The Alaska SeaLife Center is more than an aquarium. The center is involved in projects including scientific research and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, beyond operating an aquarium. The facility in the coastal town of Seward certainly is an attraction, though. Reviewers describe the SeaLife Center as "kid friendly" and adults say they discover something new every time they visit.
The Alaska SeaLife Center opened in Seward in 1998, with multiple missions as a non-profit, scientific research facility and public aquarium overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Children often are in awe of the creatures they see at the Alaska SeaLife Center and provide some perspective of the size of residents such as this sea lion.
The opportunity to see puffins up close in a natural environment is an underrated feature of the center, sometimes overlooked amid the underwater creatures.
Seward is about 120 miles from Anchorage. That's a reasonable drive for a day trip, budgeting a two-hour visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. Of course, there's more to do in Seward, a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The center is open daily from March through September, with hours changing by the month. Open days vary during the rest of the year. Alaska residents are offered free admission on certain days during the winter. In the peak season, timed reservations are recommended. So check the center's website before making your plans.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it’s tied with winter, actually). Watching Alaska transform from summer to winter is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the nights are getting longer. Yes, please!
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If you’re a fan of fall like me, then you’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to fall attractions in Alaska. We’ve scoured the state for the best hiking trails, best pumpkin patches, and best fall festivals to put you in the autumnal spirit.
Grab your coat and let’s hit the road.
Alaska Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Alaska For Fall Foliage
Since Alaska is much further north than the lower 48, it’s one of the first states to see the leaves change. Typically, the leaves change color in Alaska beginning in late August and it continues until early October. Mid-September tends to be peak fall foliage. Here are some of the best places to go in Alaska for fall foliage:
1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Polychrome Pass, Alaska range mountains, Denali National Park, Alaska.
Wow Factor: 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness to explore
Need To Know: Denali National Park and Preserve isn’t a day trip. You’ll want to spend a few days here to fully explore the area.
Viewing Denali is a bucket list item for many, and fall is one of the best times to view it! The captivating fall colors coat the tundra with an impressive display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sightseeing tours are very popular, though you may be inspired to go on a more adventurous tour like ziplining or white water rafting.
2. Chugach State Park
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Wow Factor: Clocking in at 495,000 acres, it’s the fourth largest state park in the United States.
Need To Know: There is no fee to enter, but there is a $5 parking fee
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Boasting an extensive ocean shoreline complete with glaciers, ice fields, and mountains, there’s truly something for everyone at Chugach State Park. The Hillside Trail System is the park’s most popular area with plenty of trails to explore, including the Flattop Mountain Trail which is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
Location: Seward, Alaska
Wow Factor: Coastal fjords, glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife all within about 700,000 acres.
Need To Know: You could spend an entire week here and still not feel like you saw everything.
When the leaves start to change color in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula transforms into a kaleidoscope of color. The Kenai Canyon, in particular, puts on a fabulous show. Kenai Fjords National Park offers almost 700,000 acres to explore, including fjords, canyons, mountains, glaciers, and more. Make a weekend out of it and spend a few nights in a cabin in Seward to really immerse yourself.
Wow Factor: A picturesque little spot that's only 60 miles away from Anchorage
Need To Know: Parking is $5, $10 to use boat launch
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Willow Creek is a popular spot for salmon and rainbow trout fishing, but you don’t need to be an angler to enjoy this slice of paradise. The 3,500-acre recreational area has 140 campsites and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.
Need To Know: You'll need to board a boat or a plane from Juneau to get here
Would you rather see the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world or hike through a lush temperate rainforest? Well, Glacier Bay won’t make you choose—you can do both! Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, and there are plenty of glacier tours to get the best views. You might even see one calving! Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. The park is home to countless wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, eagles, and more.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Alaska
Nothing says fall more than frolicking through a pumpkin patch. Find your perfect pumpkin to celebrate the season at one of these incredible pumpkin patches in Alaska:
6. Williams Reindeer Farm
Location:5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm hosts fall festival days throughout the season, with a full roster of family-friendly activities.
Need To Know: They sell out of pumpkins every year, so get there early in the season!
