Ski Area above Anchorage. Lined with berries in late August, it is a favorite local picking spot.
Walk on the Wild Side
Set aside five to eight hours to hike Turnagain Trail, an old mail route used more than 90 years ago. Beginning
at Potter Creek, just south of Anchorage, the trail is 9.4 miles one way with a high point of 900 feet and
spectacular views of Turnagain Arm. It is excellent for novice hikers and families. Stop for lunch at the McHugh
Creek picnic area – the most amazing tableside views across Cook Inlet. Need more? Try Temptation, Bashful,
or Thunderbird Peaks.
To discover more about local trails, explore www.Anchorage.net/trails.
HIBERNATE? NEVER!
This Ain’t No Slumberland – Think Snowy Bliss, Capped By Epic Winter
Adventure
Chillin’
Gazing up from the base, the mountainside looks like someone emptied a gigantic goose-down pillow on the
slope. The air is crisp and cool. On the horizon, several glaciers reflect the glow of the sun, glinting soft blue as
they peak over mountain tops spying into nearby valleys blanketed with fresh powder. Down the slope, a
moose lifts his strong legs over a layer of new snow, leaving deep tracks in his wake. Cook Inlet reflects like a
giant mirror in the distance, capturing the sway of a few lazy clouds making their way across the sky. It’s late
morning in Anchorage’s half million-acre playground, Chugach State Park, and it’s a perfect day to get out into
the wild.
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Anchorage is a snow-lover’s paradise from November to March. Moderate winter weather in the city is
comparable to other northern climates – the coldest days are normally found in January, with an average
temperature of 14° F. With the chill comes much-loved snow. Anchorage receives an average 70 inches of
snowfall annually, perfect for winter enthusiasts.
By day, take in breathtaking scenery, view abundant wildlife and enjoy a wide variety of winter activities. By
night, warm up to first-class amenities found in local restaurants, hotels, distinct shops, lively entertainment
and unique, year-round cultural attractions.
Olympic Proportions
Anchorage grooms more than just trails, it grooms Olympians! Hilary Lindh, Megan Gerety, Tommy Moe, Callan
Chythlook-Shifsoff, Kikkan Randall and 2006 snowboarding Olympic Bronze Medalist, Rosey Fletcher, have all carved
their place in these mountains.
Take It Out Back!
With more than 105 miles of maintained ski trails, 24 miles of which are lighted and waiting to be traversed,
it’s no wonder Anchorage was chosen as the home of the Junior Nordic Olympics in March 2008. Anchorage’s
Kincaid Park is Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) certified, and recognized throughout the world as one of
the finest areas to ski cross-country.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park is a favorite local trek. Begin your adventure downtown on
Second Avenue for an 11-mile ski. Once in the park, another 37-miles await discovery, filled with stunning
views of Mt. Susitna, Fire Island and Denali.
Run with the Big Dogs
Bow WOW! The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race mushes through
Anchorage every March. As Alaska’s official sport, sled dog
racing is an important part of the state’s heritage. Feel the
excitement permeate the air as more than 1,000 dogs take to
the starting line for this grueling annual event. The Iditarod
National Historic Trail became a lifeline in 1925 when a
diphtheria epidemic hit Nome. Twenty mushers and their dogs
rushed through sub-zero conditions to deliver serum that saved
many lives in isolated Nome. Several half-day and multi-day
tours are available in conjunction with the Iditarod, but the
sport can be enjoyed year round. Helicopter to a magnificent
glacier and take the ride of a lifetime behind a team of sled
dogs. Or, visit a kennel and play with puppies while learning
about the history of the sport.
Iditarod Ceremonial Start. Photo Credit:
Rebecca Coolidge
A Passion for Powder
Panoramic vistas, half-pipes and killer vertical terrain are yours for the taking at three local alpine ski areas, all
within 45 minutes of downtown Anchorage. Grab your planks or board and shred some of Alaska’s most
notorious slopes.
Alpenglow at Arctic Valley
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Head north on the Glenn Highway to Alpenglow just a few miles from downtown Anchorage. Alpenglow’s
ferocious, powder-filled courses take the serious or amateur skier or snowboarder into the picturesque Arctic
Valley. Snow-seeker action includes two chair lifts, a T-bar and 1,214 vertical feet of mountain madness.
Hilltop Ski Area
Nestled in the cozy hillside neighborhood of South Anchorage, Hilltop is the local hang out for snow lovers of
all ages. Gentle slopes provide a great way for beginners to try their ski legs. The more established rider will
enjoy the fast slopes, half-pipe and Terrain Park. Ski and snowboard lesson packages are available. Get your
gear at the rental shop and refuel at the snack bar.
