Key Areas in Alaska:

More than half of the state’s population lives in this south-central thriving city that spills out into Cook Inlet, located near the Chugach Mountains. From art museums to history museums, Anchorage is the heart of Alaska’s cultural arts scene. Check out the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Native Heritage Center for interesting experiences. Nearby is the Chugach State Park, perfect for skiing, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. The famous dog-sled race, the Iditarod, begins at Anchorage. This vibrant city features skyscrapers and all the urban amenities that one could desire.

Outdoor adventure is second nature to Juneau residents, and camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, rafting and boating are all embraced with enthusiasm. However, there are plenty of indoor activities in the southeastern city of Juneau as well, such as the Alaska State Museum, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church or the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Check out the State Capitol building, constructed in 1931, via a free tour or visit the Governor’s Mansion, built in 1912. Fine restaurants, quaint boutiques and shops and a bustling port make this capital city come alive, day or night. Many charter companies are located in Juneau to take travelers into the nearby Sitka National Historic Park via plane, boat or hiking tours.

Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s interior, Fairbanks is the link between the more civilized southern cities and the wilderness to the north. A commercial center and headquarters for adventure trips, Fairbanks has amazing scenery and plenty of history. Outdoor recreation is plentiful and many people use this frontier city as the starting point for expeditions to Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. See the University of Alaska Museum of the North or shop for Native American crafts downtown. Enjoy a Gold Rush festival and take a turn at dog-sledding or snowshoeing. Fairbanks is also home to the Creamers Field Migratory Bird Refuge, where thousands of birds come to live during the season. For a final thrill, ride the Riverboat Discovery up the river on a guided tour.

The fourth largest Alaskan city, Sitka is a city with many historic sites to see. The dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, dominates the scenery at 3,200 feet. There are many attractions in Sitka, such as the Pioneer Home, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center. Sitka by the Sea, as it is often called, is a fine place to explore the people and events that made Alaska what it is today. There are many day cruises and guided tours into the nearby wilderness from Sitka. Enjoy some of Sitka’s cultural events, such as the Sitka Jazz Festival, the Summer Music Festival and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp.

The southernmost city of significant size, Ketchikan sits on Alaska’s panhandle on the Revillagigedo Island. It’s the gateway into Alaska and residents are proud of their lovely city that has many of its homes and shops suspended above the water. Many Alaska cruise ships stop in Ketchikan and thousands more visit from the south. Logging and fishing are the primary industries in Ketchikan. The City Dock and Historic Creek Street area features the Tongass Historical Museum, Dolly’s House Museum and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Check out the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for some thrilling demonstrations, and see the native culture at the Totem Heritage Center.

Because it was once owned and inhabited by Russians, there are many significant architectural influences to be found in Alaska. The city of Kenai is no exception, and the Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church is a fine example of this type of architecture. The church, built in 1894 is still used today. Kenai boasts the best qualities that a smaller town has to offer, and this tight-knit community is a wonderful place to live and play.