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Williams Reindeer Farm has one of the largest pumpkin patches in Alaska, but it’s so much more! This working reindeer farm is home to about 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and one Moose (Lucy). The fall festival takes place every weekend in October and is always a local favorite. Get your tickets now and start planning your epic day of fall fun.
7. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm
Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Wow Factor: The farm’s Fall Harvest Festival includes the pumpkin patch, hayrides, barnyard animals, and more.
Need To Know: Tickets are $10 per person
Pyrah’s Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time. For select days in the fall, the farm transforms into an all-day fall festival with all of your favorite autumnal activities. Face painting, hay rides, mazes, and more await! Purchase your tickets before you go to ensure your spot.
Best Fall Festivals in Alaska
The two pumpkin patches mentioned earlier can both double as fall festivals, but there are so many wonderful fall festivals in Alaska to enjoy! Whether you’re in Juneau, Anchorage, or all the way up in Fairbanks, make sure you attend one of these fall festivals in Alaska this year:
8. Homer Fall Festival
Location: Homer, Alaska
Wow Factor: This is one of the newer fall festivals, and 2024 marks the 3rd year for it!
Need To Know: The Homer Fall Festival takes place in the last week of October.
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From zombie 5k runs to pumpkin carving contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fall festival. This is one festival you’ll want to pull out all the fine touches on your costume, as prizes will be awarded! There’s even a special award for the best pet costume.
9. Sitka WhaleFest
Location: Sitka, Alaska
Wow Factor: WhaleFest is simultaneously one of the most educational and entertaining festivals in Alaska!
Need To Know: The festival takes place November 1 - November 3, 2024
Every year, Sitka WhaleFest brings world-renowned scientists and marine lovers together to raise awareness and appreciation for these fascinating animals. Experts will lead three days of lectures and whale-watching excursions with live music, food and art vendors, and so much more to enjoy.
10. Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Location: Haines, Alaska
Wow Factor: This festival attracts thousands of bird watchers from around the world.
Need To Know: Festival dates: November 8 - 10, 2024
After you’ve enjoyed a weekend of whales, make your way over to Haines for a weekend of eagles! Similar to WhaleFest, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival hosts plenty of avian experts for presentations, exhibits, photography workshops, and more.
Free & Cheap Alaska Fall Activities
I’m a firm believer that you can have a good time without spending a fortune. These days, every penny counts! Here are some free and cheap fall activities in Alaska that won’t break the bank:
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11. Farmers Markets
Location: All over Alaska
Wow Factor: It's always a good idea to support local wherever possible!
If you haven't visited your local farmers market this season, what are you waiting for? They are perfect places to support local businesses. There are dozens and dozens of farmers markets all across Alaska, and each one of them is worthy of a visit.
Wow Factor: It's a fairly easy trail surrounded by lush trees with a waterfall finish!
Need To Know: This can be a pretty popular trail on the weekends. Go early or during the week to escape the crowds
The Thunderbird Fall Trail is a quick and easy way to tackle Alaska’s impressive landscape without having to detour too far into the wilderness. The 1.8-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels and is especially dreamy during the fall.
13. Glenn Highway
Traveling alongside the Glenn Highway, located in the Matanuska Valley, a variety of landscapes can be seen. Travelers will not be disappointed. Many opportunities for scenic pictures made for a wonderful day of travel.The Vista point near King Mountain was a majestic sight as the sun rose across the valley.
Location: Anchorage to Glennallen
Wow Factor: This scenic drive in Alaska covers everything from mountain views to glacier sights!
Need To Know: You don’t need to drive the full 3.5 hours, you can always drive for as long as you’d like, then turn around!
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Scenic road trips are the best way to experience the fall foliage. The Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen will take you on a 3.5-hour scenic drive that’ll really showcase Alaska’s fall foliage. Be sure to pull over near Chickaloon where you can catch a beautiful view of Kind Mountain! It’s extra awesome when draped in fall colors.
14. Turnagain Arm
The lookout and scenery of Turnagain Arm in Bird Point. Seward Highway.