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Alyeska Resort
Carve a path through the snow of
Anchorage’s abundant snow wilderness on
a Snowmobile, skies, snowshoes, or a
board. Photo courtesy of Alyeska Resort
and Anchorage Photography
Named one of the top 25 family ski resorts in North America,
Alyeska Resort, just 45 minutes south of Anchorage along
Turnagain Arm, is your one-stop winter adventure destination.
More than 1,000 acres of relentless alpine slopes, nine lifts, a
terrain park and glacier tubing provide great family fun for the
novice and expert. Starting at sea level, this giant of a mountain
juts to 3,923 feet for 2,500 vertical feet of powder-packed
heaven. The day lodge, two rental facilities, lessons and lighted,
nighttime trails make Alyeska Resort a must do of mammoth
proportions. Don’t ski or snowboard? Try the tubing hill for a
downhill rush!
Adrenaline Junkies
If you call jumping out of a helicopter onto sheer, vertical cliffs a
Monday, then carve a course for Chugach Powder Guides.
These extreme enthusiasts offer up exclusive-use heli-skiing access to more than 300,000 acres of Chugach
State Park. Thrill seekers only need apply to get their fill of rugged terrain.
Backcountry trails are accessible by Snowcat, a less expensive alternative to heli-skiing. Zip across 1,000 acres
(404 hectare) of alpine bowls for extreme tree skiing. The powder is deep, the air invigorating and the
experience is exhilarating.
Sled-Head!
Kids of all ages slide their way through snowy afternoons in Kincaid Park. Inflatable sleds are all the rage with
local youngsters but any old toboggan will fit the bill for family fun! Sledding hills range from gradual grades
to steep slopes, so hang on!
Slippin’ and Sliddin’
Would-be Gretzkys and Kwans can show off their signature moves at one of the many ice-rinks in Anchorage.
Westchester Lagoon’s outdoor skating oval is popular with many residents. Warm-up by burn barrels with a
cup of hot chocolate, or join in a game of pick-up hockey. Want to skate downtown? Glide away the day
among one-of-kind ice carvings at Town Square’s ice park.
By Foot or By Pedal
A little bit of snow shouldn’t stop you! Anchorage made “Runner’s World” magazine’s top 20 list of best
running cities. Local sport and bike shops can help you get your gear on. Studded tires and shoes make
outdoor winter recreation fun and safe. Be on the lookout for moose!
Summer in Winter
In addition to a plethora of winter sports, many favorite Alaska summer activities can be experienced during
the snowy months. Cruise Resurrection Bay to view the icy blue of tidewater glaciers and keep watch for
marine wildlife. Soar through glacial carved valleys, or look down at North America’s largest peak, Denali, on a
flight seeing tour. Cast a line for king salmon by boat from Homer or Seward, or fish for trout through the ice
of an Anchorage lake. Local guides are available year round and can help with the best dates and details.
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Cliffhanger
Join local climbers on ice-draped cliffs along the Seward Highway, just
minutes south of downtown Anchorage. The picturesque canyons
throughout Anchorage’s Chugach State Park offer infinite ice climbing
options, most in the one- and two-pitch range. Nearby glaciers and ice
flows provide consistent, year-round venues. Local adventure operators
provide guided tours and all of the necessary equipment.
Anchorage is the perfect winter destination with spectacular opportunities
for winter activities, adventure and recreation. Photo Credit: Tom Bol
Open It Up
Skimming across the snow through Alaska’s abundant wilderness on a
snowmobile is a favorite Alaska winter pastime. Although some trails in the
city are open for exploration, most snowmobiling is done on the outskirts
and is often the only mode of transportation for getting to and from
wilderness cabins. The Arctic Man and Iron Dog events attract
snowmachiners and spectators from across the state and beyond for
challenging, high-speed fun.
Snowmobiling season in Southcentral Alaska typically lasts from
November through early May, with a variety of accessible trails that
surround Anchorage. Photo Credit: Robert Olsen
Take the Plunge
Some of the most beautiful and unusual sea creatures are found in the cool waters of Alaska. Giant Pacific
octopi, wolf eels, stubby squids, and a variety of anemones are among the underwater residents divers seek in
Alaska’s waters. Winter is the optimal season to explore! The water is clearer and visibility is better. Local dive
shops offer gear, instructional courses and numerous tours into Resurrection Bay.
Night Cap
Snuggle up under a blanket with a tour downtown on a horse-drawn sleigh, warm up with a favorite wine or
dine on succulent king crab. Peruse the galleries that dot downtown streets, take in a Broadway show or
shake off your boots and dance away the day’s adventure.
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Anchorage’s winter nightlife sizzles! Local microbreweries, bands and bars provide fantastic fare for evenings
out on the town. Enjoy theater, ballet or opera at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Groove to the
beat of the city’s hot local music scene. Duck into a cozy corner of Anchorage’s many delectable dining
establishments for a romantic evening meal, or party like a rock-star on a pub-crawl with your pals.
