The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Alaska’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
Alaska might be The Last Frontier, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of fun, bucket-list-worthy attractions. From the iconic Northern Lights to quirky general stores to scenic boat rides, Alaska truly has something for everyone. We’ve got kid-friendly attractions like zoos, train rides, and theme parks for the kids, and plenty of nature activities, antique shops, and historic landmarks to keep adults entertained, as well. All in all, Alaska’s vast and largely undisturbed landscape offers boundless adventure, whether you visit our big cities or very smallest towns.
The Best Small Towns In Alaska
From remote fishing communities to island oases, Alaska has far more small towns than big cities, and they're all worthy of a visit. Pictured here is Moose Pass, home to less than 200 residents yet visited by thousands for the annual Summer Solstice Festival. Other notable small towns in Alaska include NakNek, home to the richest sockeye salmon fishery in the world, Seldovia, an outdoor adventurer's paradise, and Chicken Community, one of the last-remaining gold rush towns across all of Alaska.
The Must Visit General Store In Alaska
Far from your average general store, Wal*Mikes also serves as a gas station, antique/thrift shop, and post office. Tucked away in the tiny town of Trapper Creek, this quirky roadside stop is older than the highway it sits on! Inside, you'll find a little bit of everything, from candy to sleds and snowshoes to all sorts of random knick-knacks. As the saying goes, "If you can't find it at Wal*Mikes, do you even need it?"
The Unique Park In Alaska
When it comes to unique parks in Alaska, one place stands out among all the rest. Just before you get to the Canadian border, the tiny town of Tok is home to a strange place known as Mukluk Land. Equal parts cool and creepy, it's a theme park made entirely from repurposed junkyard items. It might look like something out of a horror movie, but Mukluk Land is still a must-see for anyone visiting Alaska.
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Alaska
If you're in search of a family-friendly attraction in the Fairbanks area, look no further than the Riverboat Discovery. This three-hour sunset cruise showcases the Chena River like you've never seen it before, taking passengers to a remote Athabascan village and the spot where the Chena and Tanana Rivers meet. You might even see an airplane take off right in front of the boat - how cool is that?
The Most Charming Flea Market In Alaska
You'll find everything you need (and plenty you don't) at the Anchorage Market, which takes place from May thru September each year. Over 300 vendors show off their wares, ranging from craftsmanship to fresh produce and everything in between. The family-friendly event also includes local musicians and tons of food trucks, making it the perfect place to spend a warm Alaska day.
The Magical Train Ride In Alaska
Of all the train rides in Alaska, the Denali Star Train just might have the most breathtaking views. This unforgettable excursion takes you to the iconic Denali National Park, meandering through a dense evergreen forest with snowcapped mountains looming in the distance. Denali Hotel shuttles meet the train each day, so you can enjoy hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and other nature activities in the park.
The Tallest Bridge In Alaska
Sitting at an impressive 296 feet high, the Hurricane Gulch Bridge is the tallest bridge in Alaska. Used by the Alaskan Railroad, this lofty bridge crosses over Hurricane Creek and boasts sweeping panoramic vistas in all directions. Pictured here is the twin vehicular bridge of the same name, which stands a bit shorter at 254 feet. Whether by car or train, experiencing this incredibly scenic stretch of the Parks Highway belongs on everyone's Alaska bucket list.
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Alaska
Alaska is no stranger to all things weird and wacky, and museums are no exception. One of the most fascinatingly bizarre is the Aurora Ice Museum, which happens to be the largest ice museum in the world. It's a winter wonderland year-round, always staying below 32 degrees to ensure the intricately carved ice sculptures don't melt. You can even grab a drink at the ice bar and sip from glasses that are - you guessed it - carved out of ice!