Location: Just south of Anchorage
Wow Factor: Stunning views with plenty of places to pull over
Need To Know: Keep an eye on the water for beluga whales
Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska. This drive is stunning year-round, but boy oh boy does she light up in the fall. Those golden birch leaves just sparkle! If you want to experience the views on foot, check out the Turnagain Arm Trail.
Wow Factor: It's a steep trail, but the views of the glacial lakes are worth it!
Need To Know: The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail is notoriously steep
There’s a lot packed into this 2.2-mile trail. It’s got about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so you’re going to work for it to reach the top. The views of the glacier lakes and the Mat-Su Valley are one in a million. Even if you miss the peak fall foliage, the views will not disappoint.
What's your favorite part of fall in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.
Ice fishing is something many have only seen in photographs. In northern places, people who love fishing head out onto the thick, solid ice to battle the winter. They put up a tent, drill a hole in the ice and wait for the fish under the ice to seek the bait in the dark, cold water. This time-honored Alaska tradition is a way of bonding during the long, cold hours of waiting for fish. But modern tents and heaters make ice fishing more of a luxurious party than a freezing chore. Try ice fishing for a fantastic winter day trip in Alaska.
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For the ultimate adventure, fish all night under the aurora for an Alaskan experience you'll never forget.
Experiencing all of the fun outdoor activities Alaska has to offer will make your winter one thousand times better. Visitors and residents alike should try ice fishing because it's fun to try something new surrounded by the beauty that Alaska is so well known for.
It's fun, easy, and a great way to spend time with friends and family. Conditions vary by year and area of the state, but for most of Mainland Alaska, you can ice fish from December through March on the lakes and rivers.
The process involves heading out to a frozen body of water and drilling a hole in the ice. The giant ice drills are specifically designed for the task.
Some people, and tour guides, have deluxe little ice fishing houses built that they haul across the ice each winter to a spot for comfort and warmth for ice fishing all winter long.
Winter traps some king and silver salmon under the ice as well as rainbow trout, Arctic char – Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. Some of the lakes are stocked, so they are good bets for ice fishing. Just ask the locals where the best spots are and you'll be pulling in fish left and right.
You can grill up your fresh catch and enjoy the best in fresh Alaska fish, and it is all the better when you caught it yourself in a glorious Alaskan locale.
Great lakes for ice fishing include Jewel, Mirror, Beach, Clunie, Otter, DeLong, Sand, and Green Lake in the Southcentral area. The season ends in late March, so beware of thin ice as spring progresses.
Matanuska & Upper Susitna Valley offers the Big Lake system, Nancy Lake System, Kepler-Bradley lakes, Petersville Road lakes, Wasilla, Red Shirt, Long, Seventeen Mile, Benka, Christiansen, Carpenter, Memory, Diamond, Chelatna, Clarence, and Stephan Lakes.
In the beautiful Kenai Peninsula head to Summit, Trail, Kenai, Hidden, and Skilak Lakes, Swanson River Road Lakes, Swan Lake Road & Canoe System Lakes.
This beautiful area is full of perfect lakes for ice fishing including Louise/Susitna, Crosswind, Deep, Fish, Tolsona, Paxton, Summit, Tonsina, Strelna, Silver, Van, Copper, Tanada, and Long Lakes. Book a cabin in Copper Valley for a fishing getaway.
Head to Tangle, Minto, and Tetlin Lakes systems; Harding, Birch, Quartz, Geskakmina, Dune, Otto, Rainbow, Craig, Koole, and Bolio Lakes for ice fishing fun outside of Fairbanks.
In the far north, head to Teshekpuk, Elusive, Galbraith, Chandler, Old John, Chandalar, and Bob Johnson Lakes. The arctic area of Alaska is pristine and beautiful.
In the southwest, head to Wood-Tikchik Lakes, Lake Clark, Headwater Lakes, Togiak River, Kanektok River, and the Katmai Lakes.
Find out everything you need to know about gear and equipment here. Find the stocked lakes in your area through the Department of Fish and Game. Find out about renting ice fishing equipment or taking a tour at:
Ice fishing in Alaska is one of those experiences you just have to put on your bucket list. Even if you don't catch anything it's something not everyone can claim to have done. Have you been ice fishing in Alaska? Share your experience with us in the comments.