Whatever the night brings, keep an eye out for the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Glowing like a dancing
curtain of light, the Aurora ripples and sways like an artist’s paint brush across an ink-black sky. Visit
Anchorage.net for the Aurora Forecast to aid in viewing. Many hotels offer a wake up call for those
adventurous guests who consider a slight loss of sleep a small price to pay for this once-in-a-lifetime
experience.
Cool Events
Ski For Women
Girls Rule! Grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters don two planks for the epitome of ultimate girl
power! The Annual Ski For Women is the largest women-only ski event in North America, drawing more than
1,500 participants of all skiing abilities. Proceeds from the event benefit the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis
program in Anchorage. Usually held on Super Bowl Sunday.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Big Mountains, Big Fun! Wacky adventure abounds at Fur Rondy
with events such as outhouse races, snowshoe softball, the
Frostbite Footrace, and dog sled races! Held in late February to
early March.
Iditarod Trail Sled dog Race
Snow Trails, Wild Tails! Mushers and 1,000 dogs dash toward the
Bering Sea coast through rugged terrain, remote mountain
ranges, snow-capped forests and frozen lakes – it’s 1,100 miles
of pure Alaska adventure dodging moose, bear and a host of
other elements! The Anchorage start takes place on 4th Avenue
and D Street. Held in early March.
Running of the Reindeer during Fur Rondy.
Photo Credit: VISIT ANCHORAGE
Ski Train
Have Skis, Will Travel! Experience Anchorage’s wild backcountry via the Alaska Railroad. This cool event
features Telemark and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, bonfires and fun. Weekends typically
bookend the Iditarod.
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Tour of Anchorage
Rush hour takes on a whole new meaning during the Tour of
Anchorage – a point-to-point amateur ski marathon
sanctioned under the America Ski Marathon Series. Glide into
a pair of skis, grab some poles and push off – this cross-country
race is for all abilities: 25K classical race; and 25K, 40K and 50K
freestyle races. Held in March.
The Tour of Anchorage marathon consists of
four cross-country ski races – a 25 km classical
race and 25 km, 40 km and 50 km freestyle
races. Photo Credit: Farrar Photography
To discover more cool action, explore
www.Anchorage.net/winter.
Hometown Heroes
Time Out
From a three pointer at the buzzer to a slapshot through the five hole, sporting action in Anchorage is red hot!
Iditarod
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is 1,100 miles of pure adrenaline. This clash of the canines pushes mushers
and teams of dogs through the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. Spectators can
get up close and personal with teams waiting to fly down 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage the first
Saturday in March.
Hockey
Winter weather brings hockey-loving crowds and face-painted fans of all ages indoors to bang the boards with
the Alaska Aces. Kelly Cup champions in 2006 and annually one of the top teams in the ‘AA’ hockey league, the
Alaska Aces melt the ice with sizzling hot hockey action. More ice can be found on the collegiate level in
October at the Kendall Hockey Classic.
Baseball
Join the “Boys of Summer” while taking in some of the best summer league baseball in the country. The
Anchorage Bucs and Glacier Pilots are part of “America’s #1 summer collegiate baseball program.” The league
has been a training ground for many “before they were stars” such as Mark McGuire, Randy Johnson and Dave
Winfield.
Race Anchorage
Multiple 5 and 10k runs pepper the city and its extensive trail
system throughout the year, plus the Mayor’s Marathon and Big
Wild Life Runs.
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Mayor’s Marathon. Photo Credit: Cathryn Posey
BWL 411
Name: Ben Grenn; Age: 62; Writer, Sports Fanatic
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. Turkey and giving tops things off, but what I truly crave is the fast
action at the annual Great Alaska Shootout. Every year the top players in college basketball descend on
Anchorage in a fever of 3-pointers, no look passes and slam-dunks. It’s the best basketball competition in the
country and it’s in Alaska! The Shootout was first held in 1977 at Fort Richardson’s Buckner Field House. Fans
had to check through military gates to get to the tournament. Held in a dimly lit cracker box gymnasium, it
was packed to the brim with loyal hoops fans. The tournament has come a long way with games now on ESPN.
The great Patrick Ewing played his first college game at the shootout. Legends like James Worthy and Tim
Duncan have played this great state, coached by dream makers Dean Smith, Bobby Knight, Eddie Sutton, John
Thompson and Mike Krzyzewski. Now that’s a holiday to remember!
To discover more sporting action, explore www.Anchorage.net/sports.
FLAT SEYMOUR OF ANCHORAGE
In 1981, “Seymour of Anchorage” was adopted as Anchorage’s
ambassador of goodwill.
