Anchorage is Alaskas largest city. It’s located between the Knik and Turnagain Arms of Cook Inlet and the rugged Chugach mountains. In fact, it is nestled in the center of six mountain ranges. These mountain ranges are like a wall against icy arctic winds from the north and the wet, cold air from the Gulf of Alaska. The lowest temperatures are around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Mt. McKinley or Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and can be seen from downtown Anchorage on days the weather is clear. The peaks of these mountains ascend to 13,176 feet. More then 240,000 people live in Anchorage.
Anchorage is a modern city and it is surrounded by stunning wilderness and all kinds of adventures. The summer days are long and the city is beautiful with its colorful flowers decorating homes and storefronts. There are also many species of vivid colorful flowers in the botanical gardens that have been planted from scratch starting in 1992. Around these gardens are 110 acres of natural woodland. There is a 25 minute nature walk you can take through the gardens.
The contrast of variety makes this city an appealing place to visit. Some of the adventures you can enjoy are hiking, and biking trails with exquisite scenery, and wildlife viewing. Trail rides on horses through enchanted forests where you can see bears, coyotes or moose would be fun in the summer for kids as well as adults. Cross-country skiers in the winter and inline skaters and bicyclists in the summer flock to the more then 20 miles of trails located along Cook Inlet and Chester Creek. Mountain bikers and hikers can find trails at Chugach State Park. This park is in the mountains that border Anchorage.
If your vacation plans include a wildlife adventure then Anchorage would be the ideal area since there are so many state and national parks. You can visit any time of the year and be guaranteed you’ll see wildlife up close in and around the city. There’s bird watching, bear watching, whale watching and much more. A popular place for visitors is the 25-acre zoo. There is a lot of arctic wildlife to see such as bears, moose and musk ox. The zoo is also a dwelling to Caribou, Dall sheep, Siberian tigers and a variety of Alaskan birds. It is a captivating place to visit and discover Alaska’s native animals and birds.
Another popular place to visit is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The cultures and the traditions of the native people of Alaska are shown at the center. It is set on 26 acres with sightly walking trails. You may want to see The Anchorage Museum of Art where there is a large collection of Alaska Art. There are also many historical displays to see.
The Log Cabin Visitor Information Center in Anchorage has many brochures, free guides and information so you’ll know all the places to see and where you can stay. You can plan your trip ahead of time with the instructive website. You can also request a free magazine style visitor’s guide to be mailed to you.
