Alaska might not seem like a travel destination hotspot. But every year, there are more than 2 million people who visit the state to see all it has to offer.
Are you one of the many people thinking about taking a trip to Alaska in 2019? If so, there are lots of different Alaska attractions that you should put on your to-do list prior to your trip.
It’s important to remember that Alaska is by far the largest state in the country. It’s twice as big as Texas is, and that means you might not get to see all the tourist attractions in Alaska during a single trip.
But don’t let that stop you from trying! Here are 5 Alaska attractions that every first-time visitor should attempt to explore.
1. Sitka National Historical Park
There are eight national parks scattered through Alaska. They include:
- Denali National Park & Preserve
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
- Katmai National Park & Preserve
Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of them. But Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest of the bunch and is must-see material.
During your trip to the park, you can take a hike on the Totem Trail, learn all about the Battle of 1804, and discover Russian and Native artifacts.
Whether you’re going to be flying into Alaska or visiting during the best time to cruise Alaska, national parks should be on your agenda.
2. Mendenhall Glacier
Want to see what glaciers look like up close? There is no better place to see them than in Alaska.
Only about 600 of the glaciers in Alaska have official names. But there are more than 100,000 glaciers in the state.
The Mendenhall Glacier, which is located just outside of Juneau, is situated right next to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and will help you experience a glacier for yourself. You can find out more about glaciers while standing in front of one.
3. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
At the tail end of the 1800s, more than 100,000 prospectors attempted to descend upon the Klondike region in Alaska looking for gold. About 30,000 of them made it there and jumpstarted one of the most memorable gold rushes of all time.
At the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, you can find out the rich history of this particular gold rush. You’ll witness the struggles that many prospectors faced as they tried desperately to get rich off gold.
4. Museum of the North
Most people might not associate Alaska with museums. But there are some excellent museums in the state that are well worth your time.
The Museum of the North in Fairbanks, for example, is a world-class museum that is home to tons of Alaskan art. You’ll find everything from historical paintings to movies in the museum’s theater that showcase the past and present culture in Alaska.
5. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Yes, we already mentioned Sitka National Historical Park as the national park to see as far as Alaska attractions are concerned. But you don’t mind us mentioning one more, do you?
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is another national park that’s filled with majestic nature scenes and wildlife at every turn. As its name would suggest, it also gives tourists a chance to see more of the glaciers that make up so much of Alaska.
See These Alaska Attractions When You Visit the State
These are some of the Alaska attractions that you should see when you visit the state for the first time.
If you’re able to see all of them, great. But even if you’re not, there are hundreds of other attractions that will keep you occupied. Get out and see as many of them as you can before you head home.
Browse our online magazine for some more travel tips.