Flat Seymour is the jet-setting version of Anchorage’s favorite moose
mascot.
Alaska adventures begin with a visit to the Log Cabin and Downtown
Visitor Information Center at Fourth Avenue and F Street. Pick up Flat
Seymour, strike a pose and snap digital pictures with Flat Seymour in
Alaska and other exotic destinations throughout the world.
Print Flat Seymour and Take Him Everywhere
How far from Alaska can Seymour travel? Visit www.facebook.com/VisitAnchorageak to submit your photos
and add them to Seymour’s world map gallery! Like, share and comment on Seymour appearances from
around the globe and spread the adventurous spirit of Alaska.
SAVOR THE FLAVOR
Fresh Seafood, Sun-Kissed Produce. Local Spirits. Alaska Fresh.
On an overcast morning at Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, a fishmonger yells, “Salmon,” and tosses the first
Copper River Red of the season up the line. It’s the event seafood lovers have been waiting for all year. The
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first taste of what many in the world consider to be the most prized palette
pleaser of them all, wild Alaska salmon. In Anchorage, great seafood is
everywhere just begging for a fork, a zest of lemon and some butter.
“For Alaskans, it’s all about the fresh-factor,” says Patrick Hoogerhyde,
executive chef at Orso, a Mediterranean restaurant on Fifth Avenue in
downtown Anchorage. “We’re talking 24-hours out of the water. We do it right
in Alaska. We’re the best model of sustainable resource management on the
planet. Personally and professionally, that is important to me because we
know that our visitors are having the best culinary experience possible.”
Wild-caught crab, halibut, and salmon figure heavily into local fare and the
freshness of the seafood complements the fresh ideas that come out of the
kitchens of city restaurants. By utilizing the options available from Alaska’s
abundant harvest, Anchorage chefs have reinvented and reinvigorated the city’s culinary scene. Seafood is
the star in many establishments and the preparation varies from one chef’s imagination to the next.
Photo Credit: Cathryn Posey
“I think one of my favorites is preparing a nice, troll-caught King,” says Shane Moore, executive chef of Sack’s
on “G” Street. “I serve it with a soy maple glaze, wasabi ginger aioli, deconstructed spring roll, fresh herb and
chili oil with delectable jasmine rice.”
Scallops are also mainstays on local menus. There are three types of Alaska scallops: Bay, Rock and
Weathervane. Caught off of the coast of Cape Spencer to Yakutat, Alaska’s scallop fishery is small but
produces a coveted product.
“The fresh scallops we get are rare and they are absolutely
fantastic,” says Chef Travis Haugen of Southside Bistro off Huffman
Street. “The net to plate turnaround time makes them succulent
and tender. We’ve run the gamut on preparation. Generally I like
something simple: butter, nuts and mushrooms. Alaska scallops
don’t need a whole lot, the taste is just so full from the get-go.”
In Anchorage, the dining possibilities are endless. Whether you’re
hankering for halibut or craving crab, local restaurateurs provide a
feast from the sea that is unrivaled.
Photo Credit: Cathryn Posey
“Trying to choose a favorite Alaska seafood recipe is like trying to
figure out which of your children you like best,” says Jack Amon, partner and executive chef at Marx Brothers
Café on W. Third Avenue. “Yukon King, when it comes in, is so rich in oil content that it just drips with taste.
The fresh, Macadamia-crusted Alaska halibut is definitely a favorite of visitors, as well. The flaky fish is
breaded in finely ground macadamia nuts, with a traditional style Thai yellow curry paste, fried in peanut oil
and finished with coconut milk. The halibut is quickly seared in a pan and finished in the oven, then served
with a mango, curry, and rice vinegar chutney.”
City culinary artists also take advantage of the fresh produce from local farmers in the nearby Mat-Su Valley.
Many chefs make a habit of perusing the Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets during the spring and
summer months. Locally picked berries and mushrooms often make their way into Anchorage dishes when in
season. Huckleberries and morels are two regional delights. Market to menu produce, like crunchy carrots,
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delectable Yukon Gold potatoes and leafy greens, allow diners to experience the Anchorage fresh vegetable
factor firsthand.
There are 930 acres of commercial produce planted each year in Alaska, according to the Alaska Grown label.
Started in 1986, Alaska Grown products are in demand all season long and praised for the way they stimulate
the taste buds and the local economy, generating more than $52 million in profits.
So what are you waiting for? Find your culinary nirvana in Anchorage.
Bon appetite!
For more about cuisine, explore www.Anchorage.net/cuisine.
‘BURBS GONE WILD
Girdwood and Portage
Snuggled between breathtaking Turnagain Arm and spectacular
Mt. Alyeska, Girdwood has evolved from a gold mining town into a
bustling, year-round destination. Trailblazers of all ages play hard
at the mountain resort community full of energy and life.
