Things to do in Alaska?

All of the places in Alaska worth visiting "are out of the way." That is the whole point of visiting Alaska in the first place. Most people get near Alaska and get nervous and go someplace where they feel safe. That is why cruise ships are so popular. I have worked up there and taken more than 10 trips.

All of my worthwhile experiences in Alaska have been in the bush. Meeting natives smoking fish over a fire. Meeting gold miners. Seeing wolves, wolverines, Dall sheep, moose, mountain goats, 100 bears up close, the Northern Lights, climbing the Golden Stairs, herding salmon with the prop wash on the helicopter. Most people only see Alaska from a distance.

There is a famous saying Up North:
"Los Anchorage is only about 40 minutes from Alaska."

Fairbanks is too much out of the way.
Went to Native Heritage Center and Anchorage Museum.
The Center had some nice displays how the native used to live here, and sod houses build with no steel fasteners are impressive, but coming from construction, I had hard time to believe they cut presented 36" dia logs with tools made from bones. Expensive admission to see lot of stands with "Native souvenirs", often "Made in China". Sorry, but I am too realistic for this stuff.
Museum had a bonus of "FRANKLIN EXPEDITION" display. Lot of things to play with, especially if you have children with you (we did not).
So after spending about $200 on souvenirs, I am driving to Tram and Homer tomorrow.

For history and culture I like Fairbanks.
The best way to learn about native culture is to go meet some natives.
History is everywhere. I found it on the Chilkoot Trail, around Denali and north of Fairbanks in the mining country. You can find it in the old road houses, and all over the bush.

No one goes to Alaska to tour Los Anchorage. Get out of town and start looking around.

Wrong. BIG wrong. The farmer's markets in the city are excellent sources of local items and a great place to putter for a few hours. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place to learn about Alaskan culture. Earthquake Park gives a good narrative on what happened during the 1964 earthquake. Walk or bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Explore the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. Anchorage is FULL of things to do. The state is not just about nature-it's about history and culture as well.

Go to Homer and get to the end of the highway.
Click For Full-Size Image.">Land's End

If heading to Homer:

- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center at Portage...see moose, bears, etc. A Canned setting, but possibly interesting anyway
- The drive on the spur road to the Begich-Boggs visitor center at Portage Glacier is fairly scenic (and short) even if one doesn't stop at the center or take the boat trip to see the Glacier
- If time and convenience permits, swing in to Anchor Point / Deep Creek / Ninilchik to watch the tractor boat launching...Interesting
- If Homer is definitely on the agenda, a trip on the Danny J is a fun excursion.
- Also if Homer is definitely on the agenda, if one finds the right bar (I can't remember the name of it right now and it's been at least 2 years) you can see one of the younger Kilcher's (related to Jewel, part of the "Alaska the Last Frontier very quasi-reality show) playing on weekends
- Great martini's at the Lands End

mike-uswest wrote:
Fish !!!!

Unfortunately I don't do fishing. Used to spear-gun fish in my scuba years, but that is past. Back in Prince Rupert my friend was calling Salmon fishermen for 2 days and they come back with no fish. How about that?
I talk to campground clerk and she got really exited describing Homer drive. Even the small city might not qualify as designated destination, I figure out that after driving 3900 miles here, it would be shame to turn around 200 miles from the end of Alaskan Highway #1.
Beside, the diesel here at $2.69 is the cheapest I have seen in last 2 years, what adds motivation to drive.
Been to Earthquake Park in Anchorage today and it is nice park.
Will check other suggestions for next 2 days in Anchorage and then "Homer, here I come".
Russian is my 2nd language BTW and I get some kicks reading the village names here ;)
Thanks for all the feedback.

We enjoyed Homer and while there we took the excursion over to Seldovia. Neat little village. Not a lot of people. We stopped into a shop. The proprietor's husband was the police chief and she talked all about life on the peninsula. Only way in is by boat or plane. Really enjoyed our visit and not too big, so you can walk around the entire place.

Dale

No one goes to Alaska to tour Los Anchorage. Get out of town and start looking around.

Thunder Bird falls north of anchorage if you are stuck in staying there.

Restaurants make sure to hit Humpys. Great Alaska Ale Company and 49th State Brewery are nice.

I like the Kenai.

Portage Glacier
Whittier and Seward are good. Really liked the Kenai Fjords boat trip.

I have a fried in Homer who takes me fishing. And a customer in Soldotna I’m going dip netting with next week.