Glaciers Galore!
Seven glaciers embrace Girdwood, including Alyeska Glacier – just
one hour south of Anchorage. Surround yourself with the brilliance
of the midnight sun and towering alpine peaks.
A trip on the tram to the top of Mt.
Alyeska offers visitors a magnificent
opportunity to see seven nearby glaciers
and Turnagain Arm. Photo Credit Dave
Bauer
Mountain Madness
Nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains rests an outdoor
lover’s dream – Alyeska Resort. Hop aboard the resort’s highspeed tram and rise 2,300 feet above sea level. This five-minute
ride takes passengers for a sightseeing journey of a lifetime. At the
top, visitors have full access to the mountain, where they can
explore, paraglide, berry pick, ski, snowboard, and play.
Winner Creek Gorge Trail – a local favorite – has something for everyone. Travel
through dense, verdant woods, across boardwalks and over bridges. The prize at
the end of this scenic hike is a hand-pulled tram suspended high above the gorge.
Use the tram to get to the opposite side of Glacier Creek and take in the stunning
scenery.
In winter, careen down the mountain on a snowboard, sled or skis. Sip cocoa in the
warmth of the day lodge or outside on the sunny deck in spring.
Winner Creek
Hand Tram
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Strike it Rich!
With a shovel over your shoulder, re-live the days of the gold
rush era by panning for gold in Crow Creek. Prospectors first
struck gold in Crow Creek Mine in 1898. Today, visitors can
practice their panning skills or explore the grounds of the
mine, which includes eight original buildings.
Historic Buildings at Crow Creek Mine. Photo
Credit: Jack Bonney
Icy Cool
Portage Glacier – a local favorite and the most visited glacier
in Alaska rules supreme. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center,
which overlooks Portage Lake, is staffed with Forest Service
interpreters available to answer questions about hiking
excursions or assist in trip planning. Learn to ice climb or
hone your skills in Portage Valley by digging your crampons
into the ice of Byron Glacier. Or, try your hand at
geocaching.
Portage Glacier. Photo Credit: VISIT
ANCHORAGE
Eagle River – Head North
Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, spruce and birch trees, the beautiful companion towns of Eagle River,
Chugiak and Eklutna sit along the glorious Eagle River. These thriving communities boast incredible hiking
trails, hometown hospitality and unlimited adventure!
Outdoor Arena
Tackle Mt. Baldy – a popular day hike. Pack-up the whole family and wind through trees and rocky terrain.
Once at the top, take in the majestic views of Eagle River and the back mountain vistas.
Get your blood pumping with an electrifying whitewater rafting excursion. Rafting Eagle River is a classic
Alaska day trip! Or, take in the majestic views of the Chugach Range, as well as the abundant wildlife while on
an ATV.
Eagle River Nature Center
Located just 30 minutes from downtown in the Upper Eagle River Valley is the Eagle River Nature Center. The
Center serves as the gateway to the half-million acre paradise of Chugach State Park. Open year- round, the
Eagle River Nature Center is tucked into the valley floor of rugged mountains and massive, sweeping glaciers.
Wildlife abounds with Dall sheep, brown and black bear, moose, bald eagles, and wolves. The Nature Center is
the trailhead to the scenic Crow Pass Trail. The 3-mile Albert Loop trail is a local treasure. Guided tours are
available.
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Indoor Relaxation
Sip a piping hot coffee in the crisp air at a number of friendly coffee shops, or enjoy the many art and glass
boutiques featuring local artists.
Chugiak
Take a leisurely stroll to Thunderbird Falls and witness nature’s powerful beauty. Chugiak has dozens of hiking
and biking trails that criss-cross mountains and lakes.
Eklutna – A Melding of Culture
The community of Eklutna is the oldest inhabited location in the
Anchorage bowl. Eklutna was originally a Dena’ina Athabascan
village. Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in the area in the
1840s. The melding of Orthodox Christianity and native practices
resulted in brightly colored spirit houses seen at the Eklutna
Cemetery, in use since 1650 and now a historical park.
Eklutna Spirit Houses
Aquatic Elation
Eklutna Lake, nuzzled between the dramatic peaks of the
lofty Chugach Mountains, is simply dazzling. Take the
Eklutna Lake exit at Mile 26 on the Glenn Highway and
follow the park signs 10 miles to this hidden heaven.
A great place for a breathtaking walk or invigorating run,
visitors can truly enjoy the area by choosing to paddle and
pedal. Kayak eight miles to the end of the blue, glacier-fed
lake and have a bike waiting for the return trip!
To discover more about Girdwood, Portage, Eagle River,
Chugiak and Eklutna suburbs, explore
www.Anchorage.net.
Kayaking on Eklutna Lake. Photo Credit: Nicole
Geils
SOUTHBOUND ADVENTURE
A Perfect One-Day Adventure
The drive south of Anchorage is one of scenic wonder. In fact, the road from Anchorage to Homer, and all
spots in between, are part of a Natural Scenic Byway.
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Whittier
This town started as an entire military base located under one roof. It is known by some as the “Strangest Town in
Alaska”, but there’s no limit to beautiful scenery and wildlife to be found here.
Hope and Moose Pass
A captivating corner of Alaska, “Hope City” was a mining camp for Resurrection Creek established in 1896.
The small town boasts a wild history that remains alive today. Visitors can pan for gold, catch a fishing charter
on the Kenai Peninsula, get their adrenaline flowing with a class V whitewater rafting trip, or discover local art
and craft shops.
Moose Pass is a charming town situated on the shores of Upper Trail Lake, 30 miles outside Seward.
Surrounded by the Chugach National Forest, it is a frequent stop of the Alaska Railroad. Explore miles of U.S.
Forest Service-maintained hiking trails, flightsee inside Kenai Fjords National Park, or enjoy a quiet night with a
panoramic view at one of the local B&Bs.
Seward
Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most
scenic communities. Known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” Seward has a bustling harbor and
a historic downtown district filled with quaint shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants. With the
completion of the Seward Highway in 1951, Seward claimed Seldovia’s crown as King of Kachemak Bay.
Enjoy a picnic at the Benny Benson Memorial. This park pays tribute to the 13-year old Seward resident who
won a territory-wide American Legion contest to design a flag for Alaska. His design eventually became the
state flag in 1959.
Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog
sled rides, and more. Jump into icy Resurrection Bay each January during the Polar Bear Festival or race up
Mount Marathon each Fourth of July.
Cooper Landing
Tucked between the towering Kenai Mountains and bisected by the Kenai River, Cooper Landing is located
deep within the Chugach National Forest. Originally settled in the 19 th century by gold and mineral
prospectors, this community is known for its world-renown sport fishing rivers.
Make a splash on Lake Kenai with a canoe or sea kayak. View Dall sheep and mountain goats along the hillside
or criss-cross the extensive backcountry year round on horseback.
Kenai and Soldotna
The cities of Kenai and Soldotna are located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula and along the banks of the
world-famous Kenai River.
The Kenai River is home to many record-breaking and noteworthy catches, including the world-record 97.4pound king salmon caught by Les Anderson in 1985.
Take time to hike, sightsee and view wildlife at the flats, where herds of caribou frequent throughout the year
and migrating birds nest in the spring.
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Kasilof, Clam Gulch and Ninilchik
Whether fishing, clamming or wildlife watching, these communities offer exciting opportunities. Ninilchik and
Kasilof both originated as Russian settlements. The historic nature of these towns is only exceeded by the
sportfishing opportunities. Pick from any of the three rivers, Kasilof, Ninilchik or Deep Creek.
Anchor Point
Anchor Point is the most western highway point in North America, and the place to enjoy spectacular views of
four of Alaska’s most active volcanoes. Anchor Point also boasts some of the finest fresh and saltwater fishing.
Homer
The end of the road has never been so beautiful. Homer, the halibut fishing capital of the world, has it all –
adventure tours, world-class halibut and salmon fishing, brown bear viewing, glaciers, whales, clamming,
kayaking, hiking, big game hunting and more. The city, originally started as a vital source of coal, is alive with
energy, from the bustling fishing harbor and unique shops, to the imposing glaciers and plentiful sea life.
Burrowed among rolling hills and overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, this seaside
community has an abundance of exclusive attractions, and is well known for its pottery.
Seldovia and Halibut Cove
Seldovia and Halibut Cove, across the bay from Homer, offer a rich tapestry of quiet kayaking and grandiose
glacier views. In addition to water sports, both towns are artistic havens for painters, potters and more.
To discover more Southbound adventures, explore www.Anchorage.net/southcentral.
NORTHBOUND ADVENTURE
Coastal marsh comprised of tide flats, bogs, lakes, ponds, creek levees and sloughs, make the drive north of
Anchorage a picturesque adventure. Alaska’s fastest growing region, the Matanuska Valley (Mat-Su), is a lush
area that includes the communities of Palmer, Lake Louise, Big Lake, Wasilla, Willow and Talkeetna.
Palmer – Agricultural Colony
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Palmer is where President Roosevelt relocated families from
the Midwest – reeling from the Great Depression – to form Alaska’s first agriculture-based community in 1935.
Qiviut (pronounced kih-vee-ute) is an Inuit word used for Musk Ox wool. It is eight times warmer than sheep
wool, soft as cashmere and is knit by Alaska Natives into hats, scarves and other accessories. Get an up-close
look at these ice age survivors just north of Palmer at the Musk Ox Farm.
Some 18,000 years ago, the Matanuska Glacier covered all of Palmer. Today it measures 27 miles (43.5 km)
long and 4 miles (6.4) km) wide. The glacier can be viewed along one of America’s National Scenic Byways, the
Glenn Highway, and accessed through a private campground for a small fee. Take a guided trek on the glacier,
or raft down the Matanuska River through the raging rapids at Lions Head Canyon.
Today, Palmer is most noted for the Alaska State Fair, which takes place late August. The Alaska State Fair is
famous for its fantastic giant vegetable contests. Due to the extensive summer sunlight, Alaskan farmers are
able to grow cabbage, corn, zucchini and squash at record setting weights. In 2010 a new record was set in
the giant pumpkin contest. Dale Marshall’s pumpkin weighed in at 1,101 pounds beating the old state record
of 1,019 pounds set in 2006.
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Hatcher’s Pass – Go for the Gold!
An immense region, complete with historical artifacts scattered throughout the ranges, makes up the area
known as Hatcher’s Pass. Early prospectors worked this rich land for gold. Independence Mine offers a
preserved experience of what life was like back in the Gold Rush – the mine was one of Alaska’s biggest gold
producers in the 1930’s. Structures that formed the Independence Mine State Historic Park still stand. Guided
tours of the Mine are available during the summer months.
A photographer’s paradise, the Pass offers spectacular views, and the territory is a popular recreation
destination for both summer and winter activities, such as hiking, berry picking, gold panning, sledding,
snowboarding and skiing.
Wasilla – Home of the Iditarod
Wasilla is the commercial hub for the Mat-Su Valley. Named after a respected Dena’ina Indian, Chief Wasilla,
Wasilla is said to mean “breath of air” in the Dena’ina language. The Dena’ina people refer to the area as
Benteh, which means “among the lakes.”
The town, established in 1917 with the construction of the Alaska Railroad, served early fur trappers and
miners working the gold fields at Cache Creek and Willow Creek. Visitor information along with tales of the
area’s rich history can be found at the Dorothy G. Page Museum & Historic Town site, located on Main Street.
Situated on the northern edge of the Chugach Mountains is Knik Glacier – one of Southcentral’s largest. The
glacier, 25 miles long and more than 5 miles across, is a remnant of a past ice age. A master sculptor, Knik
Glacier has carved valleys and shaped rocks into landscapes of exquisite beauty.
Catch the excitement of the world’s best-known sled dog race at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Headquarters, mile 2.2 Knik-Goose Bay Road. Sled racing memorabilia, documentary films and dog-pulled cart
rides offer visitors the thrill of the “Last Great Race”. After a ceremonial start in Anchorage on the first
Saturday in March, mushers and dogs dash toward the Bering Sea coast through remote mountain ranges,
snow-capped forests and frozen lakes, dodging bear, moose and a host of other elements. It is 1,100 miles of
pure adrenaline!
Talkeetna – River of Plenty
Between Wasilla and Denali National Park is the lively town of
Talkeetna. Once the supply center for a gold mining district,
tourists and locals flock to Talkeetna each summer to embark on
fishing, flight seeing and rafting trips, and to indulge in the local
arts and crafts boutiques.
Several quirky events take place in this rustic pioneer town,
including the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival.
Talkeetna is now famous as a jumping-off point for climbing
expeditions on Denali (Mt. McKinley) – North America’s highest
peak at 20,320 feet (6.2 km). Denali is an Athabascan word meaning “the Great One.” Flightseeing tours soar
right next to this towering peak, and some even land on a glacier at the mountain’s base. Local fishing guides
boast that the Talkeetna River is a gold mine for big fish; hence the Athabascan word “Talkeetna” meaning
“River of Plenty.”
Mt. McKinley
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Rail service is available from Anchorage to the Mat-Su Valley, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Scheduled
bus service is offered year round in addition to chartered flights.
To discover more northbound adventures, explore www.Anchorage.net/northbound.
REST OF THE STORY
Once You Visit Alaska, a Part of You Lives Here Forever.
Step off the beaten path for adventures of a lifetime in the largest state in the Union.
From the ice-covered seas that surround Barrow in the far north, to the rain-drenched forest of Misty Fjords
National Monument in Southeast; Alaska offers an astounding array of possibilities. Untamed wilderness,
pristine glaciers and magnificent mountains are all within a short drive, train ride, boat trip or flight from
Anchorage. Take time during your trip to explore one or
more of Alaska’s five main regions.
Southcentral
Home to most of Alaska’s population, this diverse region
includes two national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias
(America’s largest) and Kenai Fjords National Park, as
well as the Chugach National Forest. Step foot on a
glacier, hike endless mountains or stroll along scenic
trails. A maritime climate along with first-rate
recreational opportunities that range from whale
watching, birding and camping to cycling, river rafting
and golfing, make Southcentral Alaska’s playground a
wonder.
Southwest
The Anchorage Golf Course overlooks Anchorage
with breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and Mount
McKinley. Photo Credit: Duane Watts
Incredible distances with no formal boundaries make
Southwest Alaska a diverse landscape. Its mountains, volcanoes, marshy lowlands and turquoise waters are
home to huge bears, extraordinary birds and enormous fish. Taste delicious king crab fresh from the
windswept waters along the Aleutian Chain and observe brown bears feeding on wild Alaska salmon, berries
and other vegetation at the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Or, reel in record halibut, salmon, or trout
from remote rivers and lakes. For military aficionados, it’s interesting to know that Kiska and Attu – two
islands part of the Aleutian Chain – were the only part of North America occupied by Japanese forces during
World War II. However, on June 3, 1942, Dutch Harbor was bombed by Japanese forces. That doesn’t
diminish the beauty of Bristol Bay with its sparkling waters full of salmon, and wide open spaces of
surrounding tundra.
Far North
From the jagged coast of the Bering Sea, to the northern most settlement on the North American mainland,
Alaska’s Inupiat and Yup’ik cultures have inhabited Northern Alaska for untold generations. Surround yourself
with the resounding beat of Eskimo drums, or listen to the stories of generations past. Venture into
tremendous wilderness expanses from the hub communities of Barrow, Kotzebue or Nome. Trek on the
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tundra, scale across the mountains, or make waves with a backpacking, rafting or canoeing trip. Rise above the
Arctic Circle to view wildlife in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Memories of a lifetime lie ahead under a
twilight sky.
Interior
Largely wild and untouched, interior Alaska is a wide-open heartland that encompasses just about everything
that symbolizes the Last Frontier. From the glacial peaks of the jutting Alaska Range, to the crystal clear waters
of lakes and streams, adventure awaits a variety of explorers. With some of the coldest winter nights and
hottest summer days, experience the winter’s northern lights or the summer’s midnight sun.
Southeast
The beauty and splendor of the Inside Passage has drawn cruise passengers for more than 100 years. This
stunning region of glacier-cut fjords and dense rainforest covered islands thrives with rich Alaska history and
culture. Interpret the stories of standing totem poles from generations past, kayak to the face of a glacier, pan
for gold, explore impressive limestone caves, and submerge yourself in the mist of America’s northernmost
rainforest. Southeast Alaska is a salient paradise.
To discover more statewide travel, explore www.Anchorage.net.
ANCHORAGE CENTENNIAL FACTS
Building a City
President Woodrow Wilson charged Frederick Mears with building the Alaska Railroad in 1915.
From its humble beginnings as a tent city, Anchorage grew to be the vibrant cosmopolitan location it is today
by way of a simple auction. This auction of city lots is what launched Anchorage as a town in 1915. The first
lot sold in Anchorage sold for $825.00 on July 10, 1915. You might not recognize its official means of
identification as Lot 1, Block 44, but if you’ve been to the Southwest corner of 4th Avenue and C Street, you’ve
stood on a piece of Anchorage history.
The townspeople wasted little time in establishing communication with the outside world. In the fall of 1915,
the first telephone service began.
What’s In a Name?
Three weeks after the first lot auction, voters were asked to choose a name for their new town. Surprisingly,
of the 532 votes cast, only 101 selected Anchorage. The most popular choice? Alaska City. Some even opted
for Lane – to honor the Secretary of Interior Franklin Knight Lane. Ultimately, it was the US Post Office that
selected the official name of the city as Anchorage.
If You Build It, They Will Come
It wasn’t until mid-century that the iconic Log Cabin Visitor’s Center on the corner of 4 th Avenue and F Street
was built. Mr. R. King oversaw the building of the rustic cabin in 1954-1955. The Anchorage Junior Chamber
of Commerce (JayCees) actually assembled the cabin. The logs came from Homer. Unlike most log cabins, it
was designed by an architect, Edwin Crittenden and cost approximately $8000.00. The northern orientation of
the cabin with the gable roof of sod on poles is typical, but the stone fireplace and chimney are not. Over
100,000 people – from here and abroad - visit the log cabin each year.
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It’s the responsibility of Visit Anchorage (formerly known as Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau) to bring
business to Alaska and that often comes in the form of visitors shopping, meeting and traveling around our
great state. More than one million visitors travel to Anchorage each year. On average, each visitor to Alaska
spends $941.00. It’s no wonder that 7% of jobs in Southcentral Alaska are directly tied to the visitor industry.